Hazardous Waste Operations and Emergency Response (HAZWOPER)

29 CFR 1910.120

An Outline of the Provisions of 1910.120

Scope, application, and definitions

Safety and health program

Site characterization and analysis

Site controlTrainingMedical surveillance

Engineering controls, work practices and personal protective equipment (PPE)

Monitoring Informational programsHandling drums and

containersDecontamination

Emergency response by employees

Illumination

Sanitation at temporary workplaces

New technology programs

Operations under RCRA

Hazardous substance release

An Outline of the Provisions of 1910.120

PurposeThe purpose of HAZWOPER is to improve the

ability of employees and employers to respond to emergencies caused by releases of hazardous substances.

1910.120

ScopeCovers the following operations:

Clean-up operations required by a governmental body, whether federal, state, local or other, involving hazardous substances that are conducted at uncontrolled hazardous waste sites.

Corrective actions involving clean-up operations at sites covered by Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA).

Voluntary clean-up operations at sites recognized by federal, state, local or other governmental bodies as uncontrolled hazardous waste sites.

1910.120(a)(1)

Scope

Operations involving hazardous wastes that are conducted at treatment, storage and disposal facilities licensed under the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA).

Emergency response operations for release of, or substantial threats of release of, hazardous substances.

1910.120(a)(1)

ScopeUnless

The employer can demonstrate that the operation does not involve employee exposure or the reasonable possibility for employee exposure to safety or health hazards.

1910.120(a)(1)

Definitions 1910.120(a)(3)

Hazardous substance Any substance to which exposure results or may

result in adverse effects on the health or safety of employees.

» Any substance defined under section 101(14) of CERCLA

» Any biologic agent and other disease causing agent

» Listed by the U.S. DOT (49 CFR 172.101)

» Hazardous waste

DefinitionsHazardous Waste

EPA defines hazardous waste as by-products of society that can pose a substantial or potential hazard to human health or the environment when improperly managed. It possesses at least one of four characteristics (ignitability, reactivity, toxicity, or corrosiveness), or appears on special EPA lists.

Hazardous waste operations Any operation conducted within the scope of the HAZWOPER standard.

1910.120(a)(3)

DefinitionsHazardous materials response (HAZMAT)

team An organized group of employees, designated by the

employer, who are expected to perform work to handle and control actual or potential leaks or spills of hazardous substances.

1910.120(a)(3)

Definitions

Emergency response A response effort by employees from outside the

immediate release area or by other designated responders (i.e., mutual aid groups, local fire departments, etc.)

1910.120(a)(3)

Definitions

Incidental release Release of a hazardous substance that does not

pose a significant safety or health hazard to employees in the immediate vicinity or to the worker cleaning it up, nor does it have the potential to become an emergency.

1910.120(a)(3)

Definitions

Post emergency response That portion of an emergency response performed

after the immediate threat of a release has been stabilized or eliminated and clean-up of the site has begun.

1910.120(a)(3)

Safety and Health Program

Employers shall develop and implement a written safety and health program for their employees involved in hazardous waste operations.

Safety & Health Program

Safety & Health

Program

1910.120(b)(1)(i)

Safety and Health Program Program shall incorporate:

Organizational structure

Comprehensive work plan

Site-specific safety and health plan

Safety and health training program

Medical surveillance program

Employer’s standard operating procedures for safety and health

Any necessary interface between general program and site-specific program

1910.120(b)(1)(ii)

Contractors and subcontractors Shall be informed of:

» Emergency response procedures

» Any potential fire, explosion, health, safety or other hazards of the operation

Program availability Shall be made available to any contractor or

subcontractor

1910.120(b)(1)(iv)-(v)Safety and Health Program

Safety and Health Program

Organizational structure Elements

» General supervisor

» Site safety and health supervisor

» Other personnel needed for HAZWOPER

» Lines of authority, responsibility and communication

Organizational structure shall be updated as necessary.

1910.120(b)(2)

Safety and Health ProgramComprehensive workplan shall:

Define anticipated clean-up activities

Define work tasks and objectives

Shall establish personnel requirements

Shall provide for the implementation of training

Provide for implementation of informational programs

Implementation of medical surveillance program

1910.120(b)(3)

Safety and Health Program

Site-specific safety and health plan Elements

» Hazard analysis for each site task

» Employee training assignments

» Personal protective equipment

• Used by employees for each site task

» Medical surveillance requirements

» Frequency and types of air monitoring

• Personnel

• Environmental sampling

1910.120(b)(4)

Safety and Health Program» Site control measures

• Site map

• Work zones

• Use of buddy system

• Site communications

• Safe work practices

• Identification of nearest medical facilities

» Decontamination procedures

» Emergency response plan

» Confined space entry procedures

» Spill containment program

1910.120(b)(4)

Site Characterization/Analysis

Hazardous waste sites shall be evaluated to identify specific site hazards and to determine the appropriate safety and health control procedures needed to protect employees.

1910.120(c)(1)

Site Characterization/Analysis

Preliminary evaluation Performed prior to site entry

Hazard identification Conditions that may pose inhalation or skin

absorption hazard that are immediately dangerous to life or health (IDLH) shall be identified.

1910.120(c)(2)-(3)

Site Characterization/Analysis

Required information Location and approximate size of the site

Description of response/job to be performed.

Duration of employee activity

Site topography and accessibility

Expected safety and health hazards

Status and capabilities of emergency response teams

Expected or involved hazardous substances

1910.120(c)(4)

Site Characterization/Analysis

Personal protective equipment Shall be provided and used during initial site entry

» If respiratory protection is warranted, an escape SCBA of at least five minutes shall be carried.

» Level B PPE shall be provided if sufficient information is not available to identify the hazards.

» Once hazards identified, the appropriate PPE shall be selected.

1910.120(c)(5)

MonitoringShall be conducted during initial site entry

when the site evaluation produces information which shows the potential for ionizing radiation or IDLH conditions, or when the site information is not sufficient reasonably to eliminate these conditions

1910.120(c)(6)

Risk IdentificationOnce the presence and concentrations of

specific hazardous substances and health hazards have been established, the risks associated with these substances shall be identified.

Employees who will be working on the site shall be informed of any risks that have been identified.

1910.120(c)(7)+(c)(8)

Training

Employees shall not be permitted to participate in or supervise field activities until they have been trained to a level required by their job function and responsibility.

1910.120(e)(1)

Training Program ElementsNames of personnel and alternates

responsible for site safety and healthSafety, health and other hazards on siteSafe use of engineering controls and

equipment on siteWork practices by which the employee can

minimize risks from hazardsUse of PPEMedical surveillance requirementsContents of site safety and health plan

1910.120(e)(2)

Initial Training

General site workers Equipment operators

General laborers

Supervisory personnel

Training Minimum 40 hours off-site

Three days field experience—minimum

1910.120(e)(3)(i)

Initial Training Workers on-site to complete specific limited tasks

Ground water monitoring

Land surveying

Geophysical surveying

On-site workers unlikely to be exposed over permissible exposure limits (PEL)

Training Receive 24 hours of instruction off-site

One day actual field experience

1910.120(e)(3)(ii)

Initial Training

Regular on-site workers Exposures under PEL and respirators not required

Training Receive 24 hours of instruction off-site

One day actual field experience

1910.120(e)(3)(iii)

Initial Training

Workers with 24 hours of training Who become general site workers or are required to

wear respirators

Training Receive 16 additional hours of instruction off-site

Two days of actual field experience

1910.120(e)(3)(iv)

Initial Training

Management and supervisors Supervise employees engaged in hazardous waste

operations

Training Receive 40 hours of instruction off-site

Three days of actual field experience

1910.120(e)(4)

Initial TrainingManagement and supervisors

Training may be reduced to 24 hours and one day if only responsible for:

» Workers on site occasionally

» Workers exposures under permissible exposure limits

1910.120(e)(4)

Qualifications for Trainers

Trainers shall be qualified to instruct employees about the subject matter that is being presented.

Instructors shall be competent and knowledgeable in subject matter. Means possessing the skills, knowledge, experience,

and judgment to perform assigned tasks or activities satisfactorily as determined by the employer

1910.120(e)(5)

Qualifications for Trainers

Qualifications shown by academic degrees, completed training courses and/or work experience.

OSHA does not certify instructors.

1910.120(e)(5)

Training Certification

Certification Employees shall be certified by an instructor as

having completed the training. » Those not certified are prohibited from engaging in

hazardous waste operations.

Written certificate

1910.120(e)(6)

Equivalent Training

Employers who can show documentation or certification that an employee has equivalent training and/or work experience. Initial training not required

Employees new to a site must receive site-specific training before entry.

1910.120(e)(9)

Equivalent Training

Equivalent training includes any academic training or the training that existing employees might have already received from actual hazardous waste site experience.

1910.120(e)(9)

Refresher Training

Employees, managers and supervisors shall receive eight hours of refresher training annually.

1910.120(e)(8)

Training FAQ Is computer-based training acceptable for refresher

training?

Standard Interpretation [11/22/1994] - The use of computer-based training to satisfy OSHA training requirements. May meet some refresher training requirements

Not sufficient by itself

Interpretation

Training FAQ

What if refresher training isn’t received in 12 months?

Standard Interpretation [03/12/1993] - Hazardous waste operations and emergency response lapsed refresher training requirements. If the date of refresher training has lapsed

» Repeat of initial training must be based on the employee’s familiarity with safety and health procedures used on site.

» Employee should take next available refresher training course.

Interpretation

Training FAQ

Can refresher training be given in segments?Standard Interpretation [07/21/1992] -

Refresher training and HAZWOPER Refresher training may be given in segments so long

as the required eight hours have been completed by the employee’s anniversary date.

Interpretation

Training Records

Recordkeeping Should be maintained for a minimum of five years

after the training date

HAZWOPER

Appendix E

Medical Surveillance

Instituted by the employer for the following employees: Exposed to hazardous substances or health hazards

at or above the PEL

Employees who wear a respirator 30 days or more a year

Employees who are injured, become ill or possible overexposure

Members of HAZMAT teams

1910.120(f)

Medical SurveillanceMedical examinations shall be made available:

Prior to assignment At least once every twelve months At termination of employment As soon as possible after notification that employee

has developed signs of overexposure More frequently as determined by a doctor

At no cost to employee Without loss of pay Reasonable time and place

1910.120(f)

Medical Surveillance

Physician’s written opinion Employer furnish the employee with a copy of

written opinion

» Whether employee has any medical conditions that place employee at increased risk

» Recommended limitations on employees assignments

» Results of medical examination

» Statement that employee has been informed of results

1910.120(f)(7)

Medical Surveillance Records

Recordkeeping Employee exposure and medical records

(1910.1020)

» Medical record for each employee shall be preserved and maintained for at least the duration of employment plus 30 years.

1910.120(f)

Engineering Controls and Work Practices

Engineering controls and work practices are the preferred means to control employee exposure.

Instituted to reduce and maintain employee exposure to or below the permissible exposure limits.

Employee rotation prohibited except when there is no other way of complying with ionizing radiation dose limits.

1910.120(g)

May include:

Equipment operated remotely

Removing non-essential employees from potential exposure

Wetting down dusty operations

Locate employees upwind of hazard

1910.120(g)(1)

Engineering Controls and Work Practices

PPE

The purpose of PPE is to shield or isolate individuals from the chemical, physical and biologic hazards that may be encountered.

Four categories

Level A

Level B

Level C

Level D

1910.120(g)(3)

PPE - Level A

Selected when the greatest level of skin, respiratory, and eye protection is required. Totally-encapsulating chemical protective suit

» Full face-piece SCBA

» Gloves (inner/outer)

» Boots, boot-covers

» Disposable protective suit

Selected when the highest level of respiratory protection is necessary but a lesser level of skin protection is needed. Full face-piece SCBA

Hooded chemical resistant clothing

Gloves (inner/outer)

Boots, boot-covers

PPE—Level B

Selected when the concentration(s) and type(s) of airborne substances is known and the criteria for using air purifying respirators are met. Full-face or half mask, air purifying respirator (NIOSH Approved)

Hooded chemical resistant clothing

Gloves inner/outer

Boots, boot-covers

PPE—Level C

A work uniform affording minimal protection. Coveralls

Gloves

Glasses

Boots, chemical resistant steel toe

PPE—Level D

Monitoring-Initial Entry

Initial entry Monitor to identify IDLH condition

1910.120(h)(2)

Periodic Monitoring

When the possibility of IDLH condition or flammable atmosphere has developed

1910.120(h)(3)

Monitoring of High-Risk Employees

High-risk employees After the actual clean-up

phase commences, the employer shall monitor those employees likely to have the highest exposures.

1910.120(h)(4)

Informational Programs

Employers shall develop and implement a program, which is part of the safety and health program, to inform employees, contractors and subcontractors (or their representative) of the level and degree of exposure likely to occur.

1910.120(i)

Drums and Containers

Handling drums and containers General requirements for drum and container

handling

Procedures for opening drums and containers

Materials handling equipment

Radioactive, shock sensitive and lab waste

Sampling of drums and containers

Shipping and transporting

Tanks and vaults

1910.120(j)

Decontamination

Prior to site entry, decontamination procedures must be:

Implemented

Developed

Communicated to employees

1910.120(k)(2)

Decontamination

Site safety and health supervisor must monitor effectiveness of the decontamination procedure.

1910.120(k)(2)

Decontamination

Equipment and PPE must be decontaminated or disposed of in a proper manner.

Regular showers and change rooms must meet the requirements of the OSHA sanitation standard—1910.141(d)(3)

1910.120(k)(5) + 1910.120(k)(8)

Uncontrolled Hazardous Waste Sites

An uncontrolled hazardous waste site is defined as an area where an accumulation of hazardous substances creates a threat to the health and safety of individuals, the environment, or both.

Emergency response by employees A written emergency response plan is required. Employers who will evacuate all personnel and not

allow them to participate in response efforts are exempt from this requirement, but must prepare an emergency action plan as required by 29 CFR 1910.38.

1910.120(l)

Elements of emergency response plan Pre-emergency planning

Personnel roles, lines of authority, training and communication

Emergency recognition and prevention

Safe distances and places of refuge

Site security and control

Evacuation routes and procedures

1910.120(l)(2)

Uncontrolled HazardousWaste Sites

Emergency

Response

Plan

Decontamination procedures

Emergency medical treatment and first aid

Emergency alerting and response procedures

Critique of response and follow-up

PPE and emergency equipment

1910.120(l)(2)

Uncontrolled HazardousWaste Sites

Illumination

Areas accessible to employees shall be lighted.

1910.120(m)

IlluminationFoot Candles Area or Operations5 General site areas

3 Excavation and waste areas, accessways, active storage areas, loading platforms, refueling, and field maintenance areas.

5 Indoors: warehouses, corridors, hallways, and exitways.

5 Tunnels, shafts, and general underground work areas; (Exception: minimum of 10 foot-candles is required at tunnel and shaft heading during drilling, mucking, and scaling. Mine Safety and Health Administration approved cap lights shall be acceptable for use in the tunnel heading.)

10 General shops (e.g., mechanical and electrical equipment rooms, active storerooms, barracks or living quarters, locker or dressing rooms, dining areas, and indoor toilets and workrooms.)

30 First aid stations, infirmaries, and offices.

Table H-120.1

Sanitation

Sanitation at temporary workplaces Requirements

» Adequate supply of potable water and outlets for nonpotable water

» Food handling shall meet applicable laws

» Adequate washing facilities

» Showers and change rooms provided

1910.120(n)

Sanitation

Sanitation at temporary workplaces Requirements

» Toilets shall be provided in accordance with Table H-120.2

Number of employees Minimum number of facilities

20 or fewer One

More than 20, fewer than 200 One toilet seat and 1 urinal per 40 employees

More than 200 One toilet seat and 1 urinal per 50 employees

Table H-120.2

New Technology

Employer shall develop and implement procedures for the introduction of effective new technologies and equipment. Evaluation shall be done to determine the

effectiveness of the new methods, materials, or equipment.

Chemical detection

1910.120(o)(2)

TSD Facilities

Treatment, storage and disposal (TSD) facilities Under the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act

of 1976 (RCRA), employers who conduct operations at TSD facilities shall implement:

» Safety and health program

» Hazard communication program

» Medical surveillance program

» Decontamination program

1910.120(p)

TSD Facilities

Training program New employees

»Initial training – 24 hours»Annual refresher – 8 hours

Current employees»Previous work experience and/or training»Annual refresher – 8 hours

Trainers»Completed training course»Competent instructional skills

1910.120(p)(7)

Emergency response program An emergency response plan developed and

implemented.

If employees are evacuated from the worksite when an emergency occurs and do not assist in handling the emergency are exempt if they provide an emergency action plan complying with 29 CFR 1910.38.

1910.120(p)(8)TSD Facilities

Defined as a response effort by employees from outside the immediate release area or by other designated responders (i.e., mutual aid groups, local fire departments, etc.) to an occurrence which results, or is likely to result, in an uncontrolled release of a hazardous substance.

1910.120(a)(3)Emergency Response

An emergency response plan shall be: Developed and implemented to handle anticipated

emergencies.

In writing and available for inspection.

Employers who evacuate their employees from the worksite are exempt from the requirements of this paragraph.

» Plan must comply with 29 CFR 1910.38.

1910.120(q)(1)Emergency Response Plan

Elements of an emergency response plan: Pre-emergency planning and coordination with outside parties Personnel roles, including lines of authority, training, and communication Emergency recognition and procedure Safe distances and places of refuge Site security and control Evacuation routes and procedures Decontamination Emergency medical treatment and first aid Emergency alerting and response procedures Critique of response and follow-up PPE and emergency equipment

1910.120(q)(2)Emergency Response Plan

Procedures for handling emergency response:i. The senior responding emergency response official shall

become the individual in charge of a site-specific ICS

ii. The ICS commander shall identify, to the fullest extent possible, all hazardous substance or conditions present

iii. The ICS commander shall implement appropriate emergency operations and assure that appropriate PPE is worn

iv. Employees engaged in emergency response and exposed to potentially hazardous substances shall wear positive pressure SCBS while engaged in emergency response

v. The ICS commander shall limit the number of emergency response personnel at the emergency site

1910.120(q)(3)Handling Emergency Response

vi. Back up personnel shall be standing by with equipment ready to provide assistance or rescue.

vii. The ICS commander shall identify a safety officer who is knowledgeable in the operation being implemented at the emergency response site

viii. When the safety officer judges activities to be IDLH and /or involve an imminent danger condition, he has the authority to terminate those activities.

ix. After emergency operations have been terminated, the ICS commander shall implement appropriate decontamination procedures.

x. When deemed necessary, approved SCBA may be used with approved cylinders from other approved SCBA provided that such cylinders are of the same capacity and pressure rating.

1910.120(q)(3)Handling Emergency Response

Emergency Response

Skilled support personnel

Skilled in the operation of certain equipment

Earth moving, digging, crane and hoisting equipment

Needed temporarily

Shall be given initial briefing on PPE, chemical hazards and

duties

1910.120(q)(4)

Specialist employees

Technical advisor who is trained in the hazards of specific hazardous substances.

Shall receive training or demonstrate competence in area of expertise

1910.120(q)(5)Emergency Response

Training Based on the duties and function to be performed by

each responder of an emergency response organization.

1910.120(q)(6)Emergency Response

First responder awareness level Individuals who are likely to witness or discover a

hazardous substance release.

Trained to initiate an emergency response sequence by notifying the proper authorities.

Shall have sufficient training or demonstrate competence in areas listed in 1910.120(q)(6).

Shall take no further action than initiating an emergency response.

1910.120(q)(6)(i)Emergency Response

First responder operations level

Individuals who respond to releases or potential releases of hazardous substances as part of the initial response.

Receive at least eight hours of training or have had sufficient experience to demonstrate competence in areas listed in 1910.120(q)(6)(ii).

1910.120(q)(6)(ii)Emergency Response

Hazardous materials technician

Individuals who respond to releases or potential releases of hazardous substances for the purpose of stopping the release.

Receive at least 24 hours of training equal to first responder operations level and in addition, have competency in the areas listed in 1910.120(q)(6)(iii).

1910.120(q)(6)(iii)Emergency Response

Emergency ResponseHazardous materials specialist

Individuals who respond and provide support to hazardous materials technicians.

Receive at least 24 hours of training equal to technician level and in addition, have competency in the areas listed in 1910.120(q)(6)(iv).

1910.120(q)(6)(iv)

Emergency ResponseOn scene incident commander

Individuals who assume control of the incident scene beyond the first responder awareness level.

Receive at least 24 hours of training equal to the first responder operations level and in addition, have competency in the areas listed in 1910.120(q)(6)(v).

1910.120(q)(6)(v)

What are the HAZWOPER training requirements for hospital staff?

03/10/1999—Emergency response training necessary for hospital physicians/nurses that may treat contaminated patients If personnel are expected to provide limited

decontamination services in order to attend to medical problems, they must be trained to the first responder operations level with emphasis on the use of PPE and decontamination procedures.

Emergency Response Training Interpretation

First responder operations plus First responders who respond to hydrocarbon fuel

tank leaks where the leaking tanks contain a hydrocarbon fuel which is used to propel the vehicle on which the tank is located.

13 NCAC 07F .0103Emergency Response Training

First responder operations plus Gasoline

Diesel fuel

Propane

Other hydrocarbon fuels

Shall receive training equal to first responder operations level

13 NCAC 07F .0103Emergency Response Training

First responder operations plus Usage of proper specialized PPE provided to the

first responder at operations plus level

Understanding of basic hazardous materials terms as they pertain to hydrocarbon fuels

Understanding hazard and risk assessment techniques that pertain to hydrocarbon fuels

13 NCAC 07F .0103Emergency Response Training

First responder operations plus Perform control, containment, or confinement

operations

Understand and know how to implement decontamination procedures for hydrocarbon fuels

13 NCAC 07F .0103Emergency Response Training

Response personnel and training requirements Clean-up by workplace employees

» Clean-up is done on plant property using plant employees shall complete training requirements of:

• Hand Protection (1910.138)

• Respiratory Protection (1910.134)

• HazCom (1910.1200)

1910.120(q)(11)(ii)Post-Emergency Response

SummaryPurpose

Scope

Definitions

Safety and health program

Site characterization and analysis

Training

SummaryMedical surveillance

Engineering controls, work practices

Personal protective equipment (PPE)

Monitoring

Informational programs

Handling drums and containers

SummaryDecontamination

Hazardous waste sites

Illumination

Temporary work places

New technology programs

TSD facilities

Response personnel and training requirements

Final Questions?