Course Overview:
Oil spill cleanup operations involve significant risks, including exposure to toxic chemicals, hazardous materials, and environmental dangers. This course is designed to educate oil spill response workers about the characteristics and hazards of oil spills, proper cleanup techniques, safe use of equipment, and personal protective strategies. Participants will gain the knowledge necessary to identify hazards, protect themselves, and effectively contribute to safe oil spill response efforts while minimizing environmental and personal harm.
Learning Objectives:
By the end of this course, participants will be able to:
- Describe the essential components of an Oil Spill Cleanup Plan.
- Discuss training requirements for oil spill cleanup workers.
- Identify the types of oil and crude oil, and recognize associated health hazards.
- Explain the environmental impacts of oil spills on ecosystems and wildlife.
- Understand the effects of exposure to toxic chemicals, vapors, and gases during cleanup operations.
- Recognize the various types and proper uses of oil spill cleanup equipment.
- Discuss the health risks of heat stress, fatigue, and dehydration during oil spill responses, and preventive measures.
Course Outline:
Module 1: Introduction to Oil Spill Cleanup
- Introduction to Oil Spill Cleanup
- Health and Safety Plans
- OSHA’s HAZWOPER Standard
- Proper Instruction for Cleanup Workers
- Hazardous Materials and Hazard Communication
Module 2: What is an Oil Spill
- Introduction
- The Four Types of Oil
- What is Crude Oil?
- Health Hazards and Exposure
- Weathered Crude Oil
- Weathering Processes Affecting Spills
- Health Risks of Weathered Crude Oil
- Tarballs and Weathering
Module 3: Effects on the Environment
- Impacts on the Environment
- What Happens When the Oil Reaches Shore?
- Environmental Damage
- Habitat Affected
Module 4: Exposure to Toxic Components
- Nitrogen Dioxide (NO2)
- Sulfur Dioxide (SO2)
- Carbon Dioxide (CO2)
- Carbon Monoxide (CO) Exposure
- Gasoline and Diesel Fuels
- Hazardous Chemicals and Their Effects
Module 5: Oil Spill Cleanup Equipment
- Containment Boom
- Oil Skimmer
- Other Equipment
- Bioremediation
- Controlled Burning
Module 6: Oil Spill Worker Safety and Health
- Introduction
- Protecting Yourself
- The Hazards of Heat Stress
- Factors Increasing the Heat Stress
- Acclimatization and Rest Cycles
- Other Risk Factors
- Fatigue
- Heat Stress Training
Final Exam Information
- Exam Length: 10 to 50 questions depending on module; typically, 20 questions per module.
- Duration: 2 hours maximum per exam attempt.
- Exam Type: Open book (course materials and notes are allowed).
- Passing Criteria: Minimum 70% score required.
- Retake Policy:
- Up to 3 attempts allowed within 48-hour period.
- Remedial study recommended between attempts.
