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HAZMAT, HAZCOM, and HAZWOPER… What’s the Difference?

HAZMAT, HAZCOM, and HAZWOPER

In the world of safety, there is HAZMAT, HAZCOM, and HAZWOPER. These 3 are required trainings related to dangerous or hazardous materials, but each targets a different audience and safety measures.

HAZMAT

HAZMAT stands for Hazardous Materials. The US Department of Transportation regulates HAZMAT under their Hazardous Material Regulations. These regulations ensure dangerous substances are transported and handled safely whether being transported by road, rail, water, or air.

This training refers to mandatory compliance training on the DOT’s HAZMAT regulations. HAZMAT training includes multiple required components which may require multiple courses to complete. Employers of HAZMAT employees are required to provide training.

The DOT describes hazardous materials as one posing an unreasonable risk to health, safety, and property when transported in commerce. This includes toxic, corrosive, flammable, or explosive materials.

HAZCOM

HAZCOM is the most common training. This stands for Hazardous Communication and is required by OSHA for anyone exposed to hazardous chemicals under normal working conditions. In addition to specifying training requirements, HAZCOM also aligns with the Globally Harmonized System of Classification and Labelling of Chemicals (GHS), and consists of requirements for:

  • Hazard identification
  • Standard labeling and pictograms
  • In depth Safety Data Sheets
  • And, a written hazard communication program

If you are exposed to chemical hazards during any duration of your job, you are required to have HAZCOM training. During training, you will be trained to recognize chemical hazards, understand and recognize HAZCOM labels, and how to protect yourself on the job.

HAZCOM will cover chemicals with physical and health hazards, combustible dust, asphyxiants, and several others.

HAZWOPER

This is an OSHA standard that is designed specifically for workers who clean up, treat, store, or dispose of hazardous waste. HAZWOPER stands for Hazardous Waste Operations and Emergency Response. OSHA will only require this type of training for 3 types of workers and their supervisors, including:

  • Emergency responders
  • Operators at uncontrolled hazardous waste sites
  • And, personnel at Treatment, Storage, and Disposal (TSD) facilities

Substances covered under HAZWOPER differs from HAZCOM. HAZWOPER covers:

  • Any substance defined in the Comprehensive Environmental Response Compensation and Liability Act (CERLA)
  • Any biological agent or other disease-causing agents
  • Any substance listed by the US Department of Transportation as a hazardous material
  • And, hazardous waste as defined by the US Environmental Protection Agency

HAZMAT vs. HAZWOPER

These both cover different regulations and are managed by separate agencies. HAZMAT and HAZWOPER apply to different and typically separate sets of workers. HAZMAT training is more common than HAZWOPER training since more workers and more substances are affected by the DOT’s regulations than the HAZWOPER standard.

Additionally, training frequency plays a big role in their differences. HAZWOPER training is long with defined hours and HAZMAT training depends on the worker’s role which may make training a few hours or much longer. It also requires less frequent refresher trainings.

HAZMAT vs. HAZCOM

HAZMAT described the dangerous material itself, while HAZCOM outlines the system for communicating information about the materials to workers. HAZCOM communicates the regulatory standard that requires employers to provide information about the chemical to their employees. This focuses on ensuring workers understand the risks associated with the chemicals, how to handle them, and how to protect themselves.

On the other side, HAZMAT focuses on the chemical itself, rather than the safety of the employee. HAZMAT provides information on the type, quantity, and potential hazards of a dangerous substance as well as additional information about the chemical.

HAZCOM vs. HAZWOPER

Workers responding to emergency spills must have HAZWOPER training at the first-responder level. However, HAZWOPER does not apply to incidental leaks and spills involving the same substance, nor does it cover employees solely involved in evacuations during emergencies. In these cases, only emergency procedures training meeting HAZCOM requirements is necessary.

One major difference between the two is training. HAZCOM training lasts a couple of hours and employers can provide refresher training if they believe it is appropriate. HAZWOPER training is more in depth and takes longer. It requires 24-40 hour initial training, based on risk level, plus 8 hour refresher training each year.

Resources

OSHA provides a publication for HAZCOM titled, “Small Entity Compliance Guide for Employers That Use Hazardous Chemicals.”

OSHA provides regulations for Hazardous Materials in 29 CFR 1910.120.

Information regarding HAZWOPER is also provided by OSHA.

For training on HAZCOM and HAZMAT, please visit JJ Safety’s website.

Conclusion

While HAZWOPER, HAZCOM, and HAZMAT are all crucial components of workplace safety, each serves a unique purpose in managing hazardous materials and ensuring employee protection. Understanding the distinctions and interconnections between these regulations helps organizations maintain compliance, reduce risks, and safeguard the health and safety of their workforce.

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