Hazardous Materials Awareness Training

Not all hazards are so clearly labeled.

Various levels of hazardous materials training are available for people who may encounter these substances at their place of employment. These training levels focus on Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) standards as they relate to an employee's likelihood of exposure to hazardous materials.

Types

At the introductory level of OSHA awareness training is Hazard Communication, in which employers inform employees about any hazardous materials (hazmat) in the workplace. Formal hazardous materials training ranges from First Responder Awareness level, which teaches hazardous materials identification, to First Responder Operational, which serves a defensive function, through Hazmat Technician, Hazmat Specialist and On Scene Incident Commander.

Function

Hazardous materials awareness training teaches employees how to identify hazards in the workplace, call in the appropriate authorities and, after appropriate training, how to deal with a hazardous materials release.

Benefits

Appropriate hazardous materials awareness training can prevent or ameliorate human illness or injury caused by hazardous releases. It can also reduce damage to property.

References

• The National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences: New Jersey Hazmat Emergency Response Course
• HazMat Solutions: HazMat Awareness Training

Resources

• Alaska Fire Standards: Hazardous Materials Awareness