Course Number and Title:
ENV 215 OSHA Hazardous Waste Operations
Prerequisites
Prerequisite: (CHM 110 or higher)
Course Credits and Hours
2 credit(s)
2 lecture hours/week
1 lab hours/week
0 offsite lab hours
Course Description
This course covers Hazardous Waste Operations and Emergency Response (HAZWOPER) according to applicable Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) protocols (29 CFR 1910.120). Students learn to recognize chemical, physical, and biological hazards; implement engineering controls and safe work practices; use personal protective equipment (PPE); and develop site-specific health and safety plans. Hands-on exercises and simulations reinforce practical skills required for safe operations on hazardous waste sites.
Additional Materials
None
Disclaimer
Upon successful completion, students are awarded the 40- hour Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) certification.
Core Course Performance Objectives (CCPOs)
- Explain OSHA regulations and employer/employee responsibilities related to Hazardous Waste Operations and Emergency Response (HAZWOPER). (CCC 1, 4, 5; PGC 5, 6, 7)
- Describe chemical exposure, other hazards, and medical monitoring. (CCC 1, 4, 5; PGC 1, 2, 5, 6, 7)
- Explain the application of engineering controls and safe work practices. (CCC 1, 2, 4, 6; PGC 1, 2, 3, 5, 6, 7)
- Explain air monitoring for identifying hazardous atmospheres, and the related use of applicable personal protective equipment (PPE). (CCC 1, 2, 4, 6; PGC 1, 2, 3, 5, 6, 7)
- Apply knowledge in emergency response and site safety planning. (CCC 1, 2, 3, 4, 6; PGC 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7)
See Core Curriculum Competencies and Program Graduate Competencies at the end of the syllabus. CCPOs are linked to every competency they develop.
Measurable Performance Objectives (MPOs)
Upon completion of this course, the student will:
- Explain OSHA regulations and employer/employee responsibilities related to Hazardous Waste Operations and Emergency Response (HAZWOPER).
- Explain federal regulations related to hazardous waste operations, including 29 CFR 1910.120.
- Describe OSHA’s role in protecting worker health and safety, specifically for HAZWOPER scenarios.
- List applicable OSHA standards for hazardous waste sites.
- Explain applicable employer and employee rights and responsibilities.
- Describe chemical exposure, other hazards, and medical monitoring.
- Explain the chemical and physical properties of common hazardous chemicals, including acids, bases, heavy metals, oxidizers, and organic compounds.
- Understand toxicology concepts related to workplace hazards, including: Permissible Exposure Levels (PELs); Time-weighted Average (TWA); Threshold Limit Value (TLV); and Immediate Danger to Life and Health (IDLH).
- Identify environmental, biological, and physical site hazards (oxygen deficiency, heat / cold exposure, biohazards).
- Explain exposure routes.
- Demonstrate the use of Safety Data Sheets (SDSs)
- Explain medical surveillance procedures for monitoring worker health.
- Explain the application of engineering controls and safe work practices.
- Identify engineering controls to reduce hazards on hazardous waste sites.
- Describe safe chemical handling procedures.
- Explain safe confined space entry procedures.
- Identify the potential for unsafe acts and conditions, and appropriate corrective measures.
- Explain air monitoring for identifying hazardous atmospheres, and the related use of applicable personal protective equipment (PPE).
- List air monitoring equipment used for identifying hazardous atmospheres, including chemical exposure, explosive conditions, and oxygen deficiency.
- Understand the operation of applicable air monitoring equipment, including calibration requirements.
- Interpret air monitoring results as they apply to health and safety decision-making.
- List the Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) used for work at hazardous waste sites.
- Understand the proper use of PPE under varying site conditions to protect against chemical, physical, and biological hazards.
- Apply knowledge in emergency response and site safety planning.
- Identify varying hazardous scenarios and applicable federal regulations.
- Describe decontamination procedures for personnel, equipment, and tools.
- Interpret labels, placards, and manifests for the transport of hazardous materials.
- Develop a comprehensive site-specific health and safety plan for operations at a hazardous waste site.
Evaluation Criteria/Policies
The grade will be determined using the Delaware Tech grading system:
| 90-100 |
= |
A |
| 80-89 |
= |
B |
| 70-79 |
= |
C |
| 0-69 |
= |
F |
Students should refer to the
Catalog/Student Handbook for information on the Academic Standing Policy, the Academic Integrity Policy, Student Rights and Responsibilities, and other policies relevant to their academic progress.
Final Course Grade
Calculated using the following weighted average
Evaluation Measure | Percentage of final grade |
Summative Assessments |
| 20% |
| 20% |
Formative Assessments |
- The course will contain various formative assessments including but not limited to:
- Assignments
- Homework
- Quizzes
- Readings
- Labs
| 60% |
TOTAL | 100% |
Program Graduate Competencies (PGCs are the competencies every graduate will develop specific to his or her major)
1. Apply technical knowledge, skills, and engineering principles in various civil and environmental engineering applications.
2. Conduct field and laboratory testing using industry-standard procedures.
3. Select and apply appropriate materials, technologies, and best practices for civil and environmental engineering projects.
4. Utilize engineering software, visual communication tools, and technical documentation to support diverse civil and environmental engineering activities.
5. Interpret and apply relevant industry regulations and standards to civil and environmental engineering applications.
6. Pursue industry-recognized certifications related to civil and environmental engineering technology.
7. Demonstrate professionalism and ethical responsibility while prioritizing safety, quality, timeliness, and continuous improvement in civil and environmental engineering practices.
Core Curriculum Competencies (CCCs are the competencies every graduate will develop)
- Apply clear and effective communication skills.
- Use critical thinking to solve problems.
- Collaborate to achieve a common goal.
- Demonstrate professional and ethical conduct.
- Use information literacy for effective vocational and/or academic research.
- Apply quantitative reasoning and/or scientific inquiry to solve practical problems.
Students in Need of Accommodations Due to a Disability
We value all individuals and provide an inclusive environment that fosters equity and student success. The College is committed to providing reasonable accommodations for students with disabilities. Students are encouraged to schedule an appointment with the campus Disabilities Support Counselor to request an accommodation needed due to a disability. The College's policy on accommodations for persons with disabilities can be found in the College's Guide to Requesting Academic Accommodations and/or Auxiliary Aids Students may also access the Guide and contact information for Disabilities Support Counselors through the Student Resources web page under Disabilities Support Services, or visit the campus Advising Center.