Waste Treatment, Transportation and Disposal, a 2.5-day advanced training course, focuses on specific technical and regulatory issues that On-Scene Coordinators (OSC) and Remedial Project Managers (RPM) must address when treating, transporting and disposing of waste. By taking the course, participants will achieve the following objectives:

• Learn a step-by-step approach to the treatment, transportation and disposal of waste. The course discusses oversight of the major steps in procuring cost-effective and efficient treatment, transportation and disposal of waste. The course explores the complex definitions of solid and hazardous waste and provides real-life examples of how to decide whether wastes are RCRA hazardous during a removal action.
• Discover practical recommendations for improving the treatment, transportation and disposal process. The course stresses some obvious and other less obvious aspects helpful in improving the transportation and disposal process.
• Master information about the identification and analysis of waste. Participants will obtain information from experienced professionals about the process of identifying and analyzing special waste types and to arrange for treatment, transportation and disposal of waste.

Waste Treatment, Transportation and Disposal is an advanced-level training course intended for EPA OSCs and other EPA removal program personnel. The course is designed to equip OSCs with the information they need to plan for the treatment, transportation and disposal of wastes generated from removal actions. Other EPA environmental professionals, such as RPMs, site assessment managers, remedial program staff, and Special Team members may also benefit from the course. THIS COURSE IS NOT OPEN TO OTHER FEDERAL AGENCIES, STATES, LOCAL AGENCIES, TRIBES, ACADEMIA, CONTRACTORS, CONSULTANTS OR OTHER PRIVATE ENTITIES.

*This course is offered free of charge to all registrants who are confirmed to attend.*

This 3-day course is designed for workers on site only occasionally for a specific limited task unlikely to be exposed over permissible exposure limits, or regularly on a site working in areas which have been monitored and fully characterized, and where respirators and wearing elevated protection levels of PPE are not necessary. It provides the basic information needed to meet the 24-hour training requirements of the OSHA 1910.120(e)(3)(ii) and 1910.120(e)(3)(iii) Hazardous Waste Operations and Emergency Response (HAZWOPER) Standard.

IMPORTANT:  All EPA staff travel required to attend this "In-Person" course is being closely monitored/scrutinized for mandatory cost compliance tracking.  Generally, this travel cost monitoring requirement is not applicable to non-U.S. EPA staff or partner agencies & staff when the partner agency is responsible for travel expenses related to their employee travel.

COURSE DESCRIPTION

This 5-day course is designed for personnel involved with the investigation and remediation of uncontrolled hazardous waste sites and, to a lesser extent, response to an incident involving hazardous substances. It provides basic information needed to meet the 40-hour training requirements of the OSHA 29 CFR 1910.120 (e)(3)(i) Hazardous Waste Operations and Emergency Response (HAZWOPER) standard.

After completing the course, participants will be able to:

• Identify methods and procedures for recognizing, evaluating, and controlling hazardous substances.
• Identify concepts, principles, and guidelines to properly protect site or response personnel.
• Discuss regulations and action levels to ensure health and safety of the workers.
• Discuss fundamentals needed to develop organizational structure and standard operating procedures.
• Demonstrate and comprehend respiratory program requirements and the selection and use of respiratory protection equipment and chemically protective clothing. Combined, these are known as Personal Protective Equipment (PPE).
• Demonstrate the use, calibration, and limitations of direct-reading air monitoring instruments.
• Participate in on-site clean-up operations conducted at uncontrolled hazardous waste sites, and clean-up operations at sites covered by the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act of 1976 (RCRA) as amended (42 U.S.C. 6901 et seq.).

Participants will be trained in hazardous waste operations, team functions, personnel health and safety procedures, and operation of field monitoring equipment.

Note: Completing this 40-hour HAZWOPER course provides the training required to access uncontrolled and fully monitored and characterized hazardous waste sites and participate in response activities to an incident involving hazardous materials, wearing elevated protection levels of PPE.  The 24-hour HAZWOPER course only provides training sufficient to access fully monitored and characterized hazardous waste sites and excludes training to wear elevated levels of PPE.

In some segments of the course, participants are required to wear PPE, including Level A encapsulating suits and self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA). It should be noted that wearing encapsulating suits may be stressful to some individuals and wearing respirators precludes individuals from wearing eyeglasses. Participants who are severely restricted without their glasses should be aware that their participation may be limited unless they have contact lenses and/or their own respirator spectacle kit. Respirator fit-testing is not required prior to attending this course.

NOTE: In accordance with the Respiratory Protection Standard, 29 CFR 1910.134(e), a medical clearance to wear a respirator is required to attend this course. Each student must include with their registration a formal verification from their safety officer, physician, or other licensed health care professional that clearly states that a medical evaluation has been completed and that the student has been medically cleared to wear respiratory protection equipment. This must be received prior to the course start date.

The medical questionnaire to be completed and provided to their safety officer or physician is located at 29 CFR 1910.134 Appendix C, OSHA Respirator Medical Evaluation Questionnaire.

Registration will not be completed, nor will confirmation be sent, until such proof is received by the HazTrain Registrar. If registration is done on-line, a copy of the respiratory document can be emailed to ERTP-H&S@epa.gov.

It is highly recommendedyou complete the FEMA Incident Command System (ICS) Classes 100, 200, 700 and 800 prior to attending. This training is available for free on the FEMA website.

The 40-hour HAZWOPER course is not a substitute for the EPA employee requirement of completing the initial 24-hour Field Safety & Health Training.  EPA employee managers and supervisors should contact their local Safety Health & Environmental Manager for more information.

29 CFR 1910.120 Select Regulation Descriptions:

1910.120(e)(3)(i)  40-Hour course for General Site Worker

General site workers (such as equipment operators, general laborers and supervisory personnel) engaged in hazardous substance removal or other activities which expose or potentially expose workers to hazardous substances and health hazards shall receive a minimum of 40 hours of instruction off the site, and a minimum of three days actual field experience under the direct supervision of a trained experienced supervisor.

1910.120(e)(3)(ii)  24-Hour course for occasional site workers

Workers on site only occasionally for a specific limited task (such as, but not limited to, ground water monitoring, land surveying, or geophysical surveying) and who are unlikely to be exposed over permissible exposure limits and published exposure limits shall receive a minimum of 24 hours of instruction off the site, and the minimum of one day actual field experience under the direct supervision of a trained, experienced supervisor.

1910.120(e)(3)(iii) 24-Hour course for regular workers on fully characterized sites

Workers regularly on site who work in areas which have been monitored and fully characterized indicating that exposures are under permissible exposure limits and published exposure limits where respirators are not necessary,and the characterization indicates that there are no health hazards or the possibility of an emergency developing, shall receive a minimum of 24 hours of instruction off the site, and the minimum of one day actual field experience under the direct supervision of a trained, experienced supervisor.

To view the complete regulation, please visit:

https://www.osha.gov/laws-regs/regulations/standardnumber/1910/1910.120

IMPORTANT NOTICES -- applicable to all ERTP training courses: 

1.  ERTP’s receipt of a Trainex course registration is a Registration Request, it is not a Guaranteed Enrollment in the Course. All ERTP training courses require applicant registration thru the Trainex system.  Last minute course arrivals without prior ERTP Trainex course registration approval is not permitted.  Before ERTP issues final approval to deliver any course and/or any EPA offices incurring expenses for the training event (including but not limited to EPA staff travel TA’s and/or ERTP training contractor expenses incurred), all EPA mandatory pre-approvals must all be met. The pre-approvals include (but are not limited to) the following:
Training location’s availability;
COVID status and/or other COVID Guidelines in effect for the location, as well as staff;

• Agency limitations, scrutiny, and approvals of ‘Conference Spending Requirements (known as the “5170”)’ for the specific training course(s) scheduled delivery timeframe;
• Weather (blizzard, hurricane, etc);
• Contractual number of available course training slots;
• EPA training location staff having priority registration over all other registrations; and/or
• Hosting site Training Coordinator approval.

In the event a course is subsequently postponed or canceled, or notification of registration cancellation is received, all EPA travel arrangements (airline/car rental/hotel) should be canceled in a timely manner. Registered students will receive a notification via email if/when a course is postponed and/or cancelled.

2.  For in-person course deliveries, confirmed course registered participants must abide by all facility physical access requirements for the location (examples: check-in at the security gate, Federal ID, Government PIV/CAC cards, photo id’s, etc.).  If applicable for the course or location, restrictions may apply to non-citizens and acceptable identification may be required for facility entry.  Unless otherwise specified, ERTP TRAINING IS GENERALLY NOT OPEN TO INTERNATIONAL ATTENDEES, ACADEMIA, CONTRACTORS, CONSULTANTS OR OTHER PRIVATE ENTITIES.

RPM 201, an intermediate-level training course, expands on the Remedial Process course. The course is offered as part of the ongoing effort to prepare RPMs for the challenges they will encounter during all aspects of a remedial action. The instructional methodology will include case studies to provide participants an opportunity to apply the skills learned during the course. The course will also include time for participants to ask specific questions about their own sites they currently are working on, as well as emerging technical and programmatic policy and guidance from EPA Headquarters. By taking the course, participants will achieve the following objectives:

• Learn how to manage common issues or concepts at remedial action sites, such as vapor intrusion, sediment removal, and contaminated groundwater plumes.
• Learn project management skills, including management of a project, forecasting resources and costs, planning meetings, documenting site activities and tracking schedules and costs.
• Learn effective ways to communicate various types of issues at sites to residents and communities.
• Learn how to incorporate optimization into new and existing remedial actions.

RPM 201 is a 2-½-day training recommended for RPMs with at least 2 years of experience and may have assisted other RPMs with remedial actions or now are preparing to take the lead in conducting a remedial action. Superfund 101 and the Remedial Process course are prerequisites for EPA attendees to participate in RPM 201. While RPM 201 may be most beneficial to new RPMs with 5 years of experience or less, the course is very interactive and more experienced RPMs that attend will be encouraged to share their field background with the class. THIS COURSE IS NOT OPEN TO ACADEMIA, CONSULTANTS, CONTRACTORS OR ANY PRIVATE ENTITIES.

*This course is offered free of charge to all registrants who are confirmed to attend.*

• Assess your community (know your audience)
• Build trust and credibility (show your expertise and be dependable!)
• Get off the beaten track (think outside the box)

This 3- to 3.5-day course provides participants with the knowledge and skills to perform the Data Support Coordinator (DSC) position. It covers the roles and responsibilities of a DSC and the relationship of the DSC to other positions in the Incident Command System (ICS). The course includes the following modules:  Introduction, ICS for the DSC, Data Planning, Data Response Management, Data Collection Tools, Data Analysis-Visualization Tools, Data Deliverables, Data and the Privacy Act, Closing Wrap-Up and a half day exercise. This course also contains mini modules entitled “Soft Skills for Success” to highlight and exercise important soft skills necessary to perform the DSC function well. The goal of this course is to train a cadre of DSCs to lead data support teams and to provide support to the IMT for response data needs while advocating for sound data management practices.

This course is intended for U.S. EPA personnel who have performed data support functions in an emergency response scenario or perform data support functions in their regular job and have interest in performing emergency response data management coordination functions. This course is REQUIRED for all who wish to perform this role on a national response after 4/30/2025. This course is also recommended for U.S. EPA personnel who deploy, or intend to deploy, to emergency responses and will work closely with the DSC as part of their deployment (e.g., IC, OPS, LNO, PIO, and ENVL roles).

Target Group
This course is intended for U.S. EPA personnel who have completed Incident Command System ICS-100, ICS-200, IS-700, IS-800, ICS-300, and ICS-400 level courses and who have been identified to fill the Data Support Coordinator position on an Incident Management Team.

Objectives
After completing the course, participants will be able to:

• Define the role and responsibilities of the Data Support Coordinator (DSC) within the Incident Command System (ICS) structure.
• Identify the major functions of the DSC and their specific responsibilities.
• Describe the duties and assignments of DSC assistants.
• Be able to thoroughly understand the varied data collection, analysis-visualization tools, data deliverable tools.
• Thoroughly understand the DSC's roles and responsibilities specific to Privacy Act responsibilities.
• Describe the U.S. EPA structure for managing data during a NSI.
• Explain how the DSC interacts, within the ICS structure, with EPA Regional Offices and EPA Headquarters.
• Describe the approval process for data support coordinator products.
• Understand the roles and responsibility of the DSC to community relations.

In compliance with Executive Order 13589 - Promoting Efficient Spending, Section 5; the ERTP will not be regularly printing or providing students hard copies of course materials. Manuals are no longer issued in class. Students will be provided information on where they can go to download a copy to bring to class.  Students may obtain an electronic copy of the student manual for personal printing or e-reading at:

Environmental Response Training Program Virtual University - ICS-DSC

Continuing Education Units: 2.4

Unless otherwise specified, THIS COURSE, AND OTHER ERTP COURSES, IS NOT OPEN TO CONSULTANTS, CONTRACTORS, OR ANY PRIVATE ENTITIES.
*This course is offered free of charge to all registrants who are confirmed to attend.*

IMPORTANT NOTICES – Applicable to all ERTP courses :

1. ERTP’s receipt of a Trainex course registration is a Registration Request, it is not a Guaranteed Enrollment in the Course. All ERTP training courses require applicant registration thru the Trainex system. Last minute course arrivals without prior ERTP Trainex course registration approval is not permitted. Before ERTP issues final approval to deliver any course and/or any EPA offices incurring expenses for the training event (including but not limited to EPA staff travel TA’s and/or ERTP training contractor expenses incurred), all EPA mandatory pre-approvals must all be met. The pre-approvals include (but are not limited to) the following:
   
   • Training location’s availability;
   • COVID status and/or other COVID Guidelines in effect for the location, as well as staff;
   • Agency limitations, scrutiny, and approvals of ‘Conference Spending Requirements (known as the “5170”)’ for the specific training course(s) scheduled delivery timeframe;
   • Weather (blizzard, hurricane, etc);
   • Contractual number of available course training slots;
   • Registrations supported by Regional Support Coordinators will have priority; and/or
   • EPA Course Contacts approval.
   
   In the event a course is subsequently postponed or canceled, or notification of registration cancellation is received, all EPA travel arrangements (airline/car rental/hotel) should be canceled in a timely manner. Registered students will receive a notification via email if/when a course is postponed and/or cancelled.
    
2. For in-person course deliveries, confirmed course registered participants must abide by all facility physical access requirements for the location (examples: check-in at the security gate, Federal ID, Government PIV/CAC cards, photo id’s, etc.). If applicable for the course or location, restrictions may apply to non-citizens and acceptable identification may be required for facility entry.

Event Description:
This 2-day course is designed to meet the training requirements for the OSHA Class III Asbestos Worker found in 29 CFR 1926.1101(k)(9)(v). EPA staff coordinating or conducting Superfund asbestos sampling activities may be exposed to asbestos above a permissible exposure limit and should receive equivalent training. The course was developed to address the specific safe work practices used during Superfund sampling activities since they are not adequately covered by the curriculum found in 40 CFR 763.92(a)(2). The course will also provide OSCs with information to successfully manage a project where asbestos contamination is evaluated and removed. The course provides the minimum safety training needed to conduct soil sampling during a Removal Site Evaluation (RSE) or Remedial Investigation/Feasibility Study (RI/FS) and provides information about all aspects of asbestos work.

Note: This training does not meet the Asbestos NESHAP requirements to conduct asbestos inspections in Schools, or Public or Commercial Buildings. Additional training would be required if EPA personnel are conducting an AHERA/ASHARA inspection, acting as a Supervisor of an abatement crew, or performing actual asbestos abatement.

At the end of the course, participants should have an understanding of:

• The basics of asbestos and the forms of asbestos (include Libby amphiboles and other non-ACBM types), and past and current uses.
• The health risks associated with asbestos exposure.
• The likely exposure situations for RPM, OSC and other Superfund Support Personnel while conducting Superfund Site Work.
• The various Federal asbestos laws and regulations.
• EPA's risk-based cleanup/action levels and the Superfund Asbestos Framework.
• The standard procedures and work practice controls to protect workers from asbestos exposure, including personal protective donning and doffing and respiratory protection.
• The principals of asbestos air sampling, air sample analysis, bulk sampling and bulk sampling analysis including Superfund-specific sampling methods.
• Asbestos disposal requirements.

Instructional methods include a combination of lectures, case studies, and group discussions.  The course will also include a practical, hands-on training component.

This course meets the classroom and hands-on instruction requirements for the OSHA Class III Asbestos Worker as defined in 29 CFR 1926.1101(k)(9)(v).  Participants will obtain a OSHA Class III Asbestos Worker-equivalent certification.

Initial Course Length - 16 hours

Refresher Course Length - 4 hours, required annually

Continuing Education Units: 1.6

Course is open to EPA staff, but priority registration will be given to OSCs.

Unless otherwise specified, THIS COURSE, AND OTHER ERTP COURSES, IS NOT OPEN TO CONSULTANTS, CONTRACTORS, OR ANY PRIVATE ENTITIES.
*This course is offered free of charge to all registrants who are confirmed to attend.*

IMPORTANT NOTICES – Applicable to all ERTP courses :

1. ERTP’s receipt of a Trainex course registration is a Registration Request, it is not a Guaranteed Enrollment in the Course. All ERTP training courses require applicant registration thru the Trainex system. Last minute course arrivals without prior ERTP Trainex course registration approval is not permitted. Before ERTP issues final approval to deliver any course and/or any EPA offices incurring expenses for the training event (including but not limited to EPA staff travel TA’s and/or ERTP training contractor expenses incurred), all EPA mandatory pre-approvals must all be met. The pre-approvals include (but are not limited to) the following:
   
   • Training location’s availability;
   • COVID status and/or other COVID Guidelines in effect for the location, as well as staff;
   • Agency limitations, scrutiny, and approvals of ‘Conference Spending Requirements (known as the “5170”)’ for the specific training course(s) scheduled delivery timeframe;
   • Weather (blizzard, hurricane, etc);
   • Contractual number of available course training slots;
   • EPA training location staff having priority registration over all other registrations; and/or
   • Hosting site Training Coordinator approval.
   
   In the event a course is subsequently postponed or canceled, or notification of registration cancellation is received, all EPA travel arrangements (airline/car rental/hotel) should be canceled in a timely manner. Registered students will receive a notification via email if/when a course is postponed and/or cancelled.
    
2. For in-person course deliveries, confirmed course registered participants must abide by all facility physical access requirements for the location (examples: check-in at the security gate, Federal ID, Government PIV/CAC cards, photo id’s, etc.). If applicable for the course or location, restrictions may apply to non-citizens and acceptable identification may be required for facility entry.

This tabletop exercise will focus on improving preparedness, notifications, information and data sharing, and response procedures in the event of an international oil or hazardous material response near the Canada-US border. While the simulated event will invoke the CANUSCENT Annex, the scenario is designed to be applicable for a transnational response which may occur anywhere along the Canada-US border.

This training is only open to Federal partners (from Canada and the US).

Superfund 101 consists of two introductory-level courses: Fundamentals of Superfund and Enforcement Process Overview. The target audience for each course is On-Scene Coordinators (OSC) and Remedial Project Managers (RPM).

Fundamentals of Superfund, a 3-day introductory training course, provides an overview of the purpose, legal framework and implementation of the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act (CERCLA) and the National Oil and Hazardous Substances Pollution Contingency Plan (NCP) for newly hired OSCs and RPMs. By taking the course, participants will achieve the following objectives:

• Understand the evolution of the Superfund program. The course explores the origin, accomplishments and future of the Superfund program.
• Understand the statutory and regulatory basis for the authorities of OSCs and RPMs. The course provides an overview of the roles of the OSC and RPM as they are defined in laws, regulations, policy and guidance, including a comparison of authorities and liabilities.
• Learn about the three types of response activities defined under CERCLA. The course discusses the components of the removal, remedial and enforcement programs and the major responsibilities of OSCs and RPMs in their work on Superfund responses, site cleanups and enforcement activities.

Enforcement Process Overview, a 2-day course, provides an overview of the EPA’s Superfund enforcement process for OSCs and RPMs. By taking the course, participants will achieve the following objectives:

• Learn about the goals, priorities, and actions of the Superfund enforcement program. The course provides an introduction to response actions and enforcement authorities under Superfund; illustrates the relationship between major enforcement actions and remedial and removal actions; defines Superfund enforcement goals and principles; identifies objectives of Superfund enforcement reforms; and highlights current enforcement priorities of the EPA.
• Understand the EPA’s fundamental principles and policies related to enforcement, the four types of potentially responsible parties (PRP), common defenses against liability and other enforcement policies. The course examines the four classes of PRPs, identifies PRP’s defenses and exemptions to liabilities, and identifies major enforcement discretionary policies.
• Understand the Superfund enforcement process and the roles of states, tribes, Federal agencies and communities in the enforcement process. The course examines and applies EPA’s cost recovery strategy and discretionary enforcement policies, as well as the roles of administrative and judicial law in the enforcement process.
• Develop their ability to use the tools available to encourage settlements. Participants will learn about the various types of enforcement tools, such as alternative dispute resolution, that are used in the settlement process.

Superfund 101 is recommended for new OSCs and RPMs as well as other programmatic and field support staff (i.e., enforcement personnel, HQ regional coordinators, Special Team members) as well as other federal agency, state and tribal environmental professionals involved in cleanups at Superfund sites. THIS COURSE IS NOT OPEN TO ACADEMIA, CONSULTANTS, CONTRACTORS OR ANY PRIVATE ENTITIES. In addition, the Superfund 101 course is a prerequisite for EPA employees who would like to attend the Removal and Remedial Process courses. 

Please note, non-EPA registrants may be asked to cancel their registration if the course reaches capacity, as priority to attend this course is given to EPA Superfund RPMs and OSCs.

Please note: For OSCs/RPMs to receive your certificate for this training, you will need to attend class until 3:00 p.m. local time on Friday. Please plan your travel accordingly.

*This course is offered free of charge to all registrants who are confirmed to attend.*

The Superfund Essentials webinar series presents essential information for environmental staff with little Superfund experience. The webinar introduces the Superfund program and gives an overview of the statutory and regulatory requirements. The site assessment and National Priorities List (NPL) process is discussed. The removal and remedial process modules describe the assessment and response process followed by OSCs and RPMs as they address their sites. The webinar closes out by explaining the community involvement and Federal Facilities programs and their role in Superfund. 

Objectives: After taking the webinar series, the participants will be able to (1) explain the provisions and requirements of the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation and Liability Act (CERCLA) and the National Oil and Hazardous Substances Pollution Contingency Plan (NCP), (2) follow the assessment and response process for conducting removal and remedial actions, and (3) describe the community involvement program and their part in cleanup actions.

This series is not open to Academia, consultants, contractors or other private entities. 

This 3-day course is designed for workers on site only occasionally for a specific limited task unlikely to be exposed over permissible exposure limits, or regularly on a site working in areas which have been monitored and fully characterized, and where respirators and wearing elevated protection levels of PPE are not necessary. It provides the basic information needed to meet the 24-hour training requirements of the OSHA 1910.120(e)(3)(ii) and 1910.120(e)(3)(iii) Hazardous Waste Operations and Emergency Response (HAZWOPER) Standard.

After completing the course, participants will be able to:

• Identify methods and procedures for recognizing, evaluating, and controlling hazardous substances.
• Identify concepts, principles, and guidelines to properly protect site or response personnel.
• Discuss regulations and action levels to ensure health and safety of the workers.
• Discuss fundamentals needed to develop organizational structure and standard operating procedures.
• Comprehend respiratory program requirements and the selection and use of respiratory protection and chemically protective clothing. Combined these are known as Personal Protective Equipment (PPE). Understand Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) selection and requirements, including dermal and respiratory protective equipment.
• Participate in on-site clean-up operations conducted at fully characterized and monitored hazardous waste sites and clean-up operations at sites covered by the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act of 1976 (RCRA) as amended (42 U.S.C. 6901 et seq.).

Participants will be trained in hazardous waste operations, team functions, personnel health and safety procedures, and operation of field monitoring equipment.

Note: Completing this 24-hour HAZWOPER course only provides training sufficient to access fully monitored and characterized hazardous waste sites and excludes training to wear elevated levels of PPE or respiratory protection. If training is needed that provides access uncontrolled hazardous waste sites, response to incidents involving hazardous materials or training to wear elevated levels of PPE and respiratory protection, completion of the 40-hour HAZWOPER training is required.

It is highly recommended you complete the FEMA Incident Command System (ICS) Classes 100, 200, 700 and 800 prior to attending. This training is available for free on the FEMA website.

The 24-hour HAZWOPER course is not a substitute for the EPA employee requirement of completing the initial 24-hour Field Safety & Health Training.  EPA employee managers and supervisors should contact their local Safety Health & Environmental Manager for more information.

29 CFR 1910.120 Select Regulation Descriptions:

1910.120(e)(3)(i)  40-Hour course for General Site Worker

General site workers (such as equipment operators, general laborers and supervisory personnel) engaged in hazardous substance removal or other activities which expose or potentially expose workers to hazardous substances and health hazards shall receive a minimum of 40 hours of instruction off the site, and a minimum of three days actual field experience under the direct supervision of a trained experienced supervisor.

1910.120(e)(3)(ii)  24-Hour course for occasional site workers

Workers on site only occasionally for a specific limited task (such as, but not limited to, ground water monitoring, land surveying, or geophysical surveying) and who are unlikely to be exposed over permissible exposure limits and published exposure limits shall receive a minimum of 24 hours of instruction off the site, and the minimum of one day actual field experience under the direct supervision of a trained, experienced supervisor.

1910.120(e)(3)(iii) 24-Hour course for regular workers on fully characterized sites

Workers regularly on site who work in areas which have been monitored and fully characterized indicating that exposures are under permissible exposure limits and published exposure limits where respirators are not necessary, and the characterization indicates that there are no health hazards or the possibility of an emergency developing, shall receive a minimum of 24 hours of instruction off the site, and the minimum of one day actual field experience under the direct supervision of a trained, experienced supervisor.

To view the complete regulation, please visit:

https://www.osha.gov/laws-regs/regulations/standardnumber/1910/1910.120

Unless otherwise specified, THIS COURSE, AND OTHER ERTP COURSES, IS NOT OPEN TO CONSULTANTS, CONTRACTORS, OR ANY PRIVATE ENTITIES.
*This course is offered free of charge to all registrants who are confirmed to attend.*

IMPORTANT NOTICES – Applicable to all ERTP courses :

1. ERTP’s receipt of a Trainex course registration is a Registration Request, it is not a Guaranteed Enrollment in the Course. All ERTP training courses require applicant registration thru the Trainex system. Last minute course arrivals without prior ERTP Trainex course registration approval is not permitted. Before ERTP issues final approval to deliver any course and/or any EPA offices incurring expenses for the training event (including but not limited to EPA staff travel TA’s and/or ERTP training contractor expenses incurred), all EPA mandatory pre-approvals must all be met. The pre-approvals include (but are not limited to) the following:
   
   • Training location’s availability;
   • COVID status and/or other COVID Guidelines in effect for the location, as well as staff;
   • Agency limitations, scrutiny, and approvals of ‘Conference Spending Requirements (known as the “5170”)’ for the specific training course(s) scheduled delivery timeframe;
   • Weather (blizzard, hurricane, etc);
   • Contractual number of available course training slots;
   • EPA training location staff having priority registration over all other registrations; and/or
   • Hosting site Training Coordinator approval.
   
   In the event a course is subsequently postponed or canceled, or notification of registration cancellation is received, all EPA travel arrangements (airline/car rental/hotel) should be canceled in a timely manner. Registered students will receive a notification via email if/when a course is postponed and/or cancelled.
    
2. For in-person course deliveries, confirmed course registered participants must abide by all facility physical access requirements for the location (examples: check-in at the security gate, Federal ID, Government PIV/CAC cards, photo id’s, etc.). If applicable for the course or location, restrictions may apply to non-citizens and acceptable identification may be required for facility entry.

NOTE: All EPA staff travel required to attend this "In-Person" course is being closely monitored/scrutinized for mandatory EPA 5170-related cost compliance tracking with the Region POC for this course.  Therefore, if you plan to submit a travel authorization to attend, please discuss beforehand with the designated Region POC and/or email ertp-h&s@epa.gov.  Generally, this travel cost monitoring requirement is not applicable to non-U.S. EPA staff or partner agencies & staff when the partner agency is responsible for travel expenses related to their employee travel.

This 5-day course is designed for personnel involved with the investigation and remediation of uncontrolled hazardous waste sites and, to a lesser extent, response to an incident involving hazardous substances. It provides basic information needed to meet the 40-hour training requirements of the OSHA 29 CFR 1910.120 (e)(3)(i) Hazardous Waste Operations and Emergency Response (HAZWOPER) standard.

After completing the course, participants will be able to:

• Identify methods and procedures for recognizing, evaluating, and controlling hazardous substances.
• Identify concepts, principles, and guidelines to properly protect site or response personnel.
• Discuss regulations and action levels to ensure health and safety of the workers.
• Discuss fundamentals needed to develop organizational structure and standard operating procedures.
• Demonstrate and comprehend respiratory program requirements and the selection and use of respiratory protection equipment and chemically protective clothing. Combined, these are known as Personal Protective Equipment (PPE).
• Demonstrate the use, calibration, and limitations of direct-reading air monitoring instruments.
• Participate in on-site clean-up operations conducted at uncontrolled hazardous waste sites, and clean-up operations at sites covered by the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act of 1976 (RCRA) as amended (42 U.S.C. 6901 et seq.).

Participants will be trained in hazardous waste operations, team functions, personnel health and safety procedures, and operation of field monitoring equipment.

Note: Completing this 40-hour HAZWOPER course provides the training required to access uncontrolled and fully monitored and characterized hazardous waste sites and participate in response activities to an incident involving hazardous materials, wearing elevated protection levels of PPE.  The 24-hour HAZWOPER course only provides training sufficient to access fully monitored and characterized hazardous waste sites and excludes training to wear elevated levels of PPE.

In some segments of the course, participants are required to wear PPE, including Level A encapsulating suits and self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA). It should be noted that wearing encapsulating suits may be stressful to some individuals and wearing respirators precludes individuals from wearing eyeglasses. Participants who are severely restricted without their glasses should be aware that their participation may be limited unless they have contact lenses and/or their own respirator spectacle kit. Respirator fit-testing is not required prior to attending this course.

NOTE: In accordance with the Respiratory Protection Standard, 29 CFR 1910.134(e), a medical clearance to wear a respirator is required to attend this course. Each student must include with their registration a formal verification from their safety officer, physician, or other licensed health care professional that clearly states that a medical evaluation has been completed and that the student has been medically cleared to wear respiratory protection equipment. This must be received prior to the course start date.

The medical questionnaire to be completed and provided to their safety officer or physician is located at 29 CFR 1910.134 Appendix C, OSHA Respirator Medical Evaluation Questionnaire.

Registration will not be completed, nor will confirmation be sent, until such proof is received by the HazTrain Registrar. If registration is done on-line, a copy of the respiratory document can be emailed to ERTP-H&S@epa.gov.

It is highly recommendedyou complete the FEMA Incident Command System (ICS) Classes 100, 200, 700 and 800 prior to attending. This training is available for free on the FEMA website.

The 40-hour HAZWOPER course is not a substitute for the EPA employee requirement of completing the initial 24-hour Field Safety & Health Training.  EPA employee managers and supervisors should contact their local Safety Health & Environmental Manager for more information.

29 CFR 1910.120 Select Regulation Descriptions:

1910.120(e)(3)(i)  40-Hour course for General Site Worker

General site workers (such as equipment operators, general laborers and supervisory personnel) engaged in hazardous substance removal or other activities which expose or potentially expose workers to hazardous substances and health hazards shall receive a minimum of 40 hours of instruction off the site, and a minimum of three days actual field experience under the direct supervision of a trained experienced supervisor.

1910.120(e)(3)(ii)  24-Hour course for occasional site workers

Workers on site only occasionally for a specific limited task (such as, but not limited to, ground water monitoring, land surveying, or geophysical surveying) and who are unlikely to be exposed over permissible exposure limits and published exposure limits shall receive a minimum of 24 hours of instruction off the site, and the minimum of one day actual field experience under the direct supervision of a trained, experienced supervisor.

1910.120(e)(3)(iii) 24-Hour course for regular workers on fully characterized sites

Workers regularly on site who work in areas which have been monitored and fully characterized indicating that exposures are under permissible exposure limits and published exposure limits where respirators are not necessary,and the characterization indicates that there are no health hazards or the possibility of an emergency developing, shall receive a minimum of 24 hours of instruction off the site, and the minimum of one day actual field experience under the direct supervision of a trained, experienced supervisor.

To view the complete regulation, please visit:

https://www.osha.gov/laws-regs/regulations/standardnumber/1910/1910.120

Unless otherwise specified, THIS COURSE, AND OTHER ERTP COURSES, IS NOT OPEN TO CONSULTANTS, CONTRACTORS, OR ANY PRIVATE ENTITIES.
*This course is offered free of charge to all registrants who are confirmed to attend.*

IMPORTANT NOTICES – Applicable to all ERTP courses :

1. ERTP’s receipt of a Trainex course registration is a Registration Request, it is not a Guaranteed Enrollment in the Course. All ERTP training courses require applicant registration thru the Trainex system. Last minute course arrivals without prior ERTP Trainex course registration approval is not permitted. Before ERTP issues final approval to deliver any course and/or any EPA offices incurring expenses for the training event (including but not limited to EPA staff travel TA’s and/or ERTP training contractor expenses incurred), all EPA mandatory pre-approvals must all be met. The pre-approvals include (but are not limited to) the following:
   
   • Training location’s availability;
   • COVID status and/or other COVID Guidelines in effect for the location, as well as staff;
   • Agency limitations, scrutiny, and approvals of ‘Conference Spending Requirements (known as the “5170”)’ for the specific training course(s) scheduled delivery timeframe;
   • Weather (blizzard, hurricane, etc);
   • Contractual number of available course training slots;
   • EPA training location staff having priority registration over all other registrations; and/or
   • Hosting site Training Coordinator approval.
   
   In the event a course is subsequently postponed or canceled, or notification of registration cancellation is received, all EPA travel arrangements (airline/car rental/hotel) should be canceled in a timely manner. Registered students will receive a notification via email if/when a course is postponed and/or cancelled.
    
2. For in-person course deliveries, confirmed course registered participants must abide by all facility physical access requirements for the location (examples: check-in at the security gate, Federal ID, Government PIV/CAC cards, photo id’s, etc.). If applicable for the course or location, restrictions may apply to non-citizens and acceptable identification may be required for facility entry.

This 3- to 3.5-day course provides participants with the knowledge and skills to perform the Data Support Coordinator (DSC) position. It covers the roles and responsibilities of a DSC and the relationship of the DSC to other positions in the Incident Command System (ICS). The course includes the following modules:  Introduction, ICS for the DSC, Data Planning, Data Response Management, Data Collection Tools, Data Analysis-Visualization Tools, Data Deliverables, Data and the Privacy Act, Closing Wrap-Up and a half day exercise. This course also contains mini modules entitled “Soft Skills for Success” to highlight and exercise important soft skills necessary to perform the DSC function well. The goal of this course is to train a cadre of DSCs to lead data support teams and to provide support to the IMT for response data needs while advocating for sound data management practices.

This course is intended for U.S. EPA personnel who have performed data support functions in an emergency response scenario or perform data support functions in their regular job and have interest in performing emergency response data management coordination functions. This course is REQUIRED for all who wish to perform this role on a national response after 4/30/2025. This course is also recommended for U.S. EPA personnel who deploy, or intend to deploy, to emergency responses and will work closely with the DSC as part of their deployment (e.g., IC, OPS, LNO, PIO, and ENVL roles).

Target Group
This course is intended for U.S. EPA personnel who have completed Incident Command System ICS-100, ICS-200, IS-700, IS-800, ICS-300, and ICS-400 level courses and who have been identified to fill the Data Support Coordinator position on an Incident Management Team.

Objectives
After completing the course, participants will be able to:

• Define the role and responsibilities of the Data Support Coordinator (DSC) within the Incident Command System (ICS) structure.
• Identify the major functions of the DSC and their specific responsibilities.
• Describe the duties and assignments of DSC assistants.
• Be able to thoroughly understand the varied data collection, analysis-visualization tools, data deliverable tools.
• Thoroughly understand the DSC's roles and responsibilities specific to Privacy Act responsibilities.
• Describe the U.S. EPA structure for managing data during a NSI.
• Explain how the DSC interacts, within the ICS structure, with EPA Regional Offices and EPA Headquarters.
• Describe the approval process for data support coordinator products.
• Understand the roles and responsibility of the DSC to community relations.

In compliance with Executive Order 13589 - Promoting Efficient Spending, Section 5; the ERTP will not be regularly printing or providing students hard copies of course materials. Manuals are no longer issued in class. Students will be provided information on where they can go to download a copy to bring to class.  Students may obtain an electronic copy of the student manual for personal printing or e-reading at:

Environmental Response Training Program Virtual University - ICS-DSC

Continuing Education Units: 2.4

Unless otherwise specified, THIS COURSE, AND OTHER ERTP COURSES, IS NOT OPEN TO CONSULTANTS, CONTRACTORS, OR ANY PRIVATE ENTITIES.
*This course is offered free of charge to all registrants who are confirmed to attend.*

IMPORTANT NOTICES – Applicable to all ERTP courses :

1. ERTP’s receipt of a Trainex course registration is a Registration Request, it is not a Guaranteed Enrollment in the Course. All ERTP training courses require applicant registration thru the Trainex system. Last minute course arrivals without prior ERTP Trainex course registration approval is not permitted. Before ERTP issues final approval to deliver any course and/or any EPA offices incurring expenses for the training event (including but not limited to EPA staff travel TA’s and/or ERTP training contractor expenses incurred), all EPA mandatory pre-approvals must all be met. The pre-approvals include (but are not limited to) the following:
   
   • Training location’s availability;
   • COVID status and/or other COVID Guidelines in effect for the location, as well as staff;
   • Agency limitations, scrutiny, and approvals of ‘Conference Spending Requirements (known as the “5170”)’ for the specific training course(s) scheduled delivery timeframe;
   • Weather (blizzard, hurricane, etc);
   • Contractual number of available course training slots;
   • Registrations supported by Regional Support Coordinators will have priority; and/or
   • EPA Course Contacts approval.
   
   In the event a course is subsequently postponed or canceled, or notification of registration cancellation is received, all EPA travel arrangements (airline/car rental/hotel) should be canceled in a timely manner. Registered students will receive a notification via email if/when a course is postponed and/or cancelled.
    
2. For in-person course deliveries, confirmed course registered participants must abide by all facility physical access requirements for the location (examples: check-in at the security gate, Federal ID, Government PIV/CAC cards, photo id’s, etc.). If applicable for the course or location, restrictions may apply to non-citizens and acceptable identification may be required for facility entry.

Incremental Sampling is a two-day course that provides an overview of incremental sampling (IS) concepts to account for soil heterogeneity and reduce total sampling error to obtain soil samples that are representative of the average concentration of contaminants at the site. The course uses the seven-step DQO process to explore the elements of planning and implementing IS designs. By taking the course, participants will achieve the following objectives:

• Describe sampling theory concepts for particulate media and explain how soil heterogeneity and sampling methodology can affect data variability.
• Build the introductory skills needed to plan, design, collect, and analyze incremental soil samples.
• Integrate systematic approaches for tool selection, field sampling, processing, and subsampling to produce representative soil samples that support defensible decision-making.
• Review and perform the statistical methods commonly used for analyzing replicate incremental sampling data to assess variability and support decision making based on the average concentration, when appropriate.
• Practice designing an incremental sampling approach following the 7-step DQO process.

The training course uses a combination of lectures and interactive scenarios for participants to practice and discuss sampling design using the DQO process. The course also uses case studies and lessons learned for a variety of applications and contaminant scenarios. 

• Obtain and organize the necessary information to develop a robust and realistic CSM and consider the benefits, limitations, and applications of tools like 3DVA throughout the Superfund project life cycle.
• Develop a baseline CSM and maintain it as a “living” representation to 1) guide site activities, 2) use as an effective communication tool to explain site conditions and to resolve technical discrepancies among the project team and stakeholders; and 3) identify data gaps, site priorities, and potential completion strategies.
• Discuss tools and collaborative datasets to support the development of robust 3DVA conceptual site models reinforced by case studies and lessons learned from the Superfund optimization and technical support programs
• Access CSM and 3DVA technical guidance, resources, and support available to RPMs and project teams.

This session is open to EPA, state and tribal partners.