Hazardous Materials Removal Workers

Also Called: Asbestos Abatement Worker, Asbestos Remover, Asbestos Worker

What Hazardous Materials Removal Workers do

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.

  • 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.
Industry Areas:

Construction Homeland Security

Training Program Areas:

OCT-Only Construction • OCT-Only Homeland Security • Painting • Security & Protective Services

Expand For Additional Details

Work Context

  • Face-to-Face Discussions
  • Wear Common Protective or Safety Equipment such as Safety Shoes, Glasses, Gloves, Hearing Protection, Hard Hats, or Life Jackets
  • Wear Specialized Protective or Safety Equipment such as Breathing Apparatus, Safety Harness, Full Protection Suits, or Radiation Protection
  • Responsible for Others' Health and Safety
  • Exposed to Contaminants

Tools

  • Hazardous material protective apparel
  • Radiation detectors
  • Pneumatic sanding machines
  • Air samplers or collectors
  • Multi gas monitors

Technology

Spreadsheet software
Microsoft Excel
Presentation software
Microsoft PowerPoint
Enterprise resource planning ERP software
SAP

The Education & Training You Need

Skills

  • Monitoring
  • Critical Thinking
  • Operation and Control
  • Active Listening
  • Operation Monitoring

Knowledge

Safety and Government
public safety and security
Business
management
customer service
Transportation
movement of people or goods by air, rail, sea, or road
Engineering and Technology
building and construction

Education

  • 26% Less than high school diploma
  • 25% High school diploma or equivalent
  • 20% Post-secondary certificate

Experience

Previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is required for these occupations. For example, an electrician must have completed three or four years of apprenticeship or several years of vocational training, and often must have passed a licensing exam, in order to perform the job.

What are your training options on the pathway to this occupation?

Are You a Good Fit?

Occupation Traits

  • Conventional (Organizer)
  • Realistic (Doer)

Work Styles

  • Cooperation
  • Attention to Detail
  • Dependability
  • Self Control
  • Adaptability/Flexibility
  • Integrity

Values

  • Support
  • Relationships
  • Independence

Abilities

  • Verbal
  • Ideas and Logic
  • Hand and Finger Use
  • Controlled Movement

This is what Hazardous Materials Removal Workers across the country typically make.

$17.09 / hour
$35,550 /year

Entry Level

$22.73 / hour
$47,280 /year

Median Level

$39.24 / hour
$81,610 /year

Experienced Level

Income information reflects a regional average.
Income information reflects a national average.

This career’s National Job Outlook is

Bright

Please be sure to verify the outlook of this occupation with your instructor.

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