OSHA and the DOT require different types of training based on the regulations for the transportation, storage, and usage of hazardous materials. The requirements can be confusing. To clarify them, we created a general guide outlining the different types of hazardous materials training and the employee roles that may need them.
Types of HazMat Training and Who Needs It
Hazard Communication
All new employees that may come into contact with hazardous materials on the job are required to complete Hazard Communication (also called HazCom) training.
With this training, they’ll be able to identify hazardous materials, Material Safety Data Sheets, Evacuation Procedures, and the company’s Standard Operating Procedures in the event of a hazardous material release.
Regulation: 29 CFR 1910.1200
DOT Hazardous Material Safety and Security
All HazMat personnel working at industries that transport, ship, or receive hazardous materials are required to complete DOT Hazardous Material Safety and Security training. This includes employees that unload, handle, label, or prepare/read shipping manifests.
The training is required within 90 days for new employees and must be completed every 3 years.
The training includes general awareness of HazMat Materials and function-specific training, safety training, and in-depth security training. For complete training information, visit our page.
Regulation: 49 CFR 172
Hazardous Material Awareness Training
Individuals who are likely to witness or discover a hazardous substance release and are responsible for notifying proper authorities are required to complete Hazardous Material Awareness Training. These individuals are responsible for initiating the emergency response sequence but take no further action.
Regulation: 29 CFR 1910.120
Hazardous Material Operations Level
Individuals who respond to hazardous material releases with the purpose of protecting nearby people, property, and environment need to complete Hazardous Material Operations Training. They are responsible for containing the release but not actually trying to stop it. This could include supervisors, equipment operators, or maintenance team members.
If the release of hazardous materials at your facility has the potential to impact the safety of employees, cause a fire, or damage facility property, we recommend that one crew on each shift complete this training so they can notify employees and isolate the area until a cleanup contractor can arrive.
Regulation: 29 CFR 1910.120
Hazardous Material Technician Level
Individuals who respond to releases with the purpose of stopping the release are required to complete the Hazardous Material Technician Training. These individuals are responsible for stopping the release of a chemical and cleaning up the hazardous material.
If you want to clean up hazardous material spills with on-site personnel, those employees will need to complete this training.
Regulation: 29 CFR 1910.120
Hazardous Material Incident Command
Individuals who assume control of the incident scene beyond the first Awareness level are required to complete Incident Command Training. These individuals are responsible for organizing and managing the team that is responding to a hazardous substance release.
Regulation: 29 CFR 1910.120
Need HazMat Training at your facility?
HazMat Solutions offers on-site HazMat Training for the types of HazMat Training outlined here. Each training is customized to the chemicals at your facility. Request a FREE Training Quote today.
Note: This is a general overview of training requirements for hazardous materials. There are other requirements for hazardous materials as it relates to Process Safety Management, Pollution Incident Prevention Plans, Spill Prevention Control, and Countermeasure Plans as well as Surface Water Run-off and Air Quality.