Hazardous Materials Removal Workers
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.
- Overview
- Tasks
- Skills
Median Annual Wage: $38,520
Education: Less than high school diploma (26%); High school diploma or equivalent (25%); Post-secondary certificate (20%)
Projected Growth: Average (8% to 14%)
Related Job Titles: Asbestos Abatement Worker; Waste Handling Technician; Field Technician; Hazmat Technician (Hazardous Materials Technician); Site Worker; Decontamination / Decommissioning Operator (D & D Operator); Abatement Worker; Asbestos Hazard Abatement Worker; Asbestos Remover; Asbestos Worker
Source: O*NET OnLine information for Hazardous Materials Removal Workers.
- Remove asbestos or lead from surfaces, using hand or power tools such as scrapers, vacuums, or high-pressure sprayers.
- Identify asbestos, lead, or other hazardous materials to be removed, using monitoring devices.
- Prepare hazardous material for removal or storage.
- Comply with prescribed safety procedures or federal laws regulating waste disposal methods.
- Load or unload materials into containers or onto trucks, using hoists or forklifts.
- Clean contaminated equipment or areas for re-use, using detergents or solvents, sandblasters, filter pumps, or steam cleaners.
- Remove or limit contamination following emergencies involving hazardous substances.
- Clean mold-contaminated sites by removing damaged porous materials or thoroughly cleaning all contaminated nonporous materials.
- Operate machines or equipment to remove, package, store, or transport loads of waste materials.
Source: O*NET OnLine information for Hazardous Materials Removal Workers.
- Critical Thinking - Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.
- Operation and Control - Controlling operations of equipment or systems.
- Operation Monitoring - Watching gauges, dials, or other indicators to make sure a machine is working properly.
- Active Listening - Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.
- Reading Comprehension - Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work related documents.
- Speaking - Talking to others to convey information effectively.
- Active Learning - Understanding the implications of new information for both current and future problem-solving and decision-making.
- Quality Control Analysis - Conducting tests and inspections of products, services, or processes to evaluate quality or performance.
- Social Perceptiveness - Being aware of others' reactions and understanding why they react as they do.
Source: O*NET OnLine information for Hazardous Materials Removal Workers.
