Hazardous Materials Removal Workers

Hazardous Materials Removal Workers typically perform the following tasks: • 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. • 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.