Town Hall – Hazwoper Exams

With Dr. Marilyn Bishop

What is a Hazwoper exam?
What is the difference between hazmat and hazwoper?
What training is needed for the screening components?
What are the Mandatory elements of a HAZWOPER baseline physical ?
Which employees must employers include in a medical surveillance program?
What, if any, information must employers provide to the physician providing medical examinations and consultations to covered employees?
What records must be kept and should they be kept by the employer or the attending physician?

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May 11th Hazwoper Exams Dr. M. Bishop

Town Hall Overview:

Welcome to this informative blog post about hazardous waste operations and emergency response, commonly known as HAZWOPER. In this post, we will delve into the key components of the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) HAZWOPER standard, its coverage, and the importance of safety and health programs. So let’s dive right in!

Overview of HAZWOPER:
The HAZWOPER standard, as outlined in Title 29 of the Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) Part 1910.120, addresses the safety and health hazards associated with hazardous waste operations and emergency response. It covers employers involved in three general categories of work operations:

Hazardous Waste Site Cleanup Operations:
This encompasses the cleanup of hazardous waste sites, including Superfund Cleanups. It involves managing toxic, flammable, or corrosive substances that can pose serious risks to both the environment and workers’ safety.
Treatment, Storage, and Disposal Facilities (TSD):
Operations related to hazardous waste that take place in TSD facilities fall under the purview of HAZWOPER. These facilities handle hazardous substances and require specific protocols to ensure employee safety and environmental protection.
Emergency Response Operations:
When hazardous substance releases occur, emergency response operations come into play. This can include incidents like chemical spills at manufacturing plants or other workplaces. Various entities, including state, county, and municipal employees, as well as first responders, are covered by HAZWOPER regulations.

Components of the Employer’s Safety and Health Program:
A comprehensive safety and health program is crucial for reducing work-related injuries and illnesses, as well as maintaining a safe work environment. OSHA’s HAZWOPER standard mandates that each employer develop and implement a written safety and health program. This program must cover the following aspects:

Organizational Structure:
Employers need to establish a well-defined organizational structure that outlines roles and responsibilities related to hazardous waste operations and emergency response.
Work Plan:
A comprehensive work plan should be developed to address various tasks and activities associated with hazardous waste operations. This plan helps identify, evaluate, and control safety and health hazards effectively.
Health and Safety Plan (HASP):
Also known as a site-specific safety and health plan, the HASP plays a critical role in analyzing hazards, training employees, implementing personal protective equipment (PPE) protocols, conducting medical surveillance, and establishing emergency response procedures.
Safety and Health Training Program:
Employers must provide adequate training to employees involved in hazardous waste operations and emergency response. This training should cover hazard identification, proper use of engineering controls and PPE, safe work practices, and emergency procedures.
Medical Surveillance Program:
To monitor the health and fitness of employees working with hazardous substances, employers are required to establish a medical surveillance program. This program ensures proper assessments, medical examinations, and fitness-for-duty evaluations are conducted regularly.
Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs):
Employers must develop SOPs that outline specific procedures for hazardous waste operations and emergency response. These SOPs cover areas such as site control measures, decontamination procedures, confined space entry, and spill containment.

Engineering Controls and Personal Protective Equipment (PPE):
Employers should prioritize the use of engineering controls and work practices to reduce and maintain exposure to hazardous substances below permissible exposure limits. Engineering controls may include pressurized cabs, control booths, or remote material handling equipment. In cases where engineering controls are insufficient, PPE must be provided to employees. PPE may include respiratory protection, dermal protection (gloves, protective clothing), eye protection (safety glasses, goggles, face shields), and foot protection (steel-toed boots, chemical-resistant booties).

Medical Surveillance Examinations:
To ensure the health and well-being of employees, medical surveillance examinations are required under the HAZWOPER standard. These examinations are necessary for employees exposed to hazardous substances or health hazards above permissible exposure limits. Additionally, employees who wear respirators, those exposed to unexpected releases of hazardous wastes, and on-site hazardous materials responders must undergo these examinations. The frequency of examinations depends on various factors and should be determined by a qualified physician.

In conclusion, understanding the HAZWOPER standard is vital for employers and employees engaged in hazardous waste operations and emergency response. By implementing effective safety and health programs, engineering controls, and appropriate PPE, employers can mitigate risks and protect the well-being of their workforce. It is essential to prioritize comprehensive training, medical surveillance, and adherence to the OSHA regulations outlined in 29 CFR 1910.120.

Thank you for reading this blog post on HAZWOPER. Stay tuned for more informative sessions as we explore other substance-specific OSHA standards in subsequent articles. If you have any questions or would like further information, please feel free to reach out to us.