Which agency enforces the Hazardous Waste Operations and Emergency Response (HAZWOPER) standard?

The Hazardous Waste Operations and Emergency Response (HAZWOPER) standard is primarily enforced by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA). This standard is critical for ensuring the health and safety of workers involved in hazardous waste operations and emergency response in situations where chemicals or waste materials pose a danger.

OSHA's jurisdiction includes setting and enforcing safe workplace standards, which encompass the requirements outlined in HAZWOPER for training, protective equipment, and operational procedures. This focus aims to minimize risks and ensure that employees are properly equipped to handle hazardous materials safely.

While the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) regulates hazardous waste under the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA) and other environmental laws, its role is more about establishing guidelines and managing the overall safety of hazardous waste disposal rather than direct enforcement of workplace health and safety standards. The Department of Transportation (DOT) focuses on the transportation of hazardous materials, while the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) deals specifically with nuclear materials, which are not within the scope of HAZWOPER. Thus, OSHA is the key agency responsible for the enforcement of the HAZWOPER standard, making it the correct answer.