In the beginning of 2020, our company was contracted to provide several English and Spanish 40-hour Hazardous Waste Operations and Emergency Response (HAZWOPER) classes required for some construction crews to work on site. I began the first class in Newark, Delaware. Just before heading out, I had been following the news on the fast-spreading coronavirus. For this reason, I decided to wear my N95 mask and rubber gloves while traveling at the airport. There were only a few other people taking the same precautions.
I began the class and after day one, the news announced that the CDC did not recommend groups larger than 30. I had 15 students, so I felt ok. Nevertheless, I requested the hotel staff that to ensure seating that allowed everyone to maintain at least 6 feet of social distance.
By the time I finished the class, the area was completely shut down. I was the only client staying at the hotel. I was able to finish one class and all the rest were canceled.
That Friday, I arrived at the airport to return home. The airport was a ghost town. At one point, I listened to the announcement as a plane was being boarded. They announced that since there were only two people getting on the plane, they could just walk in and sit wherever they felt like.
Once home, I discovered that pretty much the entire US was locked down. Every single interpreting and safety job had been canceled. The economic situation looked dire.
We were thankful for a few good translation jobs. One of them was an English to Spanish translation of a Fall Prevention/Fall Protection class produced by Greenville Tech through a Susan Harwood Grant. We had some other manufacturing translations as well.
Later, in 2020 I provided some HAZWOPER training for Greenville Tech. Additionally, I also conducted other emergency response training for hazmat teams in our local area.
I have developed such a good, engaging HAZWOPER training class. I’m excited about 2021 prospects. My class is fun, hands-on, and educational. I do not just instruct people so a box can be checked, I teach to make a difference and to save lives.
If your company needs a 40-hour HAZWOPER training, a 24-hour emergency response class for your hazmat team, or an 8-hour refresher in English or Spanish, why not give me a call? I also provide consulting services and can evaluate your current program.
