When your job includes working with and around hazardous materials, you can expect to undergo Hazardous Waste Operations and Emergency Response (HAZWOPER) training. As long as you stay in a similar position, you’ll eventually need to renew your initial HAZWOPER certification.
Many employers alert their employees when they need to get their certification renewed by completing an eight-hour HAZWOPER refresher training. Whether you’re an employer or employee, it’s important to understand the requirements for HAZWOPER certification renewal. That way, you can avoid running into deadlines and preventable compliance problems.
HAZWOPER Renewal Requirements
Below are three requirements for taking an eight-hour HAZWOPER refresher course to re-up your original certification.
1. You Previously Completed the Initial Comprehensive HAZWOPER Training
You should already have a valid, unexpired certification showing that you completed a HAZWOPER 40-hour or 24-hour training program. The former is for full-time workers who handle hazardous and dangerous materials on the job, and the latter is for occasional workers who spend less time working with those types of substances.
If you have never undergone a 40-hour or 24-hour HAZWOPER training program, you need to start there. Today, you can do most of the required training virtually, although some in-person modules and experiences are required to earn a certification of completion.
Also, you may have to update your initial 24-hour HAZWOPER training if you have been promoted to a different position and now require a 40-hour training instead.
2. You Are Within One Year of Your Last HAZWOPER Original or Refresher Training
After having your 24-hour or 40-hour HAZWOPER certification for one year, you must renew it. If you try to take an eight-hour refresher program after your initial HAZWOPER training has expired, you may be required by OSHA to go through it again.
3. You Are Able and Willing to Undergo an Eight-Hour Training
You can complete an eight-hour HAZWOPER refresher training online. Make sure your schedule allows you to spend eight hours learning about hazardous materials and waste updates, regulations, emerging risks, health effects, terminology, identification and more.
At Hazmat School, we make the process easier by giving you 60 days after you register for an eight-hour refresher session to complete the course.
How to Renew Your HAZWOPER Certification
Do you meet the criteria necessary to renew your HAZWOPER certification? Register now for the Hazmat School eight-hour refresher program. With our curriculum and delivery options, you get the training to keep your HAZWOPER certification current at the lowest price.
Why risk letting your HAZWOPER certification expire? Sign up right now or contact us for more information.
Manages Hazmat School’s E-Learning courses and blog. Kirstie has extensive experience in the online training and education industry. Kirstie has worked with courses that offer a variety of safety and environmental certifications that satisfy OSHA, EPA and DOT requirements.
