Why HAZWOPER Training Matters

HAZWOPER

Oct 1

Every January, facility managers, safety professionals, and supervisors face the same critical task: making sure their teams are up to date with OSHA’s HAZWOPER training requirements.

If your employees work in environments where hazardous materials may be present — or even visit sites where they could be exposed — proper training isn’t optional. It’s a federal requirement under OSHA 29 CFR 1910.120.

What Is HAZWOPER Training?

HAZWOPER stands for Hazardous Waste Operations and Emergency Response. OSHA created this standard to protect workers at hazardous sites and ensure employers maintain safe operations.

There are several levels of training, but the two most common are:

24-Hour HAZWOPER Technician Training
For employees with limited or occasional exposure to hazardous substances. Workers must complete 24 hours of training plus one day of supervised field experience before entering a hazardous waste site.
8-Hour Annual Refresher
Required every year for anyone who has previously completed the 24-hour or 40-hour training. This ensures your staff stays current on hazard recognition, protective equipment, emergency response, and the latest OSHA updates.

Why Compliance Matters

Failing to maintain annual training puts your organization at risk in more ways than one:

Safety risks: Workers who don’t recognize hazards are more likely to get injured or expose others.
Regulatory fines: OSHA citations can cost thousands of dollars — not including lost productivity.
Operational delays: Untrained staff can’t legally perform work in certain environments, leading to costly downtime.
Employee confidence: Staff who are trained properly feel safer, more capable, and more engaged in their work.

Why January Is the Perfect Time

HAZWOPER certificates are valid for just one year. By scheduling training in January, you ensure your workforce is OSHA-compliant for the entire calendar year, avoiding lapses that can happen later.

That’s why Superior Industrial Refrigeration hosts Superior Safety Days in January, offering both the 8-hour refresher and the 24-hour technician course at convenient in-person locations.

Ogden, UT – January 12–15, 2026
Nampa, ID – January 26–29, 2026

Local, In-Person Training Matters

While some courses are offered online, our in-person trainings are led by experienced instructors who understand real-world facility and site conditions. Your team won’t just “check a box”, they’ll leave with the confidence and practical skills to apply OSHA standards on the job.