RCRA & DOT Training
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) oversees the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA) that addresses the safety and management of the tons of hazardous waste generated nationwide. The U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) regulates air, water, rail and highway transportation of hazardous materials (hazmat). RCRA and DOT jointly regulate hazardous waste transportation. Training is required of all hazmat handlers.
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Functional Requirements
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RCRA requires training of businesses that generate hazardous waste. The U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) training and the Hazardous Waste Operations and Emergency Response Standard (HAZWOPER), overlaps RCRA requirements. DOT requires training of businesses that transport hazardous materials or waste. The U.S. Coast Guard oversees oil tanker regulations. RCRA and DOT training help firefighters and first responders respond to potential hazmat incidents.
Features
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DOT training is job-specific and general awareness. It includes hazmat loading, manifesting, signage, and transportation safety and security, including driver training. RCRA training looks at hazardous waste management -- safe handling, storage and disposal of dangerous waste and regulations required of toxic waste generators.
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Resources
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The EPA and DOT offer online and classroom training resources. Community colleges and hazmat training centers and organizations are other training options.
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References
- U.S. Environmental Protection Agency: Summary of the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act
- Bureau of Dangerous Goods: Hazmat Training
- HazMat University.com: 49 CFR Training (DOT Ground) Training - Initial
- Research and Innovation Technology Administration (RITA) Transportation Safety Institute: Hazardous Materials/Motor Carrier Training
- Environmental Resource Center: Hazardous Waste Management
- U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA): Professional Training
Resources
- Photo Credit Dangerous when wet placard image by k9dg from Fotolia.com