Hazardous Materials Removal Workers

ExistingUsers

User Name:

Password:

Forgot your password?
Click here

NewUsers

FeaturedResources

Hazardous Materials Removal Workers

Careers / Hazardous Materials Removal Workers

Summary Description


	Identify, remove, pack, transport, or dispose of hazardous materials, including asbestos, lead-based paint, waste oil, fuel, transmission fluid, radioactive materials, or contaminated soil. Specialized training and certification in hazardous materials handling or a confined entry permit are generally required. May operate earth-moving equipment or trucks.

Sample Job Titles

1.	Abatement Worker

2.	Asbestos Abatement Worker

3.	Asbestos Coverer

4.	Asbestos Handler

5.	Asbestos Hazard Abatement Worker

6.	Asbestos Remover

7.	Asbestos Worker

8.	Decontamination / Decommissioning Operator (D & D Operator)

9.	Decontamination Worker

10.	Field Technician

11.	Hazard Waste Handler

12.	Hazardous Material Specialist

13.	Hazardous Materials Driver (Hazmat Driver)

14.	Hazardous Materials Handler

15.	Hazardous Materials Tanker Driver (Hazmat Tanker Driver)

16.	Hazardous Waste Remover

17.	Hazmat Technician (Hazardous Materials Technician)

18.	Irradiated Fuel Handler

19.	Junk Removal Specialist

20.	Material Handling Technician

21.	Material Specialist

22.	Radiological Control and Safety Technician

23.	Site Worker

24.	Waste Disposal Attendant

25.	Waste Handling Technician

Job Tasks

	Build containment areas prior to beginning abatement or decontamination work. Assemble temporary equipment or structures.

	Remove asbestos or lead from surfaces, using hand or power tools such as scrapers, vacuums, or high-pressure sprayers. Prepare hazardous waste for processing or disposal.

	Identify asbestos, lead, or other hazardous materials to be removed, using monitoring devices. Inspect work sites to identify potential environmental or safety hazards.

	Prepare hazardous material for removal or storage. Prepare hazardous waste for processing or disposal.

	Record numbers of containers stored at disposal sites, specifying amounts or types of equipment or waste disposed. Record operational or environmental data.

	Comply with prescribed safety procedures or federal laws regulating waste disposal methods. Prepare hazardous waste for processing or disposal.

	Sort specialized hazardous waste at landfills or disposal centers, following proper disposal procedures. Prepare hazardous waste for processing or disposal.

	Operate cranes to move or load baskets, casks, or canisters. Operate cranes, hoists, or other moving or lifting equipment.

	Drive trucks or other heavy equipment to convey contaminated waste to designated sea or ground locations. Drive trucks or truck-mounted equipment.

	Load or unload materials into containers or onto trucks, using hoists or forklifts. Load or unload materials used in construction or extraction. Operate cranes, hoists, or other moving or lifting equipment.

	Identify or separate waste products or materials for recycling or reuse. Prepare hazardous waste for processing or disposal.

	Clean contaminated equipment or areas for re-use, using detergents or solvents, sandblasters, filter pumps, or steam cleaners. Decontaminate equipment or sites to remove hazardous or toxic substances.

	Remove or limit contamination following emergencies involving hazardous substances. Prepare hazardous waste for processing or disposal.

	Clean mold-contaminated sites by removing damaged porous materials or thoroughly cleaning all contaminated nonporous materials. Decontaminate equipment or sites to remove hazardous or toxic substances.

	Operate machines or equipment to remove, package, store, or transport loads of waste materials. Prepare hazardous waste for processing or disposal.

	Upload baskets of irradiated elements onto machines that insert fuel elements into canisters and secure lids. Prepare hazardous waste for processing or disposal.

	Process e-waste, such as computer components containing lead or mercury. Prepare hazardous waste for processing or disposal.

	Organize or track the locations of hazardous items in landfills. Prepare hazardous waste for processing or disposal.

	Mix or pour concrete into forms to encase waste material for disposal. Mix substances or compounds needed for work activities. Pour materials into or on designated areas.

	Apply bioremediation techniques to hazardous wastes to allow naturally occurring bacteria to break down toxic substances. Apply new technologies to improve work processes.

	Package, store, or move irradiated fuel elements in the underwater storage basins of nuclear reactor plants, using machines or equipment. Prepare hazardous waste for processing or disposal.

Work Activities

Importance	Work Activity

Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates — Providing information to supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates by telephone, in written form, e-mail, or in person.

Getting Information — Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.

Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or Material — Inspecting equipment, structures, or materials to identify the cause of errors or other problems or defects.

Performing General Physical Activities — Performing physical activities that require considerable use of your arms and legs and moving your whole body, such as climbing, lifting, balancing, walking, stooping, and handling of materials.

Handling and Moving Objects — Using hands and arms in handling, installing, positioning, and moving materials, and manipulating things.

Evaluating Information to Determine Compliance with Standards — Using relevant information and individual judgment to determine whether events or processes comply with laws, regulations, or standards.

Monitor Processes, Materials, or Surroundings — Monitoring and reviewing information from materials, events, or the environment, to detect or assess problems.

Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events — Identifying information by categorizing, estimating, recognizing differences or similarities, and detecting changes in circumstances or events.

Establishing and Maintaining Interpersonal Relationships — Developing constructive and cooperative working relationships with others, and maintaining them over time.

Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge — Keeping up-to-date technically and applying new knowledge to your job.

Documenting/Recording Information — Entering, transcribing, recording, storing, or maintaining information in written or electronic/magnetic form.

Processing Information — Compiling, coding, categorizing, calculating, tabulating, auditing, or verifying information or data.

Developing and Building Teams — Encouraging and building mutual trust, respect, and cooperation among team members.

Judging the Qualities of Things, Services, or People — Assessing the value, importance, or quality of things or people.

Organizing, Planning, and Prioritizing Work — Developing specific goals and plans to prioritize, organize, and accomplish your work.

Estimating the Quantifiable Characteristics of Products, Events, or Information — Estimating sizes, distances, and quantities; or determining time, costs, resources, or materials needed to perform a work activity.

Making Decisions and Solving Problems — Analyzing information and evaluating results to choose the best solution and solve problems.

Analyzing Data or Information — Identifying the underlying principles, reasons, or facts of information by breaking down information or data into separate parts.

Scheduling Work and Activities — Scheduling events, programs, and activities, as well as the work of others.

Communicating with Persons Outside Organization — Communicating with people outside the organization, representing the organization to customers, the public, government, and other external sources. This information can be exchanged in person, in writing, or by telephone or e-mail.

Coordinating the Work and Activities of Others — Getting members of a group to work together to accomplish tasks.

Controlling Machines and Processes — Using either control mechanisms or direct physical activity to operate machines or processes (not including computers or vehicles).

Operating Vehicles, Mechanized Devices, or Equipment — Running, maneuvering, navigating, or driving vehicles or mechanized equipment, such as forklifts, passenger vehicles, aircraft, or water craft.

Repairing and Maintaining Mechanical Equipment — Servicing, repairing, adjusting, and testing machines, devices, moving parts, and equipment that operate primarily on the basis of mechanical (not electronic) principles.

Developing Objectives and Strategies — Establishing long-range objectives and specifying the strategies and actions to achieve them.

Thinking Creatively — Developing, designing, or creating new applications, ideas, relationships, systems, or products, including artistic contributions.

Provide Consultation and Advice to Others — Providing guidance and expert advice to management or other groups on technical, systems-, or process-related topics.

Training and Teaching Others — Identifying the educational needs of others, developing formal educational or training programs or classes, and teaching or instructing others.

Performing Administrative Activities — Performing day-to-day administrative tasks such as maintaining information files and processing paperwork.

Guiding, Directing, and Motivating Subordinates — Providing guidance and direction to subordinates, including setting performance standards and monitoring performance.

Drafting, Laying Out, and Specifying Technical Devices, Parts, and Equipment — Providing documentation, detailed instructions, drawings, or specifications to tell others about how devices, parts, equipment, or structures are to be fabricated, constructed, assembled, modified, maintained, or used.

Assisting and Caring for Others — Providing personal assistance, medical attention, emotional support, or other personal care to others such as coworkers, customers, or patients.

Monitoring and Controlling Resources — Monitoring and controlling resources and overseeing the spending of money.

Resolving Conflicts and Negotiating with Others — Handling complaints, settling disputes, and resolving grievances and conflicts, or otherwise negotiating with others.

Coaching and Developing Others — Identifying the developmental needs of others and coaching, mentoring, or otherwise helping others to improve their knowledge or skills.

Interpreting the Meaning of Information for Others — Translating or explaining what information means and how it can be used.

Repairing and Maintaining Electronic Equipment — Servicing, repairing, calibrating, regulating, fine-tuning, or testing machines, devices, and equipment that operate primarily on the basis of electrical or electronic (not mechanical) principles.

Selling or Influencing Others — Convincing others to buy merchandise/goods or to otherwise change their minds or actions.

Performing for or Working Directly with the Public — Performing for people or dealing directly with the public. This includes serving customers in restaurants and stores, and receiving clients or guests.

Interacting With Computers — Using computers and computer systems (including hardware and software) to program, write software, set up functions, enter data, or process information.

Staffing Organizational Units — Recruiting, interviewing, selecting, hiring, and promoting employees in an organization.

Nature of the Work


	(Abstract from Career Articles)

	Hazardous Materials Removal Workers
	Hazardous materials (hazmat) removal workers identify and dispose of asbestos, lead, radioactive waste, and other hazardous materials. They also neutralize and clean up materials that are flammable, corrosive, or toxic.

	Read More >>

Working Conditions


	(Abstract from Career Articles)

	Hazardous Materials Removal Workers
	Work environments for hazmat removal workers vary with the material they are handling. Some must wear protective suits for several hours at a time. Completing projects often requires night and weekend work. Overtime is common, particularly for emergency or disaster response workers.

	Read More >>

<< Previous Page

Next Page >>

Interesting Fact

Female-owned businesses are now growing at twice the rate of all private companies.

Did you know...

The MyPlan.com Financial Aid Guide provides detailed step-by-step advice on getting financial aid for college.