HAZMAT vs. HAZWOPER – What Is The Difference? OSHA DEFINITIONS: from: http://www.osha-slc.gov/html/faq-hazwoper.
• HAZARDOUS MATERIAL is defined as: A substance (gas, liquid or solid) capable of creating harm to people, the environment, and property. Examples are: solvents, paints, gasoline, adhesives, and lubricants. • HAZARDOUS WASTE is a contaminated chemical or by-product of a production process that no longer serves its purpose and needs to be disposed of in accordance with the Environmental Protection Agency. This could include small amounts of chemicals such as parts washing solvents in a machine shop, or large amounts of construction by-products. • The term HAZMAT is often used when discussing the transport or clean up of hazardous materials, but it actually can mean any aspect of hazardous materials production, transport, use, disposal, cleanup, or emergency response. OSHA and the EPA are major agencies of concern. • HAZWOPER refers to ALL training that deals with hazardous waste operations and emergency response to chemical spills or releases.
