These hospital employees, who may be termed first receivers, work at a site remote from the location where the hazardous substance release occurred.1 This means that their exposures are limited to the substances transported to the hospital on victims skin, hair, clothing, or personal effects (Horton et al., 2003). It is possible for the first responder at the awareness level to assume the duties of incident commander until a more senior and appropriately trained individual arrives at the response site. (p) Hands-on exercises and demonstrations of competency with equipment to illustrate the basic equipment principles that may be used during the performance of work duties, including the donning and doffing of PPE. The training facility should have available sufficient resources, equipment, and site locations to perform didactic and hands-on training when appropriate. 6. We have a plethora of degreed personnel with several disciplines and backgrounds in our organization. Region V (1) First responder awareness level. 11. Question 3: Can defensive action begin if the IC's presence is imminent? Incident commanders shall receive at least 24 hours of training equal to the first responder operations level and in addition have competency in the following areas and the employer shall so certify: (A) Know and be able to implement the employer's incident command system. 1. However, if the process operator takes action beyond that for which they are trained, and the action is comparable to the active role that a hazardous materials technician (offensive action within the hot zone or danger area) would take, such action would be a training violation under 1910.120(q)(6)(iii). Demonstration of the training director's leadership in assuring quality of health and safety training. General firefighters are usually considered to be first responders at the operations level (Level 2 of Table 2 referenced in your letter), since they are individuals who respond to releases -potential releases of hazardous substances as part of the initial-response to the site for the purpose of protecting nearby persons, property, or the environment from the effects of the release. Ratios. Training Plan. The applicable EPA regulations are identical to those under OSHA, but are administered and enforced by the EPA. 2. (1) A laminated, dated card or certificate with photo, denoting limitations and level of protection for which the employee is trained should be issued to those students successfully completing a course. Post Office Box 209 (e) A review of the employer's decontamination program and procedures. Question 1: Can refrigeration process operators act in accordance with the CPL in Scenario A, even though they are trained as operations level responders? "Hands-on training" means training in a simulated work environment that permits each student to have experience performing tasks, making decisions, or using equipment appropriate to the job assignment for which the training is being conducted. Evidence that the training organizational structure suits the needs of the training program. Adequacy and appropriateness of disciplines and expertise being used within the quality control and evaluation program. What is recommended to improve the program? However, OSHA recognizes that first receivers have somewhat different training and personal protective equipment (PPE) needs than workers in the hazardous substance Release Zone, a point clarified through letters of interpretation (OSHA, 2002a). (G) Review of the expected hazards including fire and explosions hazards, confined space hazards, electrical hazards, powered equipment hazards, motor vehicle hazards, and walking-working surface hazards. (B) Hands-on experience with the U.S. Department of Transportation's Emergency Response Guidebook (ERG) and familiarization with OSHA standard 29 CFR 1910.1201. (s) Training in the job skills required for an employee's job function and responsibility before they are permitted to participate in or supervise field activities. On scene incident commander. 1. National Environmental Trainers (D) Safe distances and places of refuge. e. Name and address of the training provider. Demonstration of the competency of the staff to meet the demands of delivering high quality hazardous waste employee health and safety training. This is no groundbreaking concept. 3. The training facility should have available sufficient resources, equipment, and site locations to perform didactic and hands-on training when appropriate. OSHA requirements are set by statute, standards and regulations. Some of the smaller facilities have decided on training to a higher level to allow their members to be part of a team. Are appropriate facilities and staff available? (D) Review of procedures for implementing actions consistent with the local emergency response plan, the organization's standard operating procedures, and the current edition of DOT's ERG including emergency notification procedures and follow-up communications. Just because you spend your days working in an office, doesn't mean that you are completely safe from hazards and potential on the job injuries. prior to the IC's presence at the scene. Adequacy and appropriateness of the role of student evaluations to provide feedback for training program improvement. (k) A review of an employer's requirements to implement a training program and its elements. Your letter was forwarded to our office for a reply and we apologize for the delay in response. Recordkeeping. 6. The IC must be notified expeditiously by a predetermined chain of communication. First responders at the operational level shall have received at least eight hours of training or have sufficient experience to objectively demonstrate competency in the following areas in addition to those listed for the awareness level (1910.120(q) (6) (i)) and the employer shall so certify: (A) Knowledge of the basic hazard and risk assessment techniques. Under Section Q6 with reference to training requirements, I would like to receive clarification as to what type of personnel are in the following five levels. Our interpretation letters explain these requirements and how they apply to particular circumstances, but they cannot create additional employer obligations. Suggested Training Curriculum Guidelines The following training curriculum guidelines are for those operations specifically identified in 29 CFR 1910.120 as requiring training. Learn more about select courses under Safety - Training Courses. The IC must be notified expeditiously by a predetermined chain of communication. Is my facility required to train incident commanders? women; by authorizing enforcement of the standards developed under the (3) Methods and observations that may be used to detect the present or release of a hazardous chemical in the work area (such as monitoring conducted by the employer, continuous monitoring devices, visual appearances, or other evidence (sight, sound or smell) of hazardous chemicals being released, and applicable alarms from monitoring devices that record chemical releases. Answer: See above. (D) Review of procedures for implementing continuing response actions consistent with the local emergency response plan, the organization's standard operating procedures, and the current edition of DOT's ERG including extended emergency notification procedures and follow-up communications. Adequacy and appropriateness of the training program's curriculum development, instructor training, distribution of course materials, and direct student training should be considered, including: 1. c. The employer should provide hazardous waste employees information and training on personal protective equipment used at the site, such as the following: (1) PPE to be used based upon known or anticipated site hazards. Process operators' training requirements to take limited action in stopping an emergency release; role in an incident command system. I will attempt to answer your questions in the order they were presented in your letter and based on telephone conversations my staff has had with you. c. Course date. 2. Thank you for your August 25, 2003 letter to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) requesting guidance on the role of an Incident Commander (IC) 1910.120(q)(6)(v) and an operations level responder within 1910.120(q)(6)(ii). (2) Specific signs and symptoms related to exposure to hazardous materials on the site. (H) Review of the expected hazards including fire and explosions hazards, confined space hazards, electrical hazards, powered equipment hazards, motor vehicle hazards, and walking-working surface hazards. Lieutenant/EMS Coordinator 5. This cause Self-Contained Breathing Apparatus (SCBA), Understanding Ammonia Refrigeration Systems. Note that our enforcement guidance may be affected by changes to OSHA rules. (d) Introduction of additional subject areas as appropriate. (m) A review of the applicable appendices to 29 CFR 1910.120. Directorate of Enforcement Programs, Occupational Safety & Health Administration. Adequacy of the organization and appropriate resources assigned to assure appropriate training. 4. Scenario B: The second scenario involves personnel who have been trained to the operations level (1910.120(q)(6)(ii)). General Hazardous Waste Operations 2. Assurance that the student already possess the necessary skills for their job, including necessary documentation. 12. The duration of training, course content, and course schedules/agendas; 2. Companies will ultimately be responsible for all actions taken. Is the program accomplishing its objectives? The location of the site safety plan and all written programs should be discussed with employees including a discussion of the mechanisms for access, review, and references described. EMI will launch the new Learning Management System in the late summer, 2023 in order to implement new enhancements necessary to support the best student experience. On-site training. Start and stop as needed and have all of your progress saved where you left off. Is the program providing quality employee health and safety training that fully meets the intent of regulatory requirements? North Aurora, Illinois 60542. Appropriateness and adequacy of the training methods used by the instructors. (9) Container sampling procedures and safeguarding; general drum and container handling procedures including special requirement for laboratory waste packs, shock-sensitive wastes, and radioactive wastes. Process operators addressed in your Scenario A are not considered "emergency responders" and, therefore, cannot perform all of the functions assigned to the First Responders Operations Level. First responder operations level workers are not required to be trained to the level of an IC. (3) Safe work practices and general site safety. Answer: Yes. (10) Use, care, and limitations of personal protective equipment. Do they fit into level one as indicated on the attached table or do they fit into level two - First responder? Section 1. 472, Professional Competence of Responders to Hazardous Materials Incidents. (q) Sources of reference, efficient use of relevant manuals, and knowledge of hazard coding systems to include information contained in hazardous waste manifests. 7. This online course provides 4 hours of additional HAZWOPER training required for on-scene incident commanders. Adequacy and appropriateness of the quality control and evaluations program to account for instructor performance. 6, 1898, as amended at 55 FR 14073, Apr. Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970 "To assure safe and healthful working conditions for working men and . For example, Type 1 qualifications include the qualifications in Type 2, plus an increase in capability. For Level A or Level B personal protective equipment the ratio should be 5 students per instructor. Successful completion and certification of tasks (#4, 6, 15, 21, 33, 34, 38, 39, 44) in the NWCG Incident Commander Type 4 (ICT4) Position Task Book, PMS 311-03, on a wildland fire incident. Winslow, AR 72959 OSHA logo and review of website do not imply endorsement or approval. (1) An review of 29 CFR 1910.120 and the core elements of an occupational safety and health program. What are the program's main strengths? The annual review by the Training Director should include observation of an instructor's delivery, a review of those observations with the trainer, and an analysis of any instructor or class evaluations completed by the students during the previous year. Is the course material current and relevant to the target group? (7) Emergency procedures, first aid, and self-rescue. A copy of the standard is enclosed for your information. Question 4: Can the IC be a trained person from the facility, or must they be from the outside agency who will command the technician level responders? It is specifically aimed at ammonia users, but will relate to many other chemicals. Emergency response organizations may use some or all of the following topics to supplement those mandatory topics when developing their response training programs. (6) An explanation of the labeling system and safety data sheets and how employees can obtain and use appropriate hazard information. Safety Solutions and Supply's 8-hour Hazardous Waste Operations and Emergency Response (HAZWOPER) Incident Command meets the requirements outlined in OSHA 29 CFR 1910.120. Therefore, proper and extensive training of not only the Incident Commander, but also the other employees is crucial. b. An office is still filled with people, and people are prone to mistakes that can lead to minor or severe accidents. g. List of the levels of personal protective equipment used by the student to complete the course. Basic core requirements for training programs that are addressed include: 1. (B) Hands-on experience with written and electronic information relative to response decision making including but not limited to the U.S. Department of Transportation's Emergency Response Guidebook (ERG), manufacturer safety data sheets, CHEMTREC/CANUTEC, shipper or manufacturer contacts, computer data bases and response models, and other relevant sources of information addressing hazardous substance releases. Also, from time to time we update our guidance in response to new information. (4) A curriculum should be established for the 8-hour refresher training required by 29 CFR 1910.120(e)(8), with delivery of such courses directed toward those areas of previous training that need improvement or reemphasis. Director Designate Adequacy and appropriateness of disciplines and expertise being used within the quality control and evaluation program. Know how to implement the employer's emergency response plan. (2) Attendance should be required at all training modules, with successful completion of exercises and a final written or oral examination with at least 50 questions. Course materials. A balanced advisory committee and/or competent outside reviewers to give overall policy guidance; 2. 4. Clearly defined staff duties including the relationship of the training staff to the overall program. All facilities have an outside agency delineated in their Emergency Response Plan (ERP) that will act as hazardous material technicians in the event of an incident requiring an emergency response. 3. Review and compliance with any medical clearance policy. The required training also includes instruction on how to accurately and fully report the necessary information to an "alarm dispatcher" so that subsequent emergency responders are fully informed. Federal OSHA standards in 29 CFR 1910.120(q) are directed toward private sector emergency responders. Michael J. Fagel 230 S. Dearborn Street Occupational Safety and Health Program: Each hazardous waste site clean-up effort will require an occupational safety and health program headed by the site coordinator or the employer's representative. 1910.156(c)(2)-Training (Frequency) At leastquarterlyfor interior 2. 11635 Northpark Dr, Suite 360 Ms. Roygene Harmon (C) Review of the principles and practices for analyzing an incident to determine the hazardous substances present, their physical and chemical properties, the likely behavior of the hazardous substance and its container, the types of hazardous substance transportation containers and vehicles involved in the release, the appropriate strategy for approaching release sites and containing the release. Training Requirements by Standard; Therefore, the guidelines provided in this portion of the appendix are directed toward that employee population. If you have additional questions concerning coverage under the EPA regulations, I suggest that you contact: Vickie Santoro United States Environmental Protection Agency ERT (MS101) Woodbridge Avenue Building 18 Edison, New Jersey 08837 (201) 906-6917. 2. The written test and skill demonstration should be updated as necessary to reflect changes in the curriculum and any update should be approved by the Training Director. Program quality control. Answer: See above. (3) Hazardous materials technician. (9) Storage, handling, use and transportation of hazardous substances. The proficiency assessment methods, regardless of the approach or combination of approaches used, should be justified, documented and approved by the Training Director. (b) Update on developments with respect to material covered in the 40-hour course. Directorate of Compliance Programs b. To keep apprised of such developments, you can consult OSHA's website at https://www.osha.gov. (2) Activities and locations in their work area where hazardous substance may be present. Hospitals also can anticipate a large number of self-referred victims (as many as 80 percent of the total number of victims) and assume victims will not have been decontaminated prior to arriving at the hospital (Auf der Heide, 2002; Barbera and Macintyre, 2003; Vogt, 2002; Okumura et al., 1996). What makes a company qualified to train incident commanders? (e) Hands-on review of new or altered PPE or decontamination equipment or procedures. As we all know, it is imperative that we can rely on our Emergency Response Plans. The chain of communication needs to be clearly defined in the facility emergency response plan (ERP) in the event of a release that would require an emergency response. (I) Awareness and knowledge of the competencies for the Off-site Specialist Employee covered in the National Fire Protection Association's Standard No. Training and competency requirements for on scene incident commanders who will assume control of the incident scene beyond the first responder awareness level are delineated in 29 CFR 1910.120(q) (6) (v). The required training for Emergency Response Workers is HAZWOPER First Responder Operations (FRO) Annual Refresher, HAZMAT Specialist 29 CFR, and 8-Hour HAZWOPER Incident Command. If you have any further questions, please feel free to contact the Office of Health Enforcement at (202) 693-2190. 2. 3. (b) Review of relevant hazards such as, but not limited to, chemical, biological, and radiological exposures; fire and explosion hazards; thermal extremes; and physical hazards. Program modifications to address deficiencies, if any, should be documented, approved, and implemented by the training provider. (5) Review and knowledge of confined space entry procedures in 29 CFR 1910.146. (E) Ability to adjust the response plan to the conditions of the response and to notify higher levels of response when required by the changes to the response plan. (7) Safe use of engineering controls, equipment, and any new relevant safety technology or safety procedures. Other scales might have been used and OSHA does not promote this or any other scheme. Safety, c. Personal protective equipment (PPE), d. Operational procedures, e. Employee protection practices/procedures. The documentation should include: a. Instructors. (1) Type of potential exposures to chemical, biological, and radiological hazards; types of human responses to these hazards and recognition of those responses; principles of toxicology and information about acute and chronic hazards; health and safety considerations of new technology. One or more of the peer reviewers should be an employee experienced in the work activities to which the training is directed. Regional Administrator B. RCRA Operations Training for Treatment, Storage and Disposal Facilities. In the case of multiple-site programs, equipment and facilities at the satellite centers. The Training Director should conduct or direct an annual written audit of the training program. (E) Review of the principles and practice for proper selection and use of personal protective equipment. In those circumstances where the facility IC relinquishes command to an outside IC, the lines of authority must be clearly defined and procedures delineated in the facility's ERP. (4) Emergency response plan and procedures as outlined in 29 CFR 1910.38 and 29 CFR 1910.120(l). 8. Our online training certifies you to be an OSHA Incident Commander, which is a position required at every emergency hazardous or chemical incident response, and fulfills your OSHA training requirement under 29 CFR 1910.120 (q) for Incident/Scene Commander. . Appropriateness of methods the program uses to ensure that recruits are capable of satisfactorily completing training. The decisions made by the Incident Commander have the potential to change the lives of the people in and around the facility. Program management, Training Director, staff, and consultants. The 8-hour annual refresher training required in 29 CFR 1910.120(e)(8) should be conducted by qualified training providers. This letter constitutes OSHA's interpretation of the requirements discussed. Worst-case scenarios take into account challenges associated with communication, resources, and victims. The mandatory result of the training, regardless of its duration, is that the trained employees be able "to objectively demonstrate competency" in the six areas of knowledge listed in the standard. HAZMAT Emergency Response Operations Level Training Course - as required by OSHA 29 CFR 1910.120(q) for individuals who initially respond in a defensive fashion to releases of hazardous substances for the purpose of protecting life, property, or the environment. (A) Review of and demonstration of competency in performing the applicable skills of 29 CFR 1910.120(q). Answer: Yes. As a minimum, the training course required in 29 CFR 1910.120 (p) should include the following topics: (a) Review of the applicable paragraphs of 29 CFR 1910.120 and the elements of the employer's occupational safety and health plan. 8. OSHA requirements are set by statute, standards, and regulations. Are instructors instructing according to their training outlines? Are incident commanders required to attend annual refresher training? Incident Commander Training, Essential for Everyone, The Critical Elements of Incident Response. These are generic guidelines and they are not presented as a complete training curriculum for any specific employer. (H) Awareness and knowledge of the competencies for the Hazardous Materials Technician covered in the National Fire Protection Association's Standard No. (5) Site safety plans and standard operating procedures. (7) Elements of the site emergency response plan, including: (A) Pre-emergency planning. Additionally, he/she must have the competency to implement the employers incident command system, emergency response plan, understand hazard risk, know how local emergency responders will interact and know how state emergency response works. Suggested General Criteria Definitions: "Competent" means possessing the skills, knowledge, experience, and judgment to perform assigned tasks or activities satisfactorily as determined by the employer. 5. Our team is standing by to help with your hazmat training needs. Training providers should maintain records listing the dates courses were presented, the names of the individual course attenders, the names of those students successfully completing each course, and the number of training certificates issued to each successful student. Utilizing the Incident Command system developed by the fire industry, the commander will learn how to integrate with all outside agencies. Demonstrated competency in the skills and knowledge provided in a 40-hour course should be a prerequisite for supervisor training. E. Students Adequacy and appropriateness of the program for accepting students should be considered, including: 1. (c) Review of changes to pertinent provisions of EPA or OSHA standards or laws. Maximum exposure limits Hazardous substance handling procedures Use of any new technologies Specific personal protective equipment (PPE) requirements such as respirators Limiting the number of emergency response personnel at the emergency site 1910.120(q)(6)(v) states that anyone who assumes control of the incident beyond the first responder awareness level shall have at least 24 hours of training. (E) Review of procedures for implementing continuing response actions consistent with the local emergency response plan, the organization's standard operating procedures, including knowledge of the available public and private response resources, establishment of an incident command post, direction of hazardous material technician teams, and extended emergency notification procedures and follow-up communications. C. Emergency response training. What is the training sequence for Emergency Response Workers? Occupational Safety and Health Administration, Outreach Training Program (10- and 30-hour Cards), OSHA Training Institute Education Centers, Severe Storm and Flood Recovery Assistance. (2) First responder operations level. Each training program should be under the direction of a training director who is responsible for the program. (5) A curriculum should be established for the required 8-hour training for supervisors. Issues such as qualifications of instructors, training certification, and similar criteria appropriate to all categories of operations addressed in 1910.120 have been covered in the preceding section and are not re-addressed in each of the generic guidelines. (6) Decontamination procedures and practices. 9. Exact dates have not been determined and plenty of notice will be given once they have been set. (2) Safety and health hazards present on the site. If a written test is used, there should be a minimum of 50 questions. Our interpretation letters explain these requirements and how they apply to particular circumstances, but they cannot create additional employer obligations. Technical knowledge. Question 2: Does the IC have to be physically present before defensive response steps can be taken? (8) Safe use of field equipment. Familiarization with OSHA standard 29 CFR 1910.1201. (5) Safe use of engineering controls and equipment available on site. The program for accepting students should include: a. 7. Trained incident commanders reduce the cost involved, including loss of life, property and even the business. OSHA requires that all personnel who are expected to lead the response teams that respond to spills or leaks must have this training. (f) Emergency response plan and procedures including first aid meeting the requirements of paragraph (p)(8). (j) A review of decontamination programs and procedures meeting the requirements of 29 CFR 1910.120(p)(4). Without incident commander training, the individuals in charge will not have a clear understanding of the regulations required during a hazmat response. (A) Review of and demonstration of competency in performing the applicable skills of 29 CFR 1910.120(q). (E) Review of the principles and practice for proper selection and use of personal protective equipment. This letter constitutes OSHA's interpretation of the requirements discussed. Suggested Program Quality Control Criteria Factors listed here are suggested criteria for determining the quality and appropriateness of employee health and safety training for hazardous waste operations and emergency response. (3) Selection, use, maintenance, and limitations of personal protective equipment specific to the site. OSHA requirements are set by statute, standards and regulations. TRAINING REQUIREMENTS. The proficiency of those taking the additional courses for supervisors should be evaluated and documented by using proficiency assessment methods acceptable to the Training Director. (4) Maintenance and availability of records. Without incident commander training, the individuals in charge will not have a clear understanding of the regulations required during a hazmat response. The OSHA HAZWOPER Standard (29 CFR Part 1910.120) - requires that all workers that are exposed to or handle hazardous materials must take a 24hr or 40hr HAZWOPER Training Course and an 8hr Annual Refresher. Answer: No. 7. 10470 W. Devils Den Road Answer: ICs may be from the facility, provided they have had appropriate training in accordance with 1910.120(q)(6)(v). Proficiency should be evaluated and documented by the use of a written assessment and a skill demonstration selected and developed by the Training Director and training staff.