New Mexico RCRA 8-hour Training & Certification

New Mexico RCRA 8hr Training & Annual Refresher Course

The Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA) is the federal law that creates the framework for the proper management of hazardous and non-hazardous solid waste. Under the RCRA, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) regulates hazardous waste to ensure these wastes are managed in ways that protect human health and the environment.

RCRA Hazardous Waste Management Training Required

The EPA requires RCRA training for “personnel” [40 CFR 260.10 - Definitions] or "all persons who work at, or oversee the operations of, a hazardous waste facility, and whose actions or failure to act may result in noncompliance" - must complete RCRA training within 6 months of initial hire - and take an 8 hour refresher training course annually [40 CFR 265.16(b) and (c)].

• 40 CFR §265.16 Personnel training.
• (a) (1) Facility personnel must successfully complete a program ... that teaches them to perform their duties in a way that ensures the facility's compliance with the requirements of this part.
• (b) Facility personnel must successfully complete the program required in paragraph (a) of this section within ... six months after the date of their employment or assignment to a facility, or to a new position at a facility, whichever is later. Employees hired after the effective date of these regulations must not work in unsupervised positions until they have completed the training requirements of paragraph (a) of this section.
• (c) Facility personnel must take part in an annual review of the initial training required in paragraph (a) of this section.

Employers should train all personnel that handle hazardous waste so they are able to properly recognize and manage hazardous wastes in order to identify situations that could cause releases and react quickly to prevent or stop spills.

New Mexico RCRA Hazardous Waste Training Course Info

New Mexico RCRA Training

The EPA requires annual training for hazardous waste facility personnel and has complex RCRA hazardous waste rules to protect personnel, prevent releases, and avoid costly penalties.

New Mexico RCRA Hazardous Waste Management Training Requirements

The EPA requires RCRA training for “personnel” [40 CFR 260.10 - Definitions] or "all persons who work at, or oversee the operations of, a hazardous waste facility, and whose actions or failure to act may result in noncompliance" - must complete RCRA training within 6 months of initial hire - and take an 8 hour refresher training course annually [40 CFR 265.16(b) and (c)].

• 40 CFR §265.16 Personnel training.
• (a) (1) Facility personnel must successfully complete a program ... that teaches them to perform their duties in a way that ensures the facility's compliance with the requirements of this part.
• (b) Facility personnel must successfully complete the program required in paragraph (a) of this section within ... six months after the date of their employment or assignment to a facility, or to a new position at a facility, whichever is later. Employees hired after the effective date of these regulations must not work in unsupervised positions until they have completed the training requirements of paragraph (a) of this section.
• (c) Facility personnel must take part in an annual review of the initial training required in paragraph (a) of this section.

Employers should train all personnel that handle hazardous waste so they are able to properly recognize and manage hazardous wastes in order to identify situations that could cause releases and react quickly to prevent or stop spills.

Very Small Quantity Generators

• Hazardous Waste Generated - Quantity Limits: = 100 kg/month, and = 1 kg/month of acute hazardous waste, and = 100 kg/month of acute spill residue or soil.
• RCRA Training: Training not mandatory - but recommended so employees can recognize and properly manage hazardous wastes and prevent spills.
• 40 CFR 260.14

Small Quantity Generators

• Hazardous Waste Generated - Quantity Limits: >100 kg/month and <1,000 kg/month
• RCRA Training: Basic RCRA training required.
• 40 CFR 262.16 (b)(9)(iii)
  • (iii) The small quantity generator must ensure that all employees are thoroughly familiar with proper waste handling and emergency procedures, relevant to their responsibilities during normal facility operations and emergencies.

Large Quantity Generators

• Hazardous Waste Generated - Quantity Limits =1,000 kg/month, or >1 kg/month of acute hazardous waste, or >100 kg/month of acute spill residue or soil
• RCRA Training: Full RCRA training Required
• 40 CFR 262.17(a)(7)
  • (7)Personnel training.
  • (i)(A) Facility personnel must successfully complete a program of classroom instruction, online training (e.g., computer-based or electronic), or on-the-job training that teaches them to perform their duties in a way that ensures compliance with this part.
  • (C) At a minimum, the training program must be designed to ensure that facility personnel are able to respond effectively to emergencies by familiarizing them with emergency procedures, emergency equipment, and emergency systems, including where applicable:
    • (1) Procedures for using, inspecting, repairing, and replacing facility emergency and monitoring equipment;
    • (2) Key parameters for automatic waste feed cut-off systems;
    • (3) Communications or alarm systems;
    • (4) Response to fires or explosions;
    • (5) Response to ground-water contamination incidents; and
    • (6) Shutdown of operations.
  • (iii)Facility personnel must take part in an annual review of the initial training required in paragraph (a)(7)(i) of this section.

Reference: EPA: Categories of Hazardous Waste Generators

New Mexico Environmental Agency & Hazardous Waste Program

The New Mexico Environment Department (NMED) is the state government agency responsible for the enforcement of environmental policy within the State.

The New Mexico NMED - Waste Management - Hazardous Waste Bureau is the office responsible for the management of hazardous waste within the State.

The rules and laws for the management of hazardous waste are found in the New Mexico Administrative Code - Hazardous Waste Management Regulations, 20.4.1 NMAC.

New Mexico Occupational & Labor Safety State Agency

New Mexico has a federally approved occupational safety and health plan administered by the New Mexico Occupational Health and Safety Bureau (NM OSHA) - which is a part of the New Mexico Environment Department.

The New Mexico State Plan covers all private sector places of employment in the state with a few exceptions. The New Mexico State Plan also covers state and local government workers. It does not apply to federal government employers including the United States Postal Service. Federal OSHA covers the issues not covered by the New Mexico State Plan.

The New Mexico Environment Department (NMED) informs citizens and businesses on environmental protection and health and safety requirements and inspects work sites and industrial facilities to ensure they meet environmental laws and protect public and employee health and safety.

The New Mexico Occupational Health and Safety Bureau (NM OSHA) is responsible for enforcement of the New Mexico Health and Safety Act, and providing safety and health assistance to employers. The Bureau has five operational areas: Administrative, Enforcement, Compliance Assistance, Consultation Program, and Whistleblower Discrimination.

New Mexico Environment Department (NMED)
New Mexico Occupational Health and Safety Bureau (NM OSHA)
P.O. Box 5469
Santa Fe, NM 87502-5469
Phone: 505-476-8702
Web: https://www.env.nm.gov/Ohsb_Website/

State Reporting:

• SOII - Workplace Nonfatal Injuries and Illnesses
• CFOI - Workplace Fatalities

New Mexico RCRA Compliance Training

New Mexico RCRA compliance training is required for RCRA hazardous waste facility personnel (40 CFR 265.16) which covers the proper management of hazardous waste (generation, transportation, treatment, storage or disposal) for hazardous waste generators (40 CFR 260-279).

Disclaimer: The information presented on this website has been compiled from Federal and State sources and documents believed to be reliable and represent the best professional judgment of Hazmat Training. The accuracy of the information, however, is not guaranteed, nor is any responsibility assumed or implied, by us, and/or any other individual or entity assopciated with Hazmat Training, as applicable for any damage or loss resulting from inaccuracies or omissions. Contact federal or state agency staff to verify information.