How Do I Get My 40-Hour HAZWOPER Certification In California?
You’re not HAZWOPER certified and you need to be for your job? You’re in luck, we can help! HAZWOPER stands for Hazardous Waste Operations and Emergency Response The HAZWOPER standard was established in 1989 by OSHA in response to major chemical releases into the environment throughout the U.S. (notable incidents include the Love Canal Disaster in New York and the Valley of the Drums in Kentucky). This article covers HAZWOPER training, testing, and certification in California.
Training
The first step to 40-Hour HAZWOPER certification is training. It is specified in the HAZWOPER standard that all hazardous waste workers and those who would be performing emergency response activities are required to complete training before engaging in hazardous waste operations. You need 40 hours of instruction, in which you will learn about use of personal protective equipment (PPE), emergency response for emergencies, practices that minimize risks from hazards, and safety, health, and other hazards present on-site. There are multiple locations that offer on-site or in-person training for your HAZWOPER certification.
Testing
Once you’ve completed 40-Hour HAZWOPER training, it’s time to pass the test. Our 40-Hour HAZWOPER exam is designed to effectively test the understanding of concepts covered, from respiratory protection, to decontamination, to hazard assessment. The exam has a variety of question types, from multiple choice to true or false. You’ll need to score at least 70 percent or higher before you will be able to receive your certification in California.
Obtaining Certification
When you’ve completed the 40-Hour HAZWOPER training course and passed the HAZWOPER certification test, it’s time to get your proof of certification. With NES, you will receive a Certificate of Completion and Record of Training – either physically or digitally – following completion of the training. A copy of this certificate should be kept by your employer for the duration of your employment.
Maintaining Certification
Once passed, employees can engage in hazardous waste operations that could expose them to safety or health hazards. 40-Hour HAZWOPER certification lasts for 12 months and must be renewed annually. Make sure you have an annual refresher course scheduled in order to maintain your certification!
Do you need HAZWOPER training in California for your job? We can help you get the 40-Hour HAZWOPER certification you need for a great price! Choose from in-person, live webinar, or online training. Register now! If you took your 40-Hour HAZWOPER training with NES, make sure to ask about our returning customer discount for select refresher trainings!
Want more information about the course work involved in getting HAZWOPER certification? See our full course descriptions here.