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661 HAZWOPER for General Site Workers II
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661 HAZWOPER for General Site Workers II

Emergency Responder Training

Emergency responders must be trained before their participation in emergency response operations. Their training must be based on the functions and duties the responders will be expected to perform.

Three employees receiving HAZMAT technician level training
These employees are receiving HAZMAT technician level training.

For example:

  • If an employee is simply expected to notify the emergency response team upon discovery of an emergency release and evacuate from the area, the employee would be trained to the first reponder awareness level; or
  • If an employee who is responding initially in a defensive manner for the purpose of protecting nearby persons, property, or the environment from the effects of the release, but does not approach the point of release, the employee would be trained to the first responder operations level.
  • If the employee is expected to approach the point of release to stop the release, the employee would minimally need to be trained to the HAZMAT technician level.
  • If an employee is expected to have more direct and specific knowledge of the various hazardous substances and to assist the HAZMAT technician in the response, the employee would minimally need to be trained to the HAZMAT specialist level.

Consequently, employers must evaluate the roles and tasks employees will perform and train them appropriately.

In addition to the training levels established in the standard for emergency responders, two additional personnel classifications are provided:

  • Skilled support personnel (SSP) are employees who are needed to temporarily perform immediate emergency support work (e.g., excavator operators). SSP must be provided an initial site briefing covering PPE use, the chemical hazards involved, and the tasks to be performed.
  • Specialist employees are those who, during their regular job duties, work with and are trained in the hazards of specific hazardous substances. They may be called upon to provide technical advice or assistance at a hazardous substance release incident.

Knowledge Check Choose the best answer for the question.

5-5. John works at a hazardous waste site as a general worker. If he discovers an emergency release, he is expected to notify the emergency response team and evacuate the area. What level of emergency responder training should John receive?

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