1910.120(q)(8): Refresher Training for Emergency Responders
Emergency responders trained under 1910.120(q)(6) must receive annual refresher training of sufficient content and duration to maintain their competencies, or demonstrate competency at least yearly. A statement of the training or competency must be made, and when competency is demonstrated, the employer must keep a record of the method used.
Key takeaways
- 1910.120(q)(8) is part of OSHA's general industry standards (29 CFR Part 1910, Subpart H).
- OSHA cited it 115 times in the last 3 years, in 115 inspections, with $53,968 in current penalties.
- Most citations: ME (36), CT (32), IL (23).
- Related part: 1910.120(q) Emergency response to hazardous substance releases (405 citations).
- Free 5-minute toolbox talk for your crew below.
In this article
What this rule covers
29 CFR 1910.120(q)(8) ("Refresher training") is one requirement inside 1910.120 Hazardous waste operations and emergency response, an OSHA general industry standard (Part 1910, Subpart H). It includes 2 sub-paragraphs. The official text below is copied word for word from the Electronic Code of Federal Regulations (eCFR). The numbers, injury cases and training on this page show how OSHA enforces it on real job sites.
Official text
(8) Refresher training. 115 citations
(i) Those employees who are trained in accordance with paragraph (q)(6) of this section shall receive annual refresher training of sufficient content and duration to maintain their competencies, or shall demonstrate competency in those areas at least yearly. Open (q)(8)(i) 112 citations
(ii) A statement shall be made of the training or competency, and if a statement of competency is made, the employer shall keep a record of the methodology used to demonstrate competency. 2 citations
Source: eCFR, text current as of 2026-10-15. Read all of 1910.120.
Where and how often it was cited
| Year | Citations |
|---|---|
| 2023 | 11 |
| 2024 | 50 |
| 2025 | 42 |
| 2026 | 12 |
Top states: ME (36), CT (32), IL (23), NY (18), NJ (2)
Largest penalties
| Employer | Location | Penalty for this rule |
|---|---|---|
| BWC TERMINALS, LLC | HOUSTON, TX | $16,550 |
| 3M COMPANY | PRAIRIE DU CHIEN, WI | $12,278 |
| WOODCLIFF LAKE FIRE DEPARTMENT | WOODCLIFF LAKE, NJ | $3,500 |
| LAMBERTVILLE MUNICIPAL UTILITIES AUTHORITY | LAMBERTVILLE, NJ | $2,800 |
| VILLAGE OF MAYWOOD - FIRE DEPARTMENT | MAYWOOD, IL | $2,640 |
Free toolbox talk
A 5-minute crew talk on 1910.120(q)(8), plus alerts when this rule changes. Free.
OSHA interpretation letters
- Requirements for annual refresher training under OSHA's HAZWOPER standard. (2007-07-25)
- Respiratory protection, medical surveillance, and training requirements under HAZWOPER (2002-09-24)
- Emergency response training necessary for hospital physicians/nurses that may treat contaminated patients. (1999-03-10)
- Training and certification procedures of Hazwoper. (1991-05-13)
Related parts of this rule
- 1910.120(q) Emergency response to hazardous substance releases 405 citations
- 1910.120(q)(6) Training 143 citations
- 1910.120(q)(8)(i) 112 citations
- 1910.120(q)(6)(i) First responder awareness level 75 citations
- 1910.120(q)(1) Emergency response plan 67 citations
- 1910.120(q)(2) Elements of an emergency response plan 34 citations
- 1910.120(q)(3) Procedures for handling emergency response 33 citations
- 1910.120(q)(6)(iii) Hazardous materials technician 26 citations
- 1910.120(q)(6)(i)(A) 21 citations
- 1910.120(q)(3)(iv) 14 citations
- 1910.120(q)(6)(ii) First responder operations level 14 citations
- 1910.120(q)(3)(iii) 7 citations
Get your crew competent
Trainers on Black Belt Safety: Marc Harvey, Dana Reyes
Trainers and suppliers: feature your business on this rule for $25/month.
Frequently asked questions
How often do HAZWOPER emergency responders need refresher training?
Annually, or they must demonstrate competency at least yearly.
What records are required?
A statement of the training or competency, and if competency is demonstrated, a record of the methodology used.
How long must refresher training be?
Of sufficient content and duration to maintain their competencies.
About this page
Sources
- 29 CFR 1910.120 (eCFR), text current as of 2026-10-15
- U.S. Department of Labor enforcement data: OSHA inspections, citations and accident records, copied nightly; data as of 2026-10-20
3-year window. Federal OSHA only; state-plan rules are not counted. Plain-language text is a summary, not legal advice; the official text controls. Black Belt Safety is not part of OSHA or the Department of Labor.