Free training for Maui residents and companies needing to upskill their teams for the wildfire recovery effort will be held October 2–6, 8 a.m.–5 p.m. at the University of Hawaiʻi Maui College campus.
The Hazardous Waste Operations and Emergency Response (HAZWOPER) training prepares cleanup and emergency response workers to operate safely during a variety of scenarios involving hazardous substances. This training covers policies, practices and procedures that reduce the risk of injury and illness related to harmful exposures on the worksite.
This training is part of the Good Jobs Hawaiʻi initiative offering free job training and other online programs through the UH Community Colleges. These trainings will provide opportunities for Hawaiʻi residents to upskill and earn industry credentials in the healthcare, skilled trades and technology industries, which will lead to employment, paid internships and apprenticeship pathways.
In order to be eligible, applicants must have a high school diploma or equivalent, and be a resident of the State of Hawaiʻi and eligible to work in the U.S. Additionally, applicants must be employed as a site worker or manager/supervisor with potential exposure to hazardous substances required to have HAZWOPER 40-hour certification for Maui wildfire response in the State of Hawaiʻi and must complete the Good Jobs Hawaiʻi On-Boarding Form. There is also an application for the course (use code HAZ-1023).
UH Maui College also plans to schedule the following courses this fall:
- HAZWOPER 8-Hour (Site supervisors/managers): This (initial) training is a one-time requirement for workers who supervise HAZWOPER employees. It’s also for those that need a refresher but not involved with cleaning up.
- HAZWOPER 16-Hour (Site workers who are being moved to supervisor): OSHA expects a general hazardous waste site worker who will become a supervisor or manager to receive at least 16 hours of training during the year they become a supervisor.
- HAZWOPER 24-Hour (Occupational site workers and supervisors/managers): Employees who need 24-Hour HAZWOPER are most likely considered “Occasional Site Workers.” These employees aren’t required to work with hazardous materials daily.
More on how to help Maui ʻohana and the Maui wildfires.
The HAZWOPER 40-hour training is co-sponsored by the Sustainable Workplace Alliance-SWA and PIRM Group International, LLC.
