OSHA has published a new directive (CPS 02-02-071) clarifying requirements and providing enforcement guidelines for cleanup operations conducted under its Hazardous Waste Operations and Emergency Response (HAZWOPER) standard (29 CFR 1910.120 and 1926.65). The directive is written to help OSHA compliance officers conducting inspections of cleanup operations, but also contains valuable information for employers.

The guidance includes a description of required training, medical surveillance, clearances, and competencies for compliance personnel conducting these types of inspections. Also discussed is a possible overlap between HAZWOPER and other OSHA standards, and rules of other federal agencies. The directive includes a description of site cleanup processes and information sources, plus a list of recommended PPE and other equipment for officers who plan to enter contaminated areas. Directives may be accessed from the menu at OSHA's website, http://www.osha.gov.