Source: Steven Galitzer, 785-532-5856, galitz@k-state.edu
News release prepared by: Abigail Crouse, 785-532-5888, acrouse@k-state.edu;
and Rosanna Vail, 785-532-2720, rvail@k-state.edu

Monday, Dec. 13, 2010

ON-SITE AND ONLINE TRAINING AVAILABLE FOR HAZARDOUS WASTE EMERGENCY RESPONSE

MANHATTAN -- Kansas State University is offering Hazardous Waste Operations and Emergency Response training Jan. 3-5, 2011.

The sessions include a 40-hour training course and an eight-hour refresher course, both to keep first responders of hazardous materials safe, effective and certified to handle hazardous waste emergencies.

"These sessions are very well rounded in the why's and how's of working with hazardous waste and chemical spills," said Steven Galitzer, director of the department of environmental health and safety at K-State. "The on-site classroom experience includes two full days of hands-on experience with the materials and equipment used in hazardous waste operations and emergency response."

The 40-hour training course is a Web-based class that includes 16 hours of hands-on training from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Jan. 4-5, 2011, on the K-State campus in Manhattan. The online portion of the class is at the participant's pace and must be completed prior to Jan. 4. This training satisfies Occupational Safety and Health Administration requirements in hazardous waste operations and emergency response for employment in treatment, storage and disposal facilities; hazardous waste clean-up sites; and emergency response involving hazardous materials.

The eight-hour refresher course is on-site from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Jan. 3, 2011. This course is for people who have completed the 40-hour training. It re-qualifies participants to enter hazardous waste sites in the field and work appropriately with hazardous materials in the laboratory.

Both courses cover topics such as federal regulations, toxicology, hazard communication, site management, air monitoring, site characterization, operating procedures, safety and spill clean-up.

Additional information and online registration can be found at http://www.dce.k-state.edu/conf/hazwoper or by call the K-State Division of Continuing Education conference registration office at 785-532-5569.