Haz-ard-ous adj.: involving or exposing one to risk (as of loss or harm)

Ma-te-ri-al n: (1): the elements, constituents, or substances of which something is composed or can be made (2): matter that has qualities which give it individuality and by which it may be categorized/

Protecting the health and safety of workers is a major concern when hazardous materials are present at a site. Not only must site workers do a variety of technical tasks correctly and efficiently, but they must also work in often unpredictable and potentially dangerous environment. By adequately equipping and training workers and by using the appropriate standard operating procedures, the possibility for harm from exposure to hazardous materials can be greatly reduced.

The United States Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has established regulations governing the health and safety of workers engaged in hazardous waste operations and emergency response. These regulations are general requirements and coded in the Title 29 Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) 1910.120.

The table for CFR is divided into 50 titles and Chapters. Title 29 includes all the federal labor related laws, included is fair hiring practices, minimum wage regulations, and enforcement of safety laws in the workplace.

A quote from a government official describing what constitutes a hazardous material is "A hazardous material is any substance that jumps out at you when something goes wrong and hurts or harms the thing it touches."

Hazwoper courses are designed for those who need training and certification to work at a hazardous waste site (CERCLA, RCRA or state or local government sites) or who are involved in emergency response to hazardous waste or hazardous materials such as from leaks, spills, accidents or fires.

All employees who are potentially exposed to the release of, or involved in the clean up of hazardous materials, regardless of the location of the hazardous material, unless the employer can demonstrate that the operation does not involve employee exposure or the reasonable possibility for employee exposure to safety or health hazards will need to be trained and certified in Hazmat. Examples of those who need certification are equipment operators, mechanics, service personnel, support staff, business managers/supervisors, transportation workers, all hazmat workers and other persons responsible for health and safety training.

These training and certification courses include, but are not limited to: (a) The 40-hour HAZWOPER that is designed for those workers who regularly engage in hazardous waste operations; (b) The 24-hour HAZWOPER that is designed for those workers that regularly or occasionally participate in activities involving hazardous waste but are not expected to be exposed to levels above permissible exposure/published limits and; (c) The 8-hour refresher course for those who have completed the 24 or 40-hour courses.