CCCHST is one of 18 model worker training programs recognized and funded by the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences (NIEHS).  The reauthorization of the Superfund program in 1986 directed OSHA to develop worker protection regulations for handling hazardous waste.  This resulted in what is commonly referred to as the HAZWOPER regulation, covering Hazardous Waste Operations and Emergency Response. The reauthorization also directed NIEHS to develop model worker training programs.  CCCHST is the only community college consortium sponsored by NIEHS. It has been funded since 1992. Congress intended these programs prepare a highly trained workforce capable of safely handling the cleanup of hazardous waste sites and other incidents in which hazardous materials are involved.

CCCHST membership consists of community colleges partnered with business and industry, universities, and community-based organizations This program is administered by the National Partnership for Environmental Technology Education (NPETE)

CCCHST Quick Facts

• 125+ Training Organizations
• 160+ Trainers
• 35+ States and Territories
• 3000+ Classes Offered per year
• 30,000+ Students per year
• 300,000+ Contact Hours per year

Membership

CCCHST members are prepared through a two-week Train-the-Trainer Program called the GreatEST (Great Environmental Safety Training) Institute to deliver required certifications for public and private responders and workers including:

• 40-hour Waste Site Worker Health and Safety
• 24-hour Industrial Emergency Response
• DOT Haz Mat Awareness
• Confined Space Awareness
• Hazard Awareness and Communications

Members are required to return every other year for an Instructor Refresher training offered at various locations across the nation.  Members use CCCHST curriculum to train workers and responders in their local area.  Twenty-four hours of the HazWOPER course is available online to members at no cost. Members report to NPETE the number of courses they provide to their communities, if significant they are provided a small reimbursement for the effort.  NPETE reports these numbers to NIEHS.  CCCHST members may charge for the courses offered in their local area. Members must report numbers & attend Refreshers  to remain in the organization.

CCCHST has three training components:

• Hazardous Waste Worker Training (HWWT)
• DOE Worker Training
• HazMat Disaster Site Worker Preparedness Training (HDPT)

If you have any questions, contact Hilary Kesseler, Office Manager at hkesseler@nationalpete.org