High School Diploma or GED.

Complete classroom course work.

Complete on-the-job training.

Pass a federal or state licensing exam.

Additional training to work with nuclear waste.

May also have to take a HAZMAT refresher course each year.

Some branches of the military train people to be environmental health and safety specialists. This occupation includes hazardous material workers. Training lasts 11 to 19 weeks, depending on your specialty.

Usually work full time. May work more than eight hours a day, five days a week at emergency clean-up sites.

May work night shifts or weekends to complete projects when the public is not around.

May work in remote areas where incinerators are located. They may commute a long distance to work.

May travel to other locations to help with emergency cleanups. They may be away from home for a few days to a few weeks.

HAZARDOUS MATERIAL WORKERS will:

Often times called “HAZMAT” workers.

Wear safety gear from respirators to body suits.

Usually work in teams.

HAZARDOUS MATERIAL WORKERS frequently:

Use hands to handle, control, or feel objects, tools, or controls.

Repeat the same movements.

Stand for long periods of time while removing materials.

Bend or twist their body.

It is important that HAZARDOUS MATERIAL WORKERS be able to:

Make quick, precise adjustments to machine controls.

Move two or more limbs together while remaining in place.

Understand the speech of another person.

See details of objects whether they are nearby or far away.