Cleanup Operations

HAZWOPER covers all cleanup operations of hazardous substances that take place at uncontrolled hazardous waste sites.

According to OSHA, this includes (but is not limited to) the following types of cleanup operations listed by a federal, state, or local government:

• The EPA's National Priority Site List (NPL): The EPA's National Priority Site List (NPL) is the list of known sites releasing (or threatening to release) hazardous substances, pollutants, or contaminants throughout the United States or any of its territories. The NPL helps the EPA determine which sites require further investigation.
• State priority site lists: States may provide lists of sites ranked by priority of necessary cleanup.
• Sites recommended for the EPA NPL: The Administrator of the EPA publishes a list of sites that require a timely resolution of specific issues to expedite cleanup and redevelopment efforts. This list is designed to spur action at sites where opportunities exist to act quickly and comprehensively.

Note that HAZWOPER may also extend to sites that have not yet been deemed hazardous. The OSHA website states that HAZWOPER extends to the investigation of any site the government identifies before the presence or absence of hazardous substances has been ascertained.

To learn more about HAZWOPER visit our HAZWOPER 40 Hour Online Training web page.