1910.120(e)(3)(i): 40-Hour HAZWOPER Training
Employers must give general site workers, such as equipment operators, laborers and supervisors exposed to hazardous substances, at least 40 hours of instruction off the site and at least three days of field experience under a trained, experienced supervisor.
Key takeaways
- 1910.120(e)(3)(i) is part of OSHA's general industry standards (29 CFR Part 1910, Subpart H).
- OSHA cited it 10 times in the last 3 years, in 2 inspections, with $1,655,140 in current penalties.
- Most citations: TX (10).
- Related part: 1910.120(e) Training (12 citations).
- Free 5-minute toolbox talk for your crew below.
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In this article
What this rule covers
29 CFR 1910.120(e)(3)(i) is one requirement inside 1910.120 Hazardous waste operations and emergency response, an OSHA general industry standard (Part 1910, Subpart H). 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
(i) General site workers (such as equipment operators, general laborers and supervisory personnel) engaged in hazardous substance removal or other activities which expose or potentially expose workers to hazardous substances and health hazards shall receive a minimum of 40 hours of instruction off the site, and a minimum of three days actual field experience under the direct supervision of a trained, experienced supervisor. 10 citations
Source: eCFR, text current as of 2026-10-15. Read all of 1910.120.
Export the list: 2 inspections cited 1910.120(e)(3)(i) in the last 3 years, with employer, location, penalty and date.
Purple Belt, $59/moWhere and how often it was cited
| Year | Citations |
|---|---|
| 2026 | 10 |
Top states: TX (10)
Largest penalties
| Employer | Location | Penalty for this rule |
|---|---|---|
| ONE WAY ENVIRONMENTAL SERVICES LLC | HOUSTON, TX | $1,489,626 |
| COASTAL ENVIRONMENTAL SOLUTIONS, INC | HOUSTON, TX | $165,514 |
Free toolbox talk
A 5-minute crew talk on 1910.120(e)(3)(i), plus alerts when this rule changes. Free.
OSHA interpretation letters
None exist. OSHA has not published a letter of interpretation for 1910.120(e)(3)(i).
Related parts of this rule
- 1910.120(e) Training 12 citations
- 1910.120(e)(3) Initial training 10 citations
- 1910.120(e)(8) Refresher training 1 citations
- 1910.120(e)(1) General 1 citations
- 1910.120(e)(6) Training certification
- 1910.120(e)(9) Equivalent training
- 1910.120(e)(5) Qualifications for trainers
- 1910.120(e)(4) Management and supervisor training
- 1910.120(e)(3)(ii)
- 1910.120(e)(2)(i)
- 1910.120(e)(2) Elements to be covered
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Frequently asked questions
Who needs 40-hour training?
General site workers engaged in hazardous substance removal or other activities that expose or potentially expose them.
How much field experience?
A minimum of three days under the direct supervision of a trained, experienced supervisor.
Where is the 40 hours given?
Off the site.
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 2026-11-06
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.