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HAZWOPER Technician 40hr (Initial)

This advanced course is delivered under the supervision of the Ivy Tech Environmental Management Institute (EMI) and meets the OSHA HAZWOPER requirements outlined in 29 CFR 1910.120(q) and 1926.59(q) for responders who must operate at levels beyond the Hazardous Materials Technician. OSHA recognizes two roles above the Technician level:

• HazMat Specialist

• Incident Commander

Instead of offering two separate minimal courses, EMI provides a comprehensive 40-hour HAZWOPER Professional program that fully prepares participants to perform both roles.

EMI’s combined Incident Commander / HazMat Specialist course is intentionally structured as an expanded 40-hour program to ensure safe, informed, and competent leadership during hazardous materials incidents. This course prepares responders to take charge of emergency operations, lead entry and backup teams, assess chemical and biological hazards, and coordinate overall response strategy.

Demonstrate proficiency in:

  • OSHA HAZWOPER requirements for emergency responders
  • Chemical, biological, and physical hazard classification and identification

Participants will also receive hands-on, integrated classroom training that reinforces:

  • Decision-making responsibilities of Incident Commanders
  • Liaison and oversight functions of HazMat Specialists
  • Selection and limitations of personal protective equipment (PPE) for response teams
  • Response strategy development for complex hazardous materials incidents