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HAZWOPER Emergency Response Incident Commander Technician (Initial)

Advanced OSHA-Compliant Training for Incident Commanders and HazMat Specialists

EMI classes are only available through the Indianapolis Ivy Tech campus at this time. For more information, contact Indianapolis-EMI@ivytech.edu.

This advanced course is delivered under the supervision of the Ivy Tech Environmental Management Institute (EMI) and meets the OSHA HAZWOPER requirements outlined in 29 CFR 1910.120(q) and 1926.59(q) for responders who must operate at levels beyond the Hazardous Materials Technician.

OSHA recognizes two roles above the Technician level:

  • HazMat Specialist
  • Incident Commander

Instead of offering two separate minimal courses, EMI provides a comprehensive 40-hour HAZWOPER Professional program that fully prepares participants to perform both roles.

Why EMI offers a 40-hour combined course: OSHA allows a minimal 24-hour course for Incident Commanders and requires no additional training beyond the Technician level for HazMat Specialists. However, EMI’s professional judgment is that:

  • Incident Commanders should not direct HazMat Technicians unless they themselves fully understand technician-level PPE limitations, hazards, and response options.
  • HazMat Specialists—often serving as lead responders or team liaisons—benefit from the same knowledge base as the person in charge.

Therefore, EMI’s combined Incident Commander / HazMat Specialist course is intentionally structured as an expanded 40-hour program to ensure safe, informed, and competent leadership during hazardous materials incidents. This course prepares responders to take charge of emergency operations, lead entry and backup teams, assess chemical and biological hazards, and coordinate overall response strategy.

Upon successful completion of the HAZWOPER Emergency Response Incident Commander / Technician Initial course, participants will be able to:

Demonstrate proficiency in:

  • OSHA HAZWOPER requirements for emergency responders
  • Chemical, biological, and physical hazard classification and identification

Participants will also receive hands-on, integrated classroom training that reinforces:

  • Decision-making responsibilities of Incident Commanders
  • Liaison and oversight functions of HazMat Specialists
  • Selection and limitations of personal protective equipment (PPE) for response teams
  • Response strategy development for complex hazardous materials incidents

If there are no upcoming dates listed below, please reach out to the EMI team at indianapolis-emi@ivytech.edu. We will work with you to ensure you get the EMI class you need in a timely manner.