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Hazardous Materials – HAZWOPER

Since 1987, the NIEHS Worker Training Program (WTP) has developed a strong national network of nonprofit organizations with a demonstrated track record of providing high-quality occupational safety and health training to workers involved in handling hazardous materials or in responding to emergency releases of hazardous materials. Through this network, the program is able to assess policy, funding, and training issues of utmost concern to this worker community. This section focuses on issues that are important to both the WTP worker-trainer community and worker-trainers throughout the country who are engaged in activities related to hazardous material and waste generation, response, removal, or containment, or chemical emergency response.

chemical waste

Chemical Exposure

Each year in the United States, many thousands of workers are made sick from chemical exposures. This page provides safety and health resources on issues such as chemical hazard identification and assessment, chemical safety and security, and chemical incident response.

radioactive barrell

DOE Site Cleanup

NIEHS supports the development and delivery of site-specific training for workers at U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) nuclear weapons sites. This page features resources for workers engaged in activities related to hazardous materials and waste generation, removal, containment, transportation, and emergency response within the DOE nuclear weapons complex.

Meth lab

Illicit Drug Exposure

Emergency medical services (EMS) providers, firefighters, and law enforcement personnel are among those who may encounter illicitly-manufactured drugs during their work. This page provides safety and health training resources related to the prevention of occupational exposure to opioids and the hazards associated with clandestine meth labs.

mold removal

Mold Exposure

This page offers information for workers who may be exposed to mold during remediation/cleanup work or emergency response activities. Resources include the WTP mold cleanup training tool, awardee training course materials, and links to federal guidance.

radioactive symbol

Radiation Exposure

NIEHS-funded training programs provide workers with the skills required to recognize and respond to the risks inherent in working at nuclear facilities and with radioactive waste and materials. This page provides safety and health resources for workers who may be involved in the handling, disposal, and transportation of radioactive waste.

Superfund Site

Superfund Sites

NIEHS established the WTP in 1987 based on the Congressional mandate embodied within the Superfund Amendments and Reauthorization Act. This page contains resources that address the history of the Superfund program, the Superfund cleanup process, and the status of efforts to clean up hazardous waste sites throughout the country.

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Last Reviewed: October 17, 2024