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.
What is this job like?
- Identify asbestos, lead, or other hazardous materials to be removed, using monitoring devices.
- Prepare hazardous material for removal or storage.
- Load or unload materials into containers or onto trucks, using hoists or forklifts.
- Process e-waste, such as computer components containing lead or mercury.
- Identify or separate waste products or materials for recycling or reuse.
- Sort specialized hazardous waste at landfills or disposal centers, following proper disposal procedures.
- Mix or pour concrete into forms to encase waste material for disposal.
- Drive trucks or other heavy equipment to convey contaminated waste to designated sea or ground locations.
- Package, store, or move irradiated fuel elements in the underwater storage basins of nuclear reactor plants, using machines or equipment.
- 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.
- Record numbers of containers stored at disposal sites, specifying amounts or types of equipment or waste disposed.
- Upload baskets of irradiated elements onto machines that insert fuel elements into canisters and secure lids.
- Organize or track the locations of hazardous items in landfills.
- Operate cranes to move or load baskets, casks, or canisters.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
Local Wage Data
Showing wage data for: New Orleans
Entry
Median
High
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Hourly Wage
$30,680
$37,280
$47,710
$14.75
$17.92
$22.94