Certified HAZWOPER First Responder Awareness Training (CHFRAT)

Course Description

In compliance with the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) regulation, this 8-hour first responder operations level training is designed to certify individuals who will be involved with Hazardous Waste Operations and Emergency Response (HAZWOPER). HAZWOPER first responders at the operations level are individuals who respond to releases or 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.

These responders are trained to act defensively without attempting to stop the release. Their primary function is to contain the release from a safe distance, prevent it from spreading, and minimize exposures to themselves and others. First responders at the operational level are required to have received at least eight hours of specialized training to perform their duties safely and effectively.

The regulatory requirements for this training are outlined in 29 Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) 1910.120 section q. and include essential knowledge and skills. Section 1910.120(q)(6)(ii)(A) emphasizes that responders must understand basic hazard and risk assessment techniques.

Additionally, section 1910.120(q)(6)(ii)(B) specifies that first responders must know how to select and properly use personal protective equipment provided for their level of operations. Section 1910.120(q)(6)(ii)(D) focuses on performing basic control, containment, and/or confinement operations within the capabilities of the available resources and protective equipment.

Finally, sections 1910.120(q)(6)(ii)(E) and 1910.120(q)(6)(ii)(F) require knowledge of implementing basic decontamination procedures and an understanding of relevant standard operating procedures and termination procedures. This ensures that first responders operate safely and in compliance with federal regulations while effectively managing hazardous incidents.

What You'll Learn

• Understand the role and responsibilities of the First Responder Awareness (FRA) level under OSHA HAZWOPER (29 CFR 1910.120).
• Recognize hazardous substances, warning signs, and indicators of a potential hazmat release.
• Identify safe initial actions, including notification procedures and scene isolation.
• Apply basic awareness-level strategies to protect self and others during a hazardous materials emergency.

Who Should Attend

Employees who may witness or discover a hazardous material release include security staff, maintenance workers, warehouse personnel, and plant operators. Safety officers and supervisors are responsible for emergency recognition, and all workers requiring regulatory compliance training must complete the HAZWOPER Awareness level.