8-Hour HAZWOPER Refresher

A Certified Elite Class

Re-certification for employees with 40 or 24-hour HAZWOPER Training is required every 12 months, per OSHA 29 CFR 1910.120(e) and CAL/OSHA Title 8 CCR 5192(e)(3)(A). 

This course is updated by our EH&S training staff annually. In addition to receiving a solid refresher on HAZWOPER, employees' safety and hazards in IDLH environments, the course provides updates on HAZWOPER trends, new technologies & safety equipment PLUS new OSHA, DOT & EPA safety & regulatory changes.

This 8-hour training meets annual re-certification requirements for HAZWOPER personnel for controlled and un-controlled sites, per 29 CFR 1910.120(e). When completed online or in California, this training fulfills the requirements of CAL/OSHA Title 8 CCR 5192(e)(3)(A).

UPCOMING IN-PERSON CLASSES

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8-Hour HAZWOPER Training Course

Our 8-Hour HAZWOPER course provides essential training for employees who work with or around hazardous substances and hazardous waste. This course is designed to equip workers with the knowledge and skills necessary to recognize potential hazards, understand safe handling procedures, and respond effectively in emergency situations.

By completing this course, participants gain a deeper understanding of workplace safety, regulatory compliance, and best practices for minimizing risks associated with hazardous materials.

The HAZWOPER standard applies to five distinct groups of employers and their employees. This includes employees who are exposed or may potentially be exposed to hazardous substances—including hazardous waste—and are engaged in one of the following operations as specified by 1910.120(a)(1)(i-v) and 1926.65(a)(1)(i-v):

  • Clean-up operations required by a governmental body, whether federal, state, local, or other, involving hazardous substances conducted at uncontrolled hazardous waste sites.
  • Corrective actions involving clean-up operations at sites covered by the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act of 1976 (RCRA) as amended (42 U.S.C. 6901 et seq.).
  • Voluntary clean-up operations at sites recognized by federal, state, local, or other governmental bodies as uncontrolled hazardous waste sites.
  • Operations involving hazardous wastes conducted at treatment, storage, and disposal facilities regulated by Title 40 Code of Federal Regulations Parts 264 and 265 pursuant to RCRA, or by agencies under agreement with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency to implement RCRA regulations.
  • Emergency response operations for releases of, or substantial threats of release of, hazardous substances, regardless of the location of the hazard.

This comprehensive HAZWOPER course ensures that employees are prepared to safely manage hazardous materials, maintain regulatory compliance, and contribute to a safer work environment.

Course Topics

  • Introduction to HAZWOPER 
  • Principles of Safety 
  • PPE (Personal Protective Equipment) 
  • HAZCOM & Chemical Hazards
  • Ionizing Radiation
  • Air Monitoring & Instrumentation
  • Fire Protection Requirements
  • Confined Spaces
  • Competent Person
  • Site Emergencies 
  • Medical Surveillance
  • Planning, Organizing & Training
  • Preparing for Fieldwork 
  • Toxicology
  • Respiratory Protection
  • Fire Protection Requirements
  • Safe Handling of Drums & Containers
  • Hazardous Material Sampling & Packaging
  • 8-Hour HAZWOPER Exam 


Who Needs 8-Hour HAZWOPER Refresher Training?

Anyone with the initial 40 or 24-hour HAZWOPER Training Certification MUST receive refresher training every 12 months to stay current and ensure continued certification in HAZWOPER and Emergency Response.

Workers who are involved in Construction, Hazardous Waste Operations, Hazardous Materials Handling, Hazmat Operations, First Responders, Emergency Responders, Firemen, Site Safety Officers, and Site Supervisors will all benefit from the updates and changes presented in this course.

If you aren’t sure if you need HAZWOPER Refresher Training or any other course we offer, please start a chat above with the chat button or call us for more information or with any other questions you may have! 1-800-711-2706

Learning Objectives

Upon successful completion of the 8-Hour HAZWOPER Annual Refresher Course, students will:

  • Understand changes in HAZWOPER/related regulations in the past year.
  • Describe the effects of hazardous materials on people and the environment
  • Identify safe methods and work practices.
  • Recognize signs and labels used to alert personnel of dangers involving hazardous materials.
  • Recognize and identify site and personnel hazards.


REQUIRED TIME TO COMPLETE THIS COURSE: 8 Hours

OVERVIEW:

Compliance Solutions is proud to present our “Activity-Based” 8-Hour HAZWOPER Annual Refresher course. Unlike common “lecture style” courses, Students participate in several group activities to characterize and examine site scenarios and develop the necessary reasoning and thinking employees need when working at hazardous waste sites or when responding to emergency site situations (para e);

This annual refresher training meets or exceeds OSHA requirements mandated under 29 CFR 1910.120(e). For “open enrollment” or onsite classes, we can also fulfill requirements for emergency responders at TSDF’s (Treatment, Storage, and Disposal Facilities) under (para p), as well as emergency responders who respond to hazardous substance releases (para q).

NOTE: Because of the interactive nature of this training course, students should be prepared to fully participate in group scenarios, discussions, and class exercises to receive a course certification.

COURSE INTRO & ADMIN

1. ANNUAL REGUATORY UPDATES
A. OSHA
B. EPA
C. DOT

2. SITE CHARACTERIZATION
Group Activities:
A. Identify Site Hazards
B. Identify Monitoring/Evaluating Requirements
C. Identify Controls for those Hazards

3. SITE PLANNING
Group Activities:
A. Determine Site Organizational Structure
B. Identify Emergency Response Planes
C. Discuss After Action Procedures & Critique

4. EXERCISE SCENARIO
A. Group activity for a site emergency.

5. *COURSE PRACTICAL
A. Students will don and doff totally encapsulating suits/SCBA for a
specified activity.

Optional Qualitative Respirator fit testing is available for a small fee. Students requiring fit testing must produce a current respirator medical clearance and be clean shaven the day of the fit test. We offer cost-effective, online medical clearances and respirator training if needed. Refer to OSHA’s Respiratory Protection Standard, 1910.134 for information.

*This course fulfills requirements for multiple certifications. The Practical (dress-out) is required for ALL students completing 40-hour HAZWOPER Certification. Refresher students are highly encouraged to participate.

What is the 8‑Hour HAZWOPER Annual Refresher?

The 8-Hour HAZWOPER Annual Refresher is a required training course for workers who previously completed 24- or 40-hour HAZWOPER certification. It provides an annual update on hazardous waste operations and emergency response, ensuring compliance with OSHA regulations and reinforcing key safety protocols.

How often do I need to complete the 8‑Hour HAZWOPER Refresher?

According to OSHA regulation 29 CFR 1910.120(e), the HAZWOPER refresher course must be completed annually—within 12 months of your last certification—to maintain compliance and keep your credentials current.

Who is required to take the 8‑Hour HAZWOPER Refresher course?

Anyone who has completed the 24- or 40-hour HAZWOPER training and continues to work with or around hazardous substances in cleanup operations, waste management, or emergency response roles is required to complete the 8-hour refresher each year.

What regulations does this refresher training fulfill?

This course meets the requirements of:

  • OSHA 29 CFR 1910.120(e) (Hazardous Waste Operations and Emergency Response),
  • Title 8 CCR 5192(e)(3)(A) (California), and other applicable EPA and DOT safety and regulatory standards.

What topics are covered in the 8‑Hour HAZWOPER Refresher?

Topics include:

  • HAZWOPER overview
  • Hazard recognition in IDLH environments
  • PPE and respiratory protection
  • Hazard communication (HAZCOM)
  • Chemical and radiological hazards
  • Air monitoring techniques
  • Emergency response planning
  • Confined spaces and fire protection
  • Toxicology and medical surveillance
  • Sampling, handling, and packaging of hazardous materials

The course is updated annually to reflect the latest trends, technologies, and regulatory changes.

How is the course updated and why is that important?

Our EH&S training staff updates the course every year to align with the latest OSHA, DOT, and EPA regulations. These updates ensure that employees are trained on current industry best practices, new safety equipment, and emerging hazard scenarios, keeping workplaces compliant and safe.

What formats does your 8‑Hour HAZWOPER Refresher come in (online, in‑person, virtual)?

We offer multiple formats to suit your needs:

  • Self-paced online training (available 24/7)
  • Instructor-led training (virtual or on-site at your location)
  • Group training packages for teams or organizations

Each format includes engaging content, knowledge checks, and a final exam.

Do you offer private or on‑site HAZWOPER refresher training for companies?

Yes! We provide on-site and private virtual training for organizations looking to train multiple employees. Our certified instructors can deliver the course at your facility or via live virtual sessions tailored to your operations and compliance requirements.

What are the levels of HAZWOPER Training?

There are two HAZWOPER Training levels.

40 Hour HAZWOPER- Workers responsible for cleanup operations.

24 Hour HAZWOPER Training is for Occasional site workers that aren’t involved in cleanup operations.

There are also two other courses related to HAZWOPER the 8 Hour HAZWOPER course is the refresher course for both 24 and 40 Hour HAZWOPER and the 16 Hour Course that upgrades 24-hour certification to 40 Hour!

How many hours of refresher training is required for 24 Hour HAZWOPER Certification?

After completing the initial 24-Hour HAZWOPER certification, students are required to complete an 8-hour HAZWOPER refresher course each year to stay current with safety training and maintain compliance with OSHA standards (29 CFR 1910.120).

How many hours of refresher Training are required for 40 Hour HAZWOPER Certification?

After completing the initial 40-Hour HAZWOPER certification, individuals are required to take an 8-hour HAZWOPER refresher course annually to stay current with training requirements and remain compliant with OSHA regulations (29 CFR 1910.120).

Current 8, 40 or 24-Hour HAZWOPER Training Certification

To view our Refund and Reschedule policy, please click here.

HAZWOPER Information

2 animated figures in HAZMAT suits with decontamination spray guns spraying the environment

HAZWOPER training has long been a staple of workplace safety programs in hazardous industries, but as regulations evolve and new workplace challenges emerge, the way companies deliver and apply this training is shifting rapidly. In 2025, the emphasis is no longer just on checking a compliance box—it's about adapting to a workforce and risk environment that looks very different than it did a few years ago.

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