Certified and Compliant: Why NATEC’s 40-Hour HAZWOPER for Homeless Encampment Cleanup Is Essential in California Today

The cleanup of homeless encampments has become a critical issue throughout California. With public pressure mounting, new state directives in place, and clear federal safety standards to follow, professionals tasked with hazardous encampment cleanups must be properly trained and certified to protect themselves and the communities they serve.

NATEC International Inc. is excited to announce our new Specialized 40-Hour HAZWOPER Certification For Homeless Encampment Cleanup Operations, which is specifically designed to meet these urgent needs. Unlike general HAZWOPER courses, our program is tailored specifically to address the complex, high-risk nature of hazardous materials frequently encountered in encampments across California, while ensuring full compliance with state and federal laws.

Why Certification Matters Now: Federal and California Requirements

Homeless encampments often contain a range of hazardous substances: biological waste, hypodermic needles, human feces, bodily fluids, drug paraphernalia, propane tanks, and more. These materials pose serious health and environmental risks and handling them without appropriate HAZWOPER training can lead to injury, illness, and regulatory violations.

According to the federal OSHA HAZWOPER standard (29 CFR 1910.120), “employees who are exposed or potentially exposed to hazardous substances… during clean-up operations” are required to undergo a 40-hour training program (OSHA, 29 CFR § 1910.120). This was clarified in a 2021 OSHA interpretation stating that homeless encampment cleanup involving hazardous materials falls under this requirement (OSHA Standard Interpretation, July 30, 2021).

In California, these federal standards are enforced under Cal/OSHA and further emphasized in state outreach documents. As stated in Oregon OSHA’s fact sheet—referenced for west coast regional compliance, “removal of waste from illegal campsites may expose workers to blood, feces, needles, and chemicals,” all of which require HAZWOPER training (Oregon OSHA, Fact Sheet FS84).

California’s 2025 State Response Model: Mandated Action with Urgency and Dignity

In May 2025, Governor Gavin Newsom introduced a new statewide model for addressing homeless encampments. This framework emphasizes the need for “immediate, coordinated, and humane action” that balances public health, environmental protection, and respect for unhoused individuals (Office of Governor Newsom, May 12, 2025).

The state’s accompanying Encampment Ordinance outlines uniform procedures that cities and counties must follow. Among these is the requirement for “professionally trained personnel using proper safety protocols and equipment” to manage hazardous conditions during encampment resolutions (Encampment Ordinance, State of California, 2025).

Compliance with both this ordinance and OSHA’s HAZWOPER regulation is no longer optional, it’s a mandate. Cities, counties, and private contractors must now demonstrate that personnel engaged in these operations are properly trained and certified to handle hazardous waste.

Why NATEC’s Program Is the Trusted Solution

NATEC International’s Specialized 40-Hour HAZWOPER Certification for Homeless Encampment Cleanup Operations is designed to meet the exact requirements set by OSHA and the State of California. Our course covers:

• Site-specific hazard recognition involving encampments
• Proper PPE selection, decontamination, and usage protocols
• Safe handling and removal of sharps, biohazards, and chemicals
• Air monitoring, exposure control, and risk assessments
• Compliance with OSHA’s Hazard Communication Standard (29 CFR 1910.1200)

This training is not theoretical, it’s practical, scenario-based, and built specifically for real-world work in California’s encampments. Upon successful completion, participants receive a HAZWOPER certification that satisfies both federal and state regulatory requirements.

It’s Time to Act

Encampment cleanup work is accelerating across California, and regulatory scrutiny is only increasing. Without proper certification, agencies risk violating state mandates, incurring OSHA penalties, and placing their workers in danger.

NATEC International provides the proven, trusted solution for your training needs. With decades of experience in hazardous materials training and a deep understanding of California’s regulatory environment, we help agencies stay compliant, protect their workers, and deliver services responsibly.

Enroll Now

Visit NATEC International’s course page to sign up or explore the full course details. Equip your team with the knowledge and certification they need to perform this critical work safely, legally, and effectively.