HAZWOPER vs DOT Hazmat Training: What's the Difference and Who Needs What?

Sep 2 / Erin Ford

Working with hazardous materials comes with a lot of safety risks and even more safety regulations. These rules exist to protect you, your coworkers, and the environment, and they require specific training depending on your role and exposure level.

It’s easy to lump all hazmat requirements and courses together, but OSHA and DOT have very different rules, with very different required trainings.

HAZWOPER


HAZWOPER stands for Hazardous Waste Operations and Emergency Response. It refers to specific OSHA-mandated training for cleaning up hazardous waste sites, handling emergency hazmat situations, and working at hazmat treatment, storage, or disposal facilities.

OSHA Standard 29 CFR 1910.120 requires HAZWOPER training for:

  • Environmental cleanup crews
  • Emergency responders
  • Workers at hazardous waste transportation, storage, or disposal sites

It’s not uncommon for companies to require CDL drivers to take HAZWOPER training, especially if their job involves entering hazardous environments or spill sites—not just hauling hazmat.

HAZWOPER Training Levels

Course

Who Needs It

PPE Level

24-Hour

Workers with limited or incidental exposure, such as site visitors, logistics staff, or support personnel

Standard PPE (gloves, goggles, workwear)

40-Hour

Workers with high exposure risk, such as cleanup crews, emergency responders, and hazmat supervisors

Advanced PPE (full-face respirators, hazmat suits)


  • Supervisors must complete both the 40-hour course and an additional 8-hour supervisor course.
  • All HAZWOPER certifications must be renewed annually with an 8-hour refresher course.

DOT HAZMAT Training Requirements


The training you need depends on your job responsibilities and the type of hazardous material you’re working with. DOT regulations apply to transporting hazardous materials, and training is required for various roles along the shipping and transport chain.

General DOT Hazmat Employee Training

  • Typically 6–8 hours
  • Required for anyone who:
    • Prepares or packages hazmat for shipping
    • Loads or unloads hazardous shipments
    • Operates vehicles carrying hazmat
    • Prepares shipping documentation
    • Has responsibilities for hazmat safety or security
  •  Must be repeated every 3 years


In-Depth Security Training for High-Consequence Hazmat

  • Typically 2–4 hours
  • Required for employees with unmonitored access to:
    • Explosives
    • Radioactive materials
    • Inhalation hazards (e.g., chlorine gas, ammonia)
  • Must be completed within 90 days of hire and renewed every 3 years

 

CDL Hazmat Endorsement

To legally transport placarded hazardous materials, drivers need a Hazmat Endorsement (HME) on their CDL.

  • To get a Hazmat Endorsement you must complete:
    • A Hazmat ELDT Theory course  (We offer ours here for $49)
    • A written test at the DMV
    • A TSA background check and fingerprinting


A Hazmat Endorsement can only be added to a Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) and is required regardless of vehicle size if you are hauling regulated hazmat loads.

Bottom Line:


  • HAZWOPER = Required for employees involved in hazardous waste cleanup operations, emergency response actions involving hazardous substances, and work at sites contaminated or potentially contaminated by hazardous materials.
  • DOT Hazmat Training = Required for all employees who handle, prepare, transport, or ship hazardous materials, or whose job directly affects hazardous materials transportation safety.
  • Hazmat ELDT Training = Required to get a Hazmat Endorsement added to your CDL


The right training protects you, keeps your company compliant, and may even open up new job opportunities in transportation, logistics, or emergency response.