Occupation: Hazardous Materials Removal Workers

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.

47-4041.00 | 21 tasks | 8 job titles

Reported Job Titles

(8)
  • Abatement Worker
  • Asbestos Abatement Worker
  • Asbestos Hazard Abatement Worker
  • Asbestos Remover
  • Asbestos Worker
  • Decontamination and Decommissioning Operator (D and D Operator)
  • Hazmat Technician (Hazardous Materials Technician)
  • Waste Handling Technician

Core Tasks

(10)
  • Build containment areas prior to beginning abatement or decontamination work.
  • 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 reuse, 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.

Supplemental Tasks

(11)
  • Record numbers of containers stored at disposal sites, specifying amounts or types of equipment or waste disposed.
  • Sort specialized hazardous waste at landfills or disposal centers, following proper disposal procedures.
  • Operate cranes to move or load baskets, casks, or canisters.
  • Drive trucks or other heavy equipment to convey contaminated waste to designated sea or ground locations.
  • Identify or separate waste products or materials for recycling or reuse.
  • Upload baskets of irradiated elements onto machines that insert fuel elements into canisters and secure lids.
  • Process e-waste, such as computer components containing lead or mercury.
  • Organize or track the locations of hazardous items in landfills.
  • Mix or pour concrete into forms to encase waste material for disposal.
  • Apply bioremediation techniques to hazardous wastes to allow naturally occurring bacteria to break down toxic substances.
  • Package, store, or move irradiated fuel elements in the underwater storage basins of nuclear reactor plants, using machines or equipment.