Earth, Atmosphere and Environment

OSHA Hazardous Waste Operations (HAZWOPER) Training

Covering 8 CCR, Section 5192 (e) / 29 CFR Part 1910.120 (e)

Space is available for up to 30 students, with priority given to Earth, Atmosphere, and Environment students. NIU and non-NIU students may enroll in EAE 408/508 for course credit. Professionals may also take this course.

This course is required for:

  • Workers at sites with frequent exposure to hazardous materials.
  • Workers with potential exposure to hazardous materials above permissible limits.

This includes field personnel at environmental and engineering consulting firms, state and federal government agencies, analytical laboratories, and any subcontracting firms that perform work on locations with potential exposures to hazardous materials (from gas stations to Superfund sites).

Benefits

Having this training before you interview can give you a significant advantage over other applicants, as it often saves the company or agency at least a week of labor time and the equivalent in salary and overhead costs.

Covered Topics

  • Regulatory overview
  • Hazardous materials toxicology
  • Chemical and physical hazards
  • Identification systems
  • Respiratory protection
  • Chemical protective equipment
  • Decontamination practices
  • Site safety plans
  • Field safety and operational procedures
  • Field exercises (hands-on)

Course Design

Monday through Thursday: Morning lectures and discussions, followed by afternoon hands-on activities.

Friday: Hands-on practical group exercises based on topics covered Monday through Thursday.

Course Information

Full course: May 12-16, 2025

Refresher/recertification: Choose May 12, 13, or 14, 2025

Location: Davis Hall, rooms 309/311 and outdoor practical exercise locations

The course meets from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. each day.

The application deadline is May 1, 2025.

Apply Now

Contact Us

Department of Earth, Atmosphere and Environment
Davis Hall, Room 312

815-753-1943 

815-753-1945 (fax)
askeae@niu.edu

Undergraduate Advising

Director of Undergraduate Studies
Mark Fischer
Davis Hall 406
mfischer@niu.edu

MET Advisor
Victor Gensini
Davis Hall 118
vgensini@niu.edu