AS-EPA holds Hazardous Waste Operations training and HazCat Workshop

Pago Pago, AMERICAN SAMOA — The American Samoa Environmental Protection Agency (AS-EPA) has completed two comprehensive training programs aimed at enhancing workplace safety and hazardous materials management.

The 40 Hour Hazardous Waste Operations and Emergency Response (HAZWOPER) Training and the HazCat Chemical Identification Workshop were conducted to equip participants with essential skills for handling hazardous materials effectively and responsibly. US-EPA coordinator, Chris Reiner was the onsite team leader.

In a press release issued by the Governor’s Office, Governor Lemanu P. S. Mauga noted, "The successful completion of the HAZWOPER Training and HazCat Workshop represents a significant milestone in our ongoing efforts to strengthen workplace safety and environmental responsibility.

"We are particularly pleased with the participation of officers from the Independent State of Samoa underscoring the collaborative spirit in addressing common challenges,” the governor said.

Three officers from the Samoa Fire and Emergency Services Authority (SFESA) were invited to participate in the workshop to improve hazardous materials management practices in Samoa. The participants were Sola Malele Jr., Felise Trevor Lauofo, and Iakopo Lesui.

Governor Lemanu, together with Independent State of Samoa Consul General Fata Brien Kaio, USEPA Coordinator Mr. Reiner, and Director Faamao Asalele presented Certificates to each of the officers on Thursday, August 31, 2023 at the Governor’s Office Conference Room. A HazCat kit donated by the USEPA was also presented to the participants from Samoa.

Participants from various sectors, including local departments and private companies, were represented in both training programs. Atendees included the American Samoa Environmental Protection Agency, Department of Homeland Security, Department of Port Administration's Airport Rescue and Fire Fighters, American Samoa Power Authority, Solar Environmental Inc., and Green Ops.

The 40-hour HAZWOPER training, hosted collaboratively by the US-EPA Region 9 and ASEPA, consisted of a blended learning approach. Participants completed an online course over 32 hours, followed by an 8-hour hands-on session held in American Samoa on August 28, 2023.

This comprehensive training addressed hazardous waste/materials, emergency response, and clean-up operations involving hazardous substances, with the aim of minimizing worker injury and illness due to potential exposures.

The HazCat Chemical Identification Workshop enabled Emergency First Response Personnel, Hazardous Materials Professionals, and other responders to identify hazardous substances in compliance with federal regulations. Certified HazCat Instructors provided personalized and detailed instruction, ensuring participants gained the skills required to make informed decisions regarding the safe and legal handling of hazardous materials.

The successful conclusion of these training programs equipped participants with essential knowledge and skills, ASEPA and its partners are actively contributing to safer workplaces and more sustainable practices in American Samoa and beyond.