Hazardous Material Workers

Career summary

The duties of hazardous material (HAZMAT) workers depend on the type of materials they work with. In many cases, HAZMAT workers obtain specialized training to remove specific materials. Some use chemicals to remove lead paint on buildings. HAZMAT workers who remove asbestos use tools to scrape or vacuum asbestos from buildings. Others specialize in removing moldy materials like wood or carpet. Others use waste-eating bacteria to dispose of certain chemicals. Some remove hazardous materials from old computers. Others respond to accidents, spills, and releases. All HAZMAT workers sort materials from waste for recycling.

Because removing hazardous materials is dangerous, workers must follow safety standards and work together as a team. They must follow rules, act quickly, and follow the chain of command.

All HAZMAT workers wear protective gear, but the type of safety gear varies with the job. Those who need the most protection wear full body suits and respirators. Other workers wear less gear, but most wear some type of respirator that filters the air they breathe.

Treatment, storage, and disposal (TSD) workers transport hazardous materials to treatment and disposal sites. They drive trucks and operate cranes and forklifts to move materials. They may build scaffolding or containment areas to reach and store materials. They also organize materials at disposal sites and label all items.

There are three levels of HAZMAT workers who remove radioactive materials:

Decontamination technicians

Decontamination technicians use brooms, mops, and other tools to clean contaminated areas. They also remove items to be cleaned or disposed of.

Radiation protection technicians

Radiation protection technicians use radiation survey meters to locate and evaluate contaminated materials. They use high-pressure cleaning equipment to wash areas, and also package materials for disposal.

Decommissioning and decontamination workers

Decommissioning and decontamination (D&D) workers remove radioactive materials from nuclear facilities and power plants. These workers sometimes build concrete storage boxes. They transfer radioactive materials from the site to the cement boxes or other storage containers.

Related careers

This career is part of the Agriculture, Food, and Natural Resources cluster of careers.

Related careers include:

• Chemical Equipment Operators
• Chemical Plant Operators
• Environmental Engineering Technicians
• General Construction Workers
• Pump Operators
• Science Technicians
• Tank Car, Truck, and Ship Loaders
• Water Treatment Plant Operators

Job duties

Task list

The following list of tasks is specific to hazardous material workers.

• Identify, contain, remove, and dispose of hazardous materials. These include mold, asbestos, radioactive waste, e-waste, lead, and others.
• Use tools to decontaminate work sites. These include waste-eating bacteria, forklifts, cranes, vacuums, or sand blasters. Drive trucks and trams.
• Sort out recycling from waste.
• Check monitors to determine levels of radiation.
• Set up barriers and equipment in areas before decontamination begins.
• Package waste materials into safe containers for transport or storage.
• Set up forms and pour concrete to create cement storage boxes.
• Transport waste to storage locations. Sort waste at disposal sites.
• Record container numbers and where they are stored at disposal sites.
• Respond to hazardous waste emergencies. Clean area and equipment used in removal.
• Follow safety procedures and federal laws and work as a team.

Common work activities

Hazardous material workers perform the following tasks. These tasks are common to many careers.

• Communicate with supervisors, peers, or subordinates
• Get information needed to do the job
• Inspect equipment, structures, or materials
• Perform activities that use the whole body
• Handle and move objects
• Evaluate information against standards
• Monitor events, materials, and surroundings
• Identify objects, actions, and events
• Establish and maintain relationships
• Update and use job-related knowledge
• Document and record information
• Process information
• Develop and build teams
• Judge the value of objects, services, or people
• Organize, plan, and prioritize work
• Estimate sizes, quantities, time, cost, or materials needed
• Make decisions and solve problems
• Analyze data or information
• Schedule work and activities
• Communicate with people outside the organization
• Coordinate the work and activities of others
• Control machines and processes
• Operate vehicles or mechanized equipment
• Repair and maintain mechanical equipment
• Develop goals and strategies
• Think creatively
• Provide advice and consultation to others

Work requirements

Working conditions

In a typical work setting, hazardous material workers:

Interpersonal relationships

• Are responsible for the health and safety of the public and coworkers.
• Have a medium level of interaction with others. They often interact with other hazardous material workers as they go about their tasks.
• Talk with others by telephone and in person. They often write e-mails, letters, and memos when not handling emergencies.
• Usually work as part of a team.
• May occasionally deal with rude or unpleasant people. Sometimes removing waste can be stressful.
• Are responsible for the work done by others.

Physical work conditions

• Regularly wear protective gear when cleaning or packaging material. Examples include gloves, goggles, and jump suits.
• Are regularly exposed to contaminants, such as lead or asbestos.
• Are exposed to hazardous conditions and equipment.
• Often work outdoors. This usually depends on the job, because asbestos workers tend to work indoors.
• Often wear specialized gear, such as full body suits and respirators.
• May be exposed to hot or cold temperatures, depending on the weather.
• May be exposed to loud sounds and distracting noise levels.
• May have to climb ladders or scaffolds to reach high places.
• Travel to and from work sites in a truck or van.
• May work physically near others, such as within a few feet.
• May get into awkward positions to reach cramped work spaces.

Work performance

• Must fully complete and be exact in their work. If workers do not follow safety procedures, they could cause serious health risks to themselves or the public.
• Repeat the same physical and mental activities.
• Must allow the pace of work to be led by the speed of equipment.
• Set some of their daily tasks and goals independently.
• Work in a stressful atmosphere where daily deadlines must be met.
• Make decisions in conjunction with supervisors and other workers.

Hours/travel

• Usually work full time. May work more than eight hours a day, five days a week at emergency clean up sites.
• May work night shifts or weekends to complete projects when the public is not around.
• May work in remote areas where incinerators are located. They may commute a long distance to get to work.
• May travel to other locations to help with emergency cleanups. They may be away from home for a few days to a few weeks.

Physical demands

Hazardous material workers frequently:

• Stand for long periods of time.
• Use their hands to handle, control, or feel objects, tools, or controls.
• Walk or run for long periods of time.
• Repeat the same movements.
• Kneel, stoop, crouch, or crawl.
• Climb ladders, scaffolds, or poles.
• Bend or twist their body.

It is important for hazardous material workers to be able to:

• Make quick, precise adjustments to machine controls.
• See details of objects that are less than a few feet away.
• Understand the speech of another person.
• Hold the arm and hand in one position or hold the hand steady while moving the arm.
• Move two or more limbs together (for example, two arms, two legs, or one leg and one arm) while remaining in place.
• Use one or two hands to grasp, move, or assemble objects.
• Speak clearly so listeners can understand.
• Bend, stretch, twist, or reach out.
• See details of objects that are more than a few feet away.
• Use muscles to lift, push, pull, or carry heavy objects.
• Use fingers to grasp, move, or assemble very small objects.

It is not as important, but still necessary, for hazardous material workers to be able to:

• React quickly using hands, fingers, or feet.
• Use stomach and lower back muscles to support the body for long periods without getting tired.
• See differences between colors, shades, and brightness.
• Determine the distance between objects.
• Hear sounds and recognize the difference between them.
• Focus on one source of sound and ignore others.
• Choose quickly and correctly among various movements when responding to different signals.
• Adjust body movements or equipment controls to keep pace with speed changes of moving objects.
• Use muscles for extended periods without getting tired.
• Coordinate movement of several parts of the body, such as arms and legs, while the body is moving.
• Keep or regain the body's balance or stay upright when in an unstable position.
• Be physically active for long periods without getting tired or out of breath.
• See objects in very bright or glaring light.
• Determine from which direction a sound came.
• See objects in very low light.
• While looking forward, see objects or movements that are off to the side.
• Make fast, repeated movements of fingers, hands, and wrists.

Skills and abilities

Hazardous material workers need to:

Communicate

• Understand spoken information.
• Speak clearly so listeners can understand.
• Write clearly so other people can understand.
• Listen to others and ask questions.
• Understand written information.
• Read and understand work-related materials.

Reason and problem solve

• Notice when something is wrong or is likely to go wrong.
• Develop rules that group items in various ways.
• Analyze ideas and use logic to determine their strengths and weaknesses.
• Use reasoning to discover answers to problems.
• Follow guidelines to arrange objects or actions in a certain order.
• Combine several pieces of information and draw conclusions.
• Concentrate and not be distracted while performing a task.
• Understand new information or materials by studying and working with them.
• Judge the costs and benefits of a possible action.
• Recognize the nature of a problem.

Manage oneself, people, time, and things

• Check how well one is learning or doing something.
• Manage the time of self and others.

Work with people

• Be aware of others' reactions and understand the possible causes.
• Change behavior in relation to others' actions.

Work with things

• Operate and control equipment.
• Watch gauges, dials, and output to make sure a machine is working properly.
• Inspect and evaluate the quality of products.

Perceive and visualize

• Imagine how something will look if it is moved around or its parts are rearranged.
• Identify a pattern (a figure, object, word, or sound) that is hidden in distracting material.
• Quickly and accurately compare letters, numbers, objects, pictures, or patterns.

Education and training

Educational programs

The programs of study listed below will help you prepare for the occupation or career cluster you are exploring.

Programs of study directly related to this occupation

• Construction Trades
• Fire Science and Firefighting

Other programs of study to consider

• Engineering Technology, General
• Environmental Engineering Technology
• Nuclear Technology
• Petroleum Technology

Training

To work as a hazardous material worker, you typically need to:

• have a high school diploma or equivalent;
• complete classroom course work;
• complete moderate-term, on-the-job training; and
• pass a federal or state licensing exam.

Education after high school

Hazardous material workers must complete a 32-40 hour formal training program. This training is a requirement for the license in asbestos and lead removal. Training includes:

• recognizing health hazards;
• wearing personal protective equipment and clothing; and
• recognizing, identifying, and cleaning up hazards.

You need additional training if you will work with nuclear waste. This work is called decommissioning and decontamination. These workers also take courses on nuclear material and safety rules. You need about three months to complete all these courses.

In addition, HAZMAT workers are required to take refresher courses every year. They may also need medical monitoring, depending on what material they work with.

On-the-job training

Most of the skills that hazardous material workers have are learned on the job. Training generally lasts up to three months.

Military training

Some branches of the military train people to be environmental health and safety specialists. This occupation includes hazardous material workers. Training lasts 11 to 19 weeks, depending on your specialty. Additional training occurs on the job.

Helpful high school courses

You should take a general high school curriculum that meets the state's graduation requirements. You will be required to take both math and science classes to graduate. You should consider taking Algebra and Geometry as your math courses and Chemistry and Physics as your science courses.

Helpful electives to take in high school that prepare you for this career include:

• Carpentry
• Construction
• Driver Education
• Physical Education

The courses listed above are meant to help you create your high school plan. If you have not already done so, talk to a school counselor or parent about the courses you are considering taking.

You should also check with a teacher or counselor to see if work-based learning opportunities are available in your school and community. These might include field trips, job shadowing, internships, and actual work experience. The goal of these activities is to help you connect your school experiences with real-life work.

Join some groups, try some hobbies, or volunteer with an organization that interests you. By participating in activities you can have fun, make new friends, and learn about yourself. Maybe one of them will help direct you to a future career. Here are examples of activities and groups that may be available in your high school or community.

Things to know

Employers require applicants to have a high school diploma or equivalent. Employers may also require hazardous material workers to be in good physical shape. This is because workers may need to lift heavy objects.

Employers look for workers who are comfortable working with hazardous materials. They also look for workers who are able to do basic math conversions and calculations.

Cost to workers

Workers may need to purchase work clothing and footwear. Union workers pay an initiation fee and regular membership dues.

Licensing/certification

Federal law requires that all workers at hazardous waste cleanup sites receive a minimum of 40 hours of training in health and safety issues related to the hazardous waste industry. Courses are available from the Environmental Protection Agency, some unions, and many private sources. Workers engaged in asbestos removal projects must be certified by the State. Certification requirements include:

• successfully completing an approved training program;
• passing an examination; and
• completion of an eight-hour refresher course before the annual renewal date.

For more information, contact:

Washington State Department of Labor and Industries
Division of Occupational Safety & Health 
PO Box 44650
Olympia, WA 98504-4614
360.902.5435

#1/28/20

Job listings

Listed below are links to job categories from the National Labor Exchange that relate to this career. Once you get a list of jobs, you can view information about individual jobs and find out how to apply. If your job search finds too many openings, or if you wish to search for jobs outside of Washington, you will need to refine your search.

• Hazardous Materials Removal Workers 

To get a listing of current jobs from the WorkSource system, go to the WorkSource website .

Wages

Wages vary by the type of material handled. Treatment, storage, and disposal workers earn slightly more than asbestos and lead workers. People who work at nuclear power plants or with radiation tend to earn the highest wages.

Hazardous material workers usually receive benefits. Typical benefits include paid vacation, sick leave, and health insurance. Some employers also offer a retirement plan.

Employment and outlook

Washington outlook

The table below provides information about the number of workers in this career in various regions. It also provides information about the expected growth rate and future job openings.

National employment

Major employers:

• Hazardous material removal firms
• Waste treatment services
• Waste collection companies

National outlook

Demand for this occupation will remain steady as hazmat sites recognized by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) continue to be cleaned up. Many nuclear power plants are also expected to close down and workers will be needed to decontaminate equipment, sites, and buildings.

Limiting growth for this occupation are cuts in government budgets. Also, fewer buildings have asbestos that needs to be removed.

Demand for hazardous material workers is not affected by the economy. Many job openings will be created as current workers retire or transfer to other occupations.

Other resources

Air and Waste Management Association 
Koppers Building
436 Seventh Avenue, Suite 2100
Pittsburgh, PA 15219
800.270.3444
412.232.3444

Environmental Protection Agency 
Park Place Building
1200 - 6th Avenue
Seattle, WA 98101

Environmental Technology Council 
1112 - 16th Street, Suite 420
Washington, DC 20036
202.783.0870

Nuclear Energy Institute 
1201 F Street NW, Suite 1100
Washington, DC 20004
202.739.8000

US Nuclear Regulatory Commission 
Office of Public Affairs
Washington, DC 20555-0001
800.368.5642

Washington Business Week 
PO Box 1170
Renton, WA 98057
253.237.3545

Washington State Building and Construction Trades Council 
906 Columbia Street SW, Suite 107
Olympia, WA 98501
360.357.6778

References

Career cluster

• Agriculture, Food, and Natural Resources

Career path

• Realistic (Technical)

O*Net  occupation

• Hazardous Materials Removal Workers (47-4041.00) 

O*Net job zone 

• Job Zone 3 - Medium preparation needed. Previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is required for these occupations.

DOT occupations

• Irradiated-fuel Handler (921.663-034) 
• Waste-disposal Attendant (955.383-010) 

Holland occupational cluster

• Realistic/Conventional/Investigative

COPSystem

• Technology Skilled