HAZWOPER for Cleanup Operations
Written Program
The essential HAZWOPER requirement for cleanup operations is a written safety and health program. This program describes the work policies, practices, and procedures that employees who do cleanup work must follow.
Chain of Command
The written program must also describe the chain of command at the site.
A chain of command links one person with overall responsibility for managing site operations to others responsible for carrying out specific tasks.
Those included in the chain of command are:
- general supervisor, who directs site operations
- site safety-and-health supervisor, who has authority and knowledge to develop the program and who can ensure that it complies with HAZWOPER requirements
- those involved in cleanup operations at the site
- those who will respond to emergencies at the site
One site-specific safety and health program for cleanup operations is acceptable if it covers all tasks, operations, and employers on the site, and if the employees are trained to use the plan. However, each contractor or subcontractor at the site must comply with HAZWOPER requirements.
If a written workplace safety-and-health program is in place, the employer does not need to develop another one just for cleanup operations. However, the site-specific program must address conditions at the site and include the following information:
- Worksite organizational structure
- Comprehensive work plan
- Site-specific health and safety plan (HASP)
- Safety and health training program
- Medical surveillance program
- Standard operating procedures for safety and health
Knowledge Check Choose the best answer for the question.
2-1. Who has authority and knowledge to develop the safety and health program and who can ensure that it complies with HAZWOPER requirements?
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