Description
Respond to and mitigate hazardous materials incidents; identify, contain, neutralize, remove, package, and transport hazardous substances such as asbestos, lead, oils, fuels, chemicals, radioactive materials, or contaminated soils. Perform air monitoring and sampling, establish site control and decontamination, and complete compliant documentation for disposal. Requires HAZWOPER, SCBA, and confined-space entry training; may operate response vehicles and industrial equipment.
- • Decontaminate impacted areas and equipment using detergents, solvents, HEPA vacuums, or steam cleaners.
- • Segregate wastes by compatibility and hazard class for recycling or disposal.
- • Perform lab packs for chemicals and specialized wastes.
- • Document inventories, logs, and incident reports in accordance with regulations.
- • Participate in emergency drills; inspect, maintain, and don PPE including SCBA and Level A/B suits.
- • Support emergency operations and remediation after hazardous substance incidents.
- • Follow OSHA, EPA, DOT, and HAZWOPER procedures for hazardous materials handling and disposal.
- • Conduct air monitoring and direct-reading instrument surveys (PID/FID, multi-gas, radiation, pH).
- • Identify unknown substances through field screening and sampling; maintain chain of custody.
- • Establish hot, warm, and cold zones and control site access during responses.
- • Set up and operate decontamination lines for personnel and equipment.
- • Contain and clean up spills using absorbents, booms, neutralizers, or vacuum systems.
- • Overpack damaged drums and plug or patch leaks on containers or lines.
- • Operate pumps, vacuum trucks, and transfer hoses to move hazardous liquids.
- • Package, label, and mark hazardous waste in compliant drums or overpacks.
- • Prepare shipping papers, manifests, and DOT placards for transport.
- • Load and unload containers using forklifts, drum handlers, or hoists.
- • Drive response vehicles or trucks to transport materials to approved facilities.
- • Build temporary containment, berms, or negative-air enclosures as required.
- • Handle and process e-waste and universal wastes containing lead, mercury, or other hazards.
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Last reviewed: Jan 2026
