Personnel working with hazardous materials must have certain training in order to effectively and safely do their job. There are several levels of competency outlined in the regulation.

These are:

First Responder Awareness Level
First Responder Operations level
Hazardous Materials Technician
Hazardous Materials Specialists
On the Scene Incident Commander
Others include Hazardous Waste Operations and Emergency Response (HAZWOPER). Of these, HAZWOPER , First Response Awareness, Operational, and Incident Commander levels are the levels taught the most. These levels are "defensive" modes of operation at an incident/event, whereas the technician and specialist levels are more "offensive" modes of operation when dealing with an incident/event.
The First Responder Operational Level will include the training necessary for First Responder Awareness level as well. Please note the suggested training outline for topics and times. Although these are suggested times, the topics are in accordance with current government regulations. Times may be extended at the instructor's discretion.

Those regulations state that each worker must learn certain competencies in order to be certified by his or her employer. Besides initial training, students of each of the hazardous materials competency level must have annual refresher training. This refresher training must be of sufficient content and duration that the student can maintain their competency in the subject.

Training items and competencies that must be included for First Responder Operational and Awareness Level initial training include:

"An understanding of what hazardous substances are and (the) risks associated with them in an incident.
An understanding of the potential outcomes associated with an emergency created when hazardous substances are present.
The ability to identify the hazardous substances in an emergency.
The ability to identify the hazardous substances, if possible.
An understanding of the role of the First Responder Awareness individual in the employer's emergency response plan including the site security and control.
The ability to realize the need for additional resources and to make appropriate notifications to the communication center.
Knowledge of the basic hazard and risk assessment techniques.
Knowledge of how to select and use proper personal protective equipment provided to the first responder operational level.
An understanding of basic hazardous materials terms.
Know basic control, containment, and/or confinement operations within the capabilities of operations within the capabilities of the resources and personal protective equipment available with their unit.
Know how to implement basic decontamination procedures.
An understanding of the relevant standard operating procedures and termination procedures.