Hazardous materials and waste are part of many work situations, and can be found on many types of job sites. OSHA feels that it is so important for employees to know how to recognize these potentially dangerous substances (as well as how to handle and dispose of them properly) they have mandated that anyone working with these materials receive comprehensive training in this area.

In 1976, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) issued the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA) to regulate the handling of hazardous waste "from cradle to grave". Since then other regulations have followed, including OSHA's 29 CFR 1910.120, also known as HAZWOPER. As part of these regulations, there are varying requirements for employee training, depending on an employee's specific level of involvement with hazardous materials.

The training products on "HAZWOPER: The Emergency Response Plan" help employees understand how emergency planning can reduce or eliminate potential exposure to hazardous materials in crisis situations. Topics covered in the products include:

• The purpose of an Emergency Response Plan.
• The AChain of Command.
• Responsibilities of the Incident Commander.
• Responsibilities of the HAZMAT Specialist.
• Responsibilities of the HAZMAT Technician.
• Responsibilities of the First Responder.
• Communication procedures and the Abuddy system.
• Personal protective equipment.
• and more.

• The DVD or VHS programs provide all the information that is needed for a comprehensive employee training session. Programs come with an easy-to-use leader's guide, scheduling and attendance forms, employee quiz and training certificate. DVDs are subtitled and allow the course to be played from beginning to end or by section, and are indexed so that sections can be accessed in any order. Available in English and Spanish.