Training for HHW statewide staff
The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency provides training for staff at HHW programs throughout the state. Trainings are free to HHW government staff and provided annually during the winter and spring months at several locations around the state.
For a list of training opportunities, visit the MPCA training events calendar.
Many training courses are mandated by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), Minnesota Department of Transportation (DOT), and MPCA's Hazardous Waste Rules. You may be required to complete none, some, or all of these courses. All applicable employees and their direct supervisors must stay current on the core training requirements. The training is required for any staff exposed to hazardous substances, health or safety hazards. Each county program is responsible for maintaining a written training program encompassing these requirements.
2012 HHW "Compliance in a Day" training schedule
HHW safety & health initial training
Covers safety plans, emergency procedures, hazards, protective equipment, minimizing risk, spill response, decontamination, and medical monitoring.
Will meet the mandatory requirement for staff prior to working with HHW. Indicate during registration if you would like to be respirator fit-tested. For those who register to be fit-tested on their personal respirators, please bring your own:
- half-face respirator with filter cartridge (N, R, or P 95 or 100); and
- full-face respirator with filter cartridge (N, R, or P 100).
HHW safety & health refresher
An annual refresher of the initial safety training plus a critique of incidents that have occurred in the past year. Other relevant topics are also included. Will meet the mandatory requirement for staff who have received the Initial Safety Training and are due for an annual refresher.
Hazard categorization training
Covers proper identification and categorization for lab packing and bulking. Includes contractor protocols, hands-on exercises, and manuals. Will meet the mandatory requirement for new staff who are required to presort, bulk, or lab pack HW.
DOT annual update & HazMat security plans. An update on USDOT transportation regulations. Covers Materials of Trade exception to VSQG operations, as well as HazMat security plans. Will meet the mandatory requirement for employees in the 3-year cycle for taking DOT training for HHW staff.
Full Department of Transportation Training and HazMat Security for HHW Staff
Covers the relationship of U.S. DOT hazardous materials transportation regulations to U.S. EPA HW rules, including DOT hazard classification, communications, packaging standards, Materials of Trade exemption for VSQG operations, HazMat security, and more. Includes all information presented in the DOT annual update. Meets mandatory requirements for new and trained staff required to prepare shipments of HW.
For more training information
To request more information or schedule training, contact Teresa Gilbertson, HHW Training & Information Coordinator, 507-476-4254. Workshop dates and locations, along with other training opportunities are listed on the MPCA training events calendar.
