Is your office manager up to date on hazardous waste training requirements? Anybody who handles hazardous waste in some capacity must have certification in this area. Even someone who signs a manifest for shipping hazardous waste needs certification.
If you’re looking for a class to fulfill these hazardous waste training requirements, the good news is a class is available. In fact, the Wisconsin Healthcare for a Healthy Environment (WH2E) is holding a training session in May. Those who might benefit from being up to date on their hazardous waste training requirements should consider attending. This is especially for those who have not gone to training in last three years. Most important, this class is for those who work as an Environmental Service, Safety or Facilities Manager. Or, for those work in Plant Operations.
Why the Need to Meet Hazardous Waste Training Requirements?
According to the Environmental Protection Agency, hazardous waste is “dangerous or potentially harmful to our health or the environment.”
The EPA defines hazardous waste as a liquid, solid, gas or sludge. It can be discarded commercial products, like cleaning fluids or pesticides, or the by-products of manufacturing processes.
Because of the potential hazards, the EPA wants people to take extra precaution when handling, transporting and destroying hazardous waste. Many people incorrectly believe that only those who directly transport or destroy hazardous waste require training. In fact, even small tasks, like packaging hazardous materials, can only be done by personnel who have certification.
If you engage in any of the following activities as they relate to hazardous waste, you require training:
- Preparing/signing shipping papers
- Placarding
- Security
- Marking and labeling waste
- Packaging waste
- Loading and unloading of vehicles
Generally, training and certification cost $150. The WH2E is cutting the price of this training session to $50. It includes lunch, snacks and beverages. Both classes are necessary to receive the proper certifications for handling hazardous waste. Together, they’ll teach you how to compliantly generate, handle and transport hazardous waste.
One Training Session, Two Classes
The training session is one session that comprises two classes. First, a morning session that focuses on RCRA compliance. Second, an afternoon session that highlights DOT Transportation requirements.
Morning class: RCRA compliance for hazardous waste generators
The Recovery Conservation Recovery Act (RCRA) began in the 1970’s. Mainly, to help keep chemicals out of the water stream. The act requires any personnel who handles hazardous waste to “perform their duties in a way that ensures the facility’s compliance” with hazardous waste regulations.
This course teaches you how to proper handle and dispose of chemicals. In addition, it helps to identify chemicals that create a health hazard.
Here’s an overview of what you’ll learn:
- How to safely identify a chemical
- The characteristics of chemicals
- How to properly store and handle chemicals
- What disposal options you have for chemicals
- How to prepare packages containing hazardous chemicals for shipping
- Emergency preparedness
You may need to attend this class even if you’ve had previous RCRA training, as certification renewal is required every year.
Afternoon class: DOT Hazmat transportation overview
The second class focuses on shippers, handlers and transporters of hazardous waste. Attendees will get updates about regulatory changes and learn about the use and application of the 49 CFR Department of Transportation manual.
This training must take place least every 36 months. Or, it must take place whenever there is a regulation change that could affect an employee’s job duties.
So, if you handle, contact or transport hazardous waste in any capacity, you must be properly trained. By completing these two training courses, you’ll learn how to safely and compliantly dispose of hazardous waste. Most importantly, you’ll receive the certification to prove it.
Here are the details of the class:
- When: Tuesday, May 12, 2015
- Where: Hilton Garden Inn (101 E. Hiawatha Drive, Wisconsin Dells, WI 53965)
- Agenda: Check-In 8:30 – 9:00am, Class 9:00am – 4:00pm Cost: Discounted from $150 to $50/person. This is a WH2E event. Beverages, snacks and lunch will be provided.
- Payment: Make checks payable to WH2E or bring cash. Receipts will be available.
- To Register: Fax your information to 608-257-7656 by Thursday, May 7, 2015.
- Certification: A certificate of completion will be given to you upon completion.
