HAZWOPER 40-Hour case studies
HAZWOPER 40-Hour · Put your knowledge to work in context.
The 40-Hour HAZWOPER course is the initial off-site instruction described in OSHA's Hazardous Waste Operations and Emergency Response standard, 29 CFR 1910.120. Under paragraph (e)(3)(i), general site workers - equipment operators, general laborers, and supervisory personnel engaged in hazardous substance removal or other activities that expose or potentially expose them to hazardous substances and health hazards - must receive a minimum of 40 hours of instruction off the site, plus a minimum of three days of actual field experience under the direct supervision of a trained, experienced supervisor. The HAZWOPER 40-Hour case studies are 5 cases and about 2,210 words.
1Who Has the Authority to Stop the Job?
A 40-person remediation crew is excavating petroleum-contaminated soil at a former fuel terminal. The written site safety and health plan (SSHP) assigns the Site Safety and Health Officer (SSHO) responsibility for "halting work when conditions threaten worker health." At 10:15 a.m., the SSHO's 4-gas meter alarms in the excavation at 35 ppm H2S (ceiling alarm set at 10 ppm); two laborers 8 feet down report dizziness.
428 words, about 2 min2Interpreting a 4-Gas Meter in a Utility Vault
A crew is preparing to enter a 6-foot-deep concrete utility vault on a former manufactured-gas-plant site. Before entry, the attendant lowers a calibrated 4-gas meter (O2/LEL/H2S/CO) on a line and reads, at the bottom: O2 19.4%, LEL 8%, H2S 0 ppm, CO 0 ppm.
451 words, about 2 min3Contamination Control at the Decon Line
Workers are removing drums and visibly contaminated soil at a former plating shop. Contaminants of concern include hexavalent chromium and cadmium.
485 words, about 2 min4Respirator Selection When the Monitor Is Blind
A crew is hand-digging test pits at a former dry cleaner to locate a PCE release. Air monitoring consists of a 4-gas meter; there is no PID on site.
412 words, about 2 min5Medical Surveillance After a Chlorine Release
A sodium hypochlorite line ruptures at a wastewater pretreatment area, releasing a chlorine cloud. Three workers are affected: Worker A was in the plume for about 30 seconds, coughed, and has a sore throat but is otherwise stable.
434 words, about 2 min