HAZWOPER guide · 2 min read · Updated 2026-11-03
Site-Specific Safety and Health Plan (HASP) Requirements Under 1910.120(b)
Every hazardous waste cleanup site needs a written site-specific safety and health plan, often called a HASP. It is part of the employer's safety and health program under 29 CFR 1910.120(b), must be kept on site, and must address the safety and health hazards of each phase of the operation.
Required elements of the HASP
Under 1910.120(b)(4)(ii), the plan must address at least:
- A safety and health risk or hazard analysis for each site task and operation in the work plan
- Employee training assignments
- Personal protective equipment for each site task and operation (PPE levels)
- Medical surveillance requirements (medical surveillance)
- Frequency and types of air monitoring, personnel monitoring and environmental sampling, including instrument maintenance and calibration (air monitoring)
- Site control measures (work zones)
- Decontamination procedures (decon)
- An emergency response plan meeting 1910.120(l)
- Confined space entry procedures
- A spill containment program
The wider safety and health program
The HASP sits inside a written program that also includes:
- An organizational structure naming the general supervisor, the site safety and health supervisor, and lines of authority
- A comprehensive work plan covering tasks, objectives, staffing, equipment and training
- Standard operating procedures and the medical surveillance program
Pre-entry briefings and inspections
The plan must provide for pre-entry briefings before site activities start, and at other times as needed, so employees know the plan and are following it. The employer must also inspect the site to judge whether the plan is working and fix any problems found.
Who writes the HASP
A qualified person, usually a certified industrial hygienist, safety professional or experienced site safety officer, writes the HASP using the site characterization data. Contractors and subcontractors must be told about the site's hazards. The plan is a living document: update it when conditions, tasks or data change.
Frequently asked questions
What does HASP stand for?
HASP stands for Health and Safety Plan. Under HAZWOPER it is the site-specific safety and health plan required by 29 CFR 1910.120(b)(4).
Does the HASP have to be kept on site?
Yes. The site safety and health plan must be kept on site and be available to employees, contractors and OSHA.
How often must the HASP be updated?
Whenever site conditions, tasks or new information change the hazards. Inspections under the plan should find and correct deficiencies.
This guide summarizes federal OSHA, Cal/OSHA and EPA rules for training purposes. It is not legal advice. Always check the current regulation text and your site safety and health plan.