Hazardous Materials Removal Workers — Tasks

Task statements

• Remove asbestos or lead from surfaces, using hand or power tools such as scrapers, vacuums, or high-pressure sprayers.
• Build containment areas prior to beginning abatement or decontamination work.
• Prepare hazardous material for removal or storage.
• Comply with prescribed safety procedures or federal laws regulating waste disposal methods.
• Record numbers of containers stored at disposal sites, specifying amounts or types of equipment or waste disposed.
• Clean contaminated equipment or areas for reuse, using detergents or solvents, sandblasters, filter pumps, or steam cleaners.
• 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.
• Load or unload materials into containers or onto trucks, using hoists or forklifts.
• Sort specialized hazardous waste at landfills or disposal centers, following proper disposal procedures.
• Identify asbestos, lead, or other hazardous materials to be removed, using monitoring devices.
• Remove or limit contamination following emergencies involving hazardous substances.
• Organize or track the locations of hazardous items in landfills.
• 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.
• Process e-waste, such as computer components containing lead or mercury.
• Operate cranes to move or load baskets, casks, or canisters.
• Apply bioremediation techniques to hazardous wastes to allow naturally occurring bacteria to break down toxic substances.
• Mix or pour concrete into forms to encase waste material for disposal.