• The HAZWOPER Standard applies to three types of hazardous waste cleanup operations.

The general category of hazardous waste cleanup operations is divided into three very specific groups in the scope of 29 CFR 1910.120(a)(1) and 1926.65(a)(1):

• Cleanup operations required by a federal, state, local, or other governmental body involving hazardous substances that are conducted at uncontrolled hazardous waste sites. These sites include, but are not limited to:
  • The Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) National Priority Site List (NPL),
  • State priority site lists,
  • Sites recommended for the EPA NPL, and
  • Initial investigations of government-identified sites that are conducted before the presence or absence of hazardous substances has been ascertained.
• Corrective actions involving cleanup operations at sites covered by the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA) of 1976 as amended (42 U.S.C. 6901 et seq.).
• Voluntary cleanup operations at sites recognized by federal, state, local, or other governmental bodies as uncontrolled hazardous waste sites.

All of these operations must comply with paragraphs (b) through (o) of 1910.120 and/or 1926.65.

Refer to the Definitions section to learn the meanings of the terms cleanup operation, hazardous waste site, and uncontrolled hazardous waste site.