6 Types Of Hazmat Certifications & Who Needs Them
6 Types Of Hazmat Certifications & Who Needs Them
April 11, 2023 |
Proper hazmat training is necessary to guarantee the safety of employees when working with hazardous materials. However, the plethora of abbreviations and perplexing terms used can make it difficult to know which training courses and certifications are necessary. The U.S. has several regulations governing hazardous materials, with each law serving a specific purpose. Some laws focus on worker protection, some on environmental protection, and others on protecting the public. Depending on your job roles and work environment, you may have to get training on one type of regulation, three, or more.
To ensure safety in the workplace, the U.S. Department of Labor’s Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) and the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) mandate various types of hazmat training depending on the specific regulations for transporting, storing, and using hazardous substances. However, these regulations can be overwhelming and confusing, particularly for those new to the field. To provide clarity, we have developed a comprehensive guide that outlines the different kinds of hazmat training and certification required for various employee roles. Read on to learn all about the six types of hazmat certifications and who needs them.
What Are Hazmat Certifications?
Hazardous materials (usually abbreviated to HazMat) are broadly defined as substances that are noxious, corrosive, combustible, or explosive. Hazmat training is necessary for any job where an employee needs to handle, transfer, store, treat or discard hazardous substances or waste. This is particularly important for those who work in the chemical industry, but the requirements vary based on your industry, state, job responsibilities, and the kind of hazardous material involved. Therefore, it is essential to determine the specific type of hazmat training required for your job to ensure compliance with regulations and to keep yourself and others safe.
Hazmat Communication Certification and Who Needs It
OSHA has released regulations for the categorization and labeling of chemicals, known as the Hazard Communication Standard. It is mandatory for all personnel who may have any interaction with dangerous substances at their workplace to undertake the Hazard Communication training by OSHA. Through this training, they will acquire the ability to recognize and distinguish different hazardous substances and be familiar with Material Safety information sheets, evacuation protocols, and their organization’s standard operating protocols in case of emergencies when a hazardous substance is suddenly released.
Hazmat Security and Safety Certification and Who Needs It
Hazmat employees involved in the transportation, shipping, or receipt of hazardous substances are mandated to undergo the DOT’s training program for Hazardous Material Security and Safety. This includes those who are responsible for preparing and understanding freight documents, as well as handling, offloading, and labeling hazardous substances.
Every new employee must complete this mandatory training within 90 days, and it must be renewed every three years. The comprehensive training comprises several components, including general awareness training of hazardous materials, safety training, function-specific training, modal-specific training, security awareness training, and in-depth security training.
Hazmat Awareness-Level Certification and Who Needs It
Employees who will likely observe or detect the accidental release of a hazardous substance, and are accountable for informing the appropriate authorities, must complete training in Hazardous Material Awareness. These employees will initiate the emergency response procedure but do not undertake any further actions.
Hazmat Operations-Level Certification and Who Needs It
Hazardous Material Operations Training is required for employees who are responsible for responding to the accidental release of a hazardous substance, with the aim of safeguarding the nearby workers, buildings, structures, and surrounding environment. These employees are accountable for containing the spillage or leakage, but not attempting to halt it. Such roles may include managers, equipment operators, or members of the maintenance crew.
If there is a possibility of hazardous substances being released at your workplace which can jeopardize the safety of the workers, lead to a fire, or cause damage to the facility, then it would be prudent for one team member on every shift to undergo this essential training. With this training, they will be able to alert and safeguard other workers and quarantine the affected region until a specialized clean-up contractor arrives onsite to handle the situation.
Hazmat Technician-Level Certification and Who Needs It
Employees who have to take action on the accidental release of a hazardous substance, with the objective of actually halting the spillage or leakage, will need to undergo Hazardous Material Technician Training. These personnel are in charge of putting an end to the seepage of hazardous chemicals and cleaning away dangerous substances. If you intend to have your on-site staff rather than a specialized clean-up contractor handle such hazardous substance spillages, they must undergo this training.
Hazmat Incident Command Certification and Who Needs It
Hazardous Material Incident Command Training is required for employees who take control of the incident site past the initial Awareness level. These personnel are in charge of coordinating and overseeing all the crew members who are going to respond to and take any protective measures against hazardous material spillage or leakage.