OSHA HAZWOPER Standard Information Collection Extended - Public Comment Period Open
OSHA is seeking public comments on extending the Office of Management and Budget’s (OMB) approval of information collection requirements under the Hazardous Waste Operations and Emergency Response (HAZWOPER) Standard. The Federal Register notice published May 8, 2026, opens a 60-day public comment period. This is a routine administrative extension, not a change to HAZWOPER training or safety requirements.
What Information Collection Requirements Apply
The HAZWOPER Standard requires employers to maintain specific documentation:
- Training records: Initial 40-hour or 24-hour training completion, annual 8-hour refresher training, and supervisor training records
- Medical surveillance records: Pre-assignment medical exams, periodic medical surveillance, and termination medical exams for covered employees
- Site safety plans: Written safety and health programs for hazardous waste operations
- Air monitoring data: Personal exposure monitoring results and area monitoring records
- Incident reports: Documentation of accidents, injuries, and near-miss events during hazardous waste operations
These recordkeeping requirements apply to environmental consulting firms, remediation contractors, emergency response teams, and any employer whose workers face potential exposure to hazardous substances during cleanup operations.
How This Affects Environmental Site Work
CERCLA and RCRA Corrective Action Sites
If your firm conducts investigation or remediation work at contaminated sites, HAZWOPER training and documentation requirements apply to field personnel. The 40-hour HAZWOPER training is required for workers at uncontrolled hazardous waste sites. The 24-hour training applies to workers at sites with known contaminants and established exposure controls.
Emergency Response Operations
Environmental consultants providing emergency spill response services must maintain HAZWOPER-trained personnel and complete documentation. This includes response to petroleum releases, chemical spills, and other hazardous substance incidents.
Ohio-Specific Applications
Ohio note: Ohio’s Bureau of Underground Storage Tank Regulations (BUSTR) and Voluntary Action Program (VAP) sites often require HAZWOPER-trained personnel for investigation and remediation activities. Ohio EPA does not have separate training requirements beyond federal HAZWOPER standards.
What to Do Now
If your firm employs HAZWOPER-trained personnel:
- Review current recordkeeping: Ensure training records, medical surveillance files, and site safety documentation meet current requirements
- Submit comments: The 60-day comment period closes July 7, 2026. Comments should address the burden, necessity, or accuracy of the information collection requirements
- Plan for continued compliance: The extension maintains existing documentation requirements through the next three-year approval cycle
Bottom Line
This is an administrative extension of existing HAZWOPER recordkeeping requirements, not a change to training standards or safety protocols. Environmental consulting firms already subject to HAZWOPER requirements will continue operating under current documentation and training standards. For specific training requirements and site safety protocols, see our field guides.