Hazardous Materials Labourer

Emerging Job

Hazardous materials (HAZMAT) are substances that are capable of causing loss of life, injury to a person, or damage to the health of a person or to the environment.

Hazardous materials (hazmat) removal workers identify and dispose of asbestos, lead, radioactive waste, contaminated soil, and other hazardous materials. They also neutralize and clean up materials that are flammable, corrosive, or toxic. Future Growth Strong They commonly work with chemicals, industrial solvents, acids, and other substances that can be dangerous to humans if handled improperly.

Hazmat removal workers clean up materials that are harmful to people and the environment. They usually work in teams and follow strict instructions and guidelines. The specific duties of hazmat removal workers depend on the substances that are targeted and the location of the cleanup. For example, some workers may remove and treat radioactive materials generated by nuclear facilities and power plants. They break down contaminated items such as “glove boxes,” which are used to process radioactive materials, and they clean and decontaminate closed or decommissioned (taken out of service) facilities.

Hazmat removal workers may clean up hazardous materials in response to natural or human-made disasters and accidents, such as those involving trains, trucks, or other vehicles transporting hazardous materials. Every year emergency services respond to a range of HAZMAT incidents. These can involve explosives, compressed gases, flammable liquids and gases, poisons, corrosive substances, radioactive materials and infectious materials.

Workers dealing with radiation may also measure, record, and report radiation levels; operate high-pressure cleaning equipment for decontamination; and package radioactive materials for removal or storage.

In addition, workers may prepare and transport hazardous materials for treatment, storage, or disposal in accordance with Occupational Safety and Health regulations. Using equipment such as forklifts, earthmoving machinery, and trucks, workers move materials from contaminated sites to incinerators, landfills, or storage facilities. They also organize and track the locations of items in these facilities.

Hazardous Materials Removal Worker Career Video
https://youtu.be/7eY0gkkIPi4

ANZSCO ID: N/A

Alternative names: Hazardous Waste Management Technician, Hazardous Materials Removal Worker, Hazardous Materials Worker, Hazardous Materials Technician, Hazmat Removal Worker, Hazmat Technician, Hazmat Worker, Hazardous Waste Technician, Asbestos abatement worker, Lead abatement worker,

Specialisations:

Asbestos and Lead Removal: Asbestos abatement workers and lead abatement workers remove asbestos and lead, respectively, from buildings and structures, particularly those which are being renovated or demolished. Most of this work is in older buildings that were originally built with asbestos insulation and lead-based paints—both of which are now banned. Asbestos and lead abatement workers apply chemicals to surfaces, such as walls and ceilings, in order to soften asbestos or remove lead-based paint. Once the chemicals are applied, workers cut out asbestos from the surfaces or strip the walls. They package the residue or paint chips and place them in approved bags or containers for proper disposal. Lead abatement workers operate sandblasters, high-pressure water sprayers, and other tools to remove paint. Asbestos abatement workers also use scrapers or vacuums to remove asbestos from buildings.

Knowledge, skills and attributes

Extensive knowledge of hazardous removal procedures and techniques.
Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills.
Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail.
Ability to read user manuals for products used to clean up contaminants.
Ability to follow instructions.
Ability to use power equipment and hand tools to clean up hazardous materials.
Ability to stand for prolonged periods of time.
Physically able to remove or clean up hazardous materials.
Able to lift up to 20Kgs at a time.

At work
(Source: Career Explorer)

Duties and Tasks

Hazmat removal workers typically do the following:

Respond to spills of chemical or biological agents
Inspect properties set for demolition or renovation to determine if there are any hazardous substances within the vicinity
Set up a containment area where the hazardous material is located to ensure no one else enters the area without the proper safety gear
Remove substances, such as lead and asbestos, from a building using a variety of tools, which can include high pressure sprayers, vacuums and scrapersFollow safety procedures before, during, and after cleanup
Comply with state and federal laws regarding waste disposal
Use forklifts and hoists to remove dangerous materials from the premises onto a truck, and transport it to the nearby landfill
Clean the contaminated area thoroughly to ensure a trace of the substance is not left behind, which typically entails using steam cleaners and filter pumps
Clean the equipment after it has been used on a worksite by using the proper solvents and chemicals
Test hazardous materials to determine the proper way to clean up
Construct scaffolding or build containment areas before cleaning up
Remove, neutralize, or clean up hazardous materials that are found or spilled
Package, transport, or store hazardous materials
Test an area after a job to ensure it is safe for habitation
Keep records of cleanup activities

Working conditions

Most hazmat removal workers are employed full time. Overtime and shift work are common, especially for workers responding to emergency and disaster scenarios.

Some hazmat removal workers travel to areas affected by a disaster. During a cleanup, workers may be away from home for several days or weeks until the project is completed.

Working conditions vary with the hazardous material being removed. For example, workers removing lead or asbestos often work in confined spaces or at great heights and bend or stoop to remove the material. Workers responding to emergency and disaster scenarios may work outside in all weather conditions.

Asbestos and lead abatement workers typically work in buildings that are being renovated or torn down, or in confined spaces.

Many other workers are employed at facilities such as landfills, incinerators, and industrial furnaces. Others may work at nuclear facilities and electric power plants.

Injuries and Illnesses: Cleaning or removing hazardous materials is dangerous, and workers must follow specific safety procedures to avoid injuries and illnesses. They usually work in teams and follow instructions from a team leader or site supervisor.

Tools and technologies

Workers wear coveralls, gloves, shoe covers, and safety glasses or goggles to reduce their exposure to harmful materials. Some must wear fully closed protective suits, which may be hot and uncomfortable, for several hours at a time. Hazmat removal workers are required to wear respirators to protect themselves from airborne particles or noxious gases in extremely toxic cleanups. Lead abatement workers wear personal air monitors that measure the amount of lead exposure.

on roof
What tools and protective gear are these asbestos removal labourers wearing?
(Source: McMahon Services)

Education and training/entrance requirements

There are no formal education requirements beyond a high school certificate.

Hazardous materials (hazmat) removal workers receive on-the-job training. They must complete up to 40 hours of training in accordance with Occupational Safety and Health standards. Training generally includes a combination of classroom instruction and fieldwork. In the classroom, they learn safety procedures and the proper use of personal protective equipment. Onsite, they learn about equipment and chemicals, and are supervised by an experienced worker.

The length of training depends on the type of hazardous material that the workers handle. The training covers health hazards, personal protective equipment and clothing, site safety, recognizing and identifying hazards, and decontamination.

To work with a specific hazardous material, workers must complete training requirements and work requirements set by state or federal agencies on handling that material.

Workers who treat asbestos or lead, the most common contaminants, must complete an employer-sponsored training program that covers technical and safety subjects.

Employment Opportunities

Although work experience is not required, some employers prefer candidates with experience in the construction trades—workers such as construction laborers and helpers.

Employment of hazardous materials (hazmat) removal workers is projected to grow 11 percent from 2018 to 2028, much faster than the average for all occupations.

Additional Information: Hazmat Careers [linked careers are on separate pages within this website.]

Environmental consultants provide expert knowledge to public and private sector clients on how to manage environmental issues, such as waste management, soil contamination and water pollution. The job involves a range of responsibilities, including conducting environmental impact assessments, evaluating the effect of environmental change on plant life and developing policies for the control of pollution. Consultants also offer risk assessments to industries working in hazardous waste.
Hazmat truck drivers transport hazardous materials, such as poisonous gas, flammable liquids, explosives, oxidisers and a host of others. These professionals typically have specialised training in how to secure and convey hazardous materials safely, which can include a knowledge of personal protection protocols and methods for addressing security risks. Some of the job's common duties may involve loading and unloading goods from the truck, operating a vehicle for long periods of time, maintaining delivery records and responding to emergency situations.
Wastewater operators are professionals who monitor and maintain wastewater treatment plants by purifying water for human consumption and cleaning waste from sewerage systems. Their key tasks include cleaning tanks and maintaining equipment, taking water samples for analysis and writing reports on the plant's operations. An operator's working conditions may involve working with dangerous chemicals regularly and, although they often work regular business hours, certain plants may require them to work weekends as well.
Firefighters are emergency response professionals who extinguish fires and help evacuate people and animals to safety during emergencies. They perform many important tasks, such as operating water pumps and portable extinguishers to douse fires, taking part in search and rescue operations and using cutting equipment to free occupants from vehicles following accidents. They also perform immediate medical services to injured civilians and some firefighters may receive specialist training to control hazmat situations, such as exposure to corrosive chemicals or radioactive materials.
Crime scene technicians are law enforcement professionals who collect physical evidence at crime scenes. Their duties may include taking photographs of the scene and any suspects or witnesses, recording information and taking samples and preserving evidence for crime laboratories. Technicians also receive specialist training for correctly handling biohazardous materials they may encounter, such as blood and body fluids. This can involve wearing personal protective equipment and following disinfection procedures to ensure an area is free of contamination.
Service technicians are specialists who maintain and repair equipment, including appliances, heating and cooling systems and machinery. They often specialise in a particular area, such as security systems or air-conditioning and refrigeration. They perform many tasks, including preparing quotes for customers, travelling to customers' homes or businesses and conducting tests to diagnose issues. Depending on their industry, they may handle hazardous materials, such as flammable solids or battery-powered equipment.
Biologists are scientific professionals who study living organisms, such as humans, animals and plants and how they grow and function in their environment. Because biology is a broad profession, it contains a variety of categories, from genetics and immunology to marine and wildlife biology. There are many industries you can work in as a biologist, including environmental protection and military and healthcare research. Duties can involve collecting biological samples, writing scientific reports and presenting findings to different groups. Depending on their industry, biologists may also receive training for safely handling and storing biohazardous materials.

Emerging Job

Hazardous waste managers are responsible for overseeing the handling, storage and disposal of hazardous materials. They work with a variety of chemicals, metals, liquids and other materials that pose a threat to human health or the environment if not handled properly. Future Growth Strong

Hazardous waste managers may also be involved in the planning stages of projects that involve the use of hazardous materials. This might include helping companies determine which chemicals they should use in their manufacturing processes or advising individuals on how to safely dispose of unwanted household chemicals.

Plans, organizes and directs the hazardous waste and environmental compliance programs. Hazardous Waste Specialists supervise, coordinate the hazardous waste landfill program and coordinate with the wastewater coordinator.

Hazmat Supervisor
(Source: AirSafe)

ANZSCO ID: N/A

Alternative names: Hazardous Waste Supervisor

Specialisations

You can focus on managing the collection, transportation, and disposal of hazardous waste or focus on managing the planning and implementation of programs that reduce the generation of hazardous waste

Knowledge, skills and attributes

It’s important to think about the skills you need to become a successful hazardous waste manager. These include communication, problem-solving, and critical thinking skills; knowledge of environmental regulations; and knowledge of chemistry, biology, and physics.

Knowledge of supervisory practices/principles.
Knowledge of local, state, and federal/regulations on hazardous materials and environmental sampling.
Knowledge of hazardous materials and environmental sampling management practice/techniques.
Skill in supervising personnel and allocating appropriate resources to address simultaneous multiple program requirements.
Skill in both verbal and written communication.

Giving directions
(Source: ERGT)

Duties and Tasks

Supervises the activities of subordinates.
Develops and implements environmental policies and procedures for their organizations
Coordinates, prioritizes and schedules activities related to the collection, processing, storage, transportation and disposal of generated hazardous waste; coordinates the hazardous waste land fill program.
Coordinates an environmental sampling program, which includes hazardous materials, wastewater, groundwater and soil, ensuring federal, state and local regulatory requirements are met.
Generates and maintains appropriate documentation and record keeping to meet environmental regulations.
Advises appropriate people regarding proper waste management techniques and provides recommendations for appropriate action upon request.
Coordinates response to chemical hazardous materials incidents at site, directing appropriate resources of staff, equipment and expertise to properly and safely mitigate hazards and address the emergency.
Develops and implements plans for safe waste disposal using methods such as recycling or incineration
Develops and presents educational training sessions to appropriate people regarding hazardous waste handling and other environmental compliance programs.
Advises management of the status of ongoing environmental compliance activities and makes recommendations for appropriate actions.
Interacts with hazardous waste disposal vendors to facilitate efficient, cost effective and timely off-site transportation and disposal of hazardous wastes.
Researches treatment and disposal technologies to identify viable methods required that meet anticipated regulatory changes and/or proper handling of atypical, difficult to dispose of waste materials.
Conduct audits of hazardous waste disposal facilities
Inspect hazardous waste storage areas to ensure they are properly labeled and secured
Evaluates the potential impact of new technologies on the field of hazardous waste management

Hazmat Supervisor
(Source: DFES)

Working conditions

Hazardous waste managers work in a variety of settings, including office buildings, factories, and warehouses. They may also work outdoors at hazardous waste sites. They typically work full time and may be required to work overtime to meet deadlines or respond to emergencies. Hazardous waste managers may be exposed to health and safety risks, such as exposure to hazardous materials, when they inspect sites or work with hazardous waste. They must take precautions to protect themselves, such as wearing protective clothing and using safety equipment.

Tools and technologies

Hazardous Waste Manager Trends
Here are three trends influencing how hazardous waste managers work. Hazardous waste managers will need to stay up-to-date on these developments to keep their skills relevant and maintain a competitive advantage in the workplace.

The Need for More Training

The need for more training is a trend that is being seen in the hazardous waste management industry. As businesses become more aware of the dangers of hazardous waste, they are looking for professionals who can manage this waste safely and efficiently.

Hazardous waste managers can capitalize on this trend by becoming certified in hazardous waste management. This will allow them to demonstrate their expertise and help businesses reduce their risk of exposure to hazardous waste.

More Attention to Environmental Sustainability

As businesses become more environmentally conscious, they are placing greater emphasis on sustainability. This means that hazardous waste managers will need to be familiar with new methods for reducing waste and recycling materials.

In order to stay competitive, hazardous waste managers will need to learn about new technologies and practices that can help them reduce their company’s impact on the environment. They will also need to be able to communicate effectively with other members of the business community about the importance of sustainability.

Greater Focus on Data Security

As businesses become more reliant on technology, the need for data security has become increasingly important. This is because hackers are constantly trying to find ways to break into systems and steal valuable information.

Hazardous waste managers can protect their company’s data by implementing strong security measures. They can also educate employees on how to avoid common mistakes that can leave them vulnerable to hackers.

Hazmat incident
(Source: DFES)

Education and training/entrance requirements

Bachelor's degree in Chemistry, Safety or Industrial Engineering or related field AND three years experience in hazardous materials management; OR, Seven years hazardous materials management experience; OR, Any equivalent combination of experience and/or education from which comparable knowledge, skills and abilities have been achieved including a diploma from TAFE.

Employment Opportunities

As environmental issues become more prominent, businesses are beginning to pay more attention to how they can reduce their impact on the environment. This has led to an increased demand for professionals who specialize in hazardous waste management.

The need to clean up hazardous waste sites will continue to drive demand for these workers. In addition, the need to prevent and clean up environmental damage from accidental releases of hazardous materials will continue to be important.

The employment of hazardous waste managers is expected to grow faster than average over the next decade.

Hazardous waste managers may advance to top management positions within their organization. They may also advance by starting their own environmental consulting firm or by becoming an environmental inspector for a government agency.

Did You Know?

What are hazardous chemicals?

Exposure to a hazardous chemical (sometimes called a hazardous substance) can cause pain, injury, serious illness or death.

Hazardous chemicals can be solid, liquid or a vapour and enter the body by being inhaled into the lungs, absorbed through the skin or ingested through the mouth. The effect of a hazardous chemical will depend on its toxicity and the extent and duration of the exposure.

An obvious hazardous chemical is a poison such as cyanide. Other examples include acids and alkalis, which are corrosive, causing burns or skin and eye irritation. Exposure to solvents or explosive fumes may cause dizziness and nausea. Some hazardous chemicals may cause cancer, while others such as mercury and lead can build up concentrations in the body over time with very harmful effects.

Are hazardous chemicals the same as dangerous goods?

Many hazardous chemicals are also classed as dangerous goods.

Dangerous goods are chemicals, substances, mixtures or articles that, because of their physical, chemical (physicochemical) or acute toxicity properties, present an immediate hazard to people, property or the environment. The types of substances classified as dangerous goods include explosives, flammable liquids and gases, corrosives, chemically reactive or acutely (highly) toxic substances.

Large quantities of various dangerous goods are commonly used on mine sites. They may be identified by dangerous goods placards, which are attached to tanks, large containers and gas cylinders.

(Source: WA Government)

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