660 HAZWOPER for General Site Workers I

How Does HAZWOPER Apply to Brownfields?

To be covered under HAZWOPER, a brownfield must meet the definition of an hazardous waste site: Any area identified as such by a governmental body where an accumulation of hazardous substances creates a threat to the health and safety of individuals or the environment.

A brownfield site near Seattle, Washington

Brownfields generally fall under HAZWOPER 1910.120(a) (1)(iii): "Voluntary clean-up operations at sites recognized by Federal, state, local or other governmental bodies as uncontrolled hazardous waste sites."

HAZWOPER 1910.120(b)-(o) applies to any work activity where hazardous substances are present. Work done for site characterization and cleanup operations are examples.
Construction activities done in areas where hazardous substances remain on-site and are managed in place fall under the scope of the HAZWOPER rules.
HAZWOPER does not apply to construction activities at sites where contamination has been removed to concentrations that do not endanger human health.

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5-3. What criteria must Brownfields meet to be covered under HAZWOPER?

A property must be a minimum of 50 years old and must not have been in use for a minimum of 10 years

A property where the accumulation of hazardous substances creates a threat to the health and safety of individuals or the environment

A property must be a minimum of 75 years old and must not have been in use for a minimum of 25 years

The property must be abandoned and an eyesore to the local community

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