If you work in the hazard industry, you are no doubt familiar with OSHA. During your training, you likely heard a lot about the Occupational Safety and Health Administration, as they are the government agency that oversees workplace safety. There are also things specific to the industry of transporting and disposing of hazardous materials and waste, such as OSHA confined space training and their hazmat certification. Here are some of the most commonly asked questions regarding OSHA.
How Do I Know If I Need OSHA Confined Space Training?
If you are ever required to enter a certified confined space, you are required to receive confined space training. You likely received the required OSHA confined space training during your orientation, but if you are unsure, contact your immediate superior and consult with management to re-receive the training if necessary.
What is Considered a Confined Space?
OSHA has specific guidelines laid out on what constitutes a confined space. You should be able to consult with the OSHA manual in your place of employment, or on OSHA’s website to find out the most up-to-date and specific parameters of what they consider a confined space.
Where Can I Get Hazmat Certification?
If your place of employment does not offer Hazmat certification, search online to find a school or online school that offers the required class to receive certification. There should be classes available through the internet that will give you the required training, or you may be able to find the class at a local trade school or community college.
Should I Be Concerned About Handling Hazardous Waste?
As long as you and your employer are taking the proper precautions, you have nothing to worry about. Keep in mind that you have OSHA resources available to you online that can educate you on proper workplace safety to protect yourself and those around you. As long as you received and are following the proper hazardous materials training elements, all should be well.
Workplace safety is incredibly important, and no job is worth more than your health. Have you dealt with OSHA compliance issues at your place of employment? What are your thoughts on the matter? Let us know down in the comments below.
