How to Be Hazardous Materials Technician - Job Description, Skills, and Interview Questions

Mar 18, 2021 / 5 Minutes Read / By Albert

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Hazardous materials technicians are highly trained professionals who have the necessary skills and knowledge to safely handle hazardous materials in an emergency situation. By undergoing rigorous training, they are able to assess the risk of a hazardous material, determine the necessary safety protocols, and apply the appropriate controls to mitigate the risks associated with them. This helps prevent major environmental disasters as well as potential harm to human health.

Hazardous materials technicians also provide valuable information and guidance to government officials and emergency responders in order to ensure that quick and effective responses are taken in the event of an emergency. As a result, these technicians play an essential role in preserving public safety and the environment.

Steps How to Become

Earn a High School Diploma or GED. Before pursuing a career as a hazardous materials technician, you must first earn a high school diploma or GED.
Obtain an Associate's Degree. Most employers prefer hazardous materials technicians to have an associate's degree in occupational safety, hazardous materials management or a related field. Alternatively, you may complete a certification program in hazardous materials or hazardous waste management.
Complete On-the-Job Training. Most hazardous materials technicians must complete on-the-job training before they can work independently. During this training period, you will learn the basics of handling hazardous materials and how to properly use protective gear.
Obtain Hazardous Materials Certification. Depending on the type of job you pursue, you may need to obtain hazardous materials certification from the government or occupational safety agency. Certification requirements vary by state and employer.
Pursue Professional Development Opportunities. Hazardous materials technicians should continuously pursue professional development opportunities to stay up-to-date on new safety regulations and industry best practices.

Properly trained and certified hazardous materials technicians are essential for the safe and effective removal of hazardous materials from any environment. By having the proper qualifications, technicians are able to safely identify, transport, and dispose of hazardous materials, preventing potential disasters and environmental damage. In order to become a hazardous materials technician, individuals must take a variety of courses in order to be certified.

These classes typically cover topics such as containment, decontamination, labeling, storage and disposal of hazardous materials, as well as the use of personal protective equipment. After completing the necessary coursework, individuals must pass a certification exam in order to demonstrate their proficiency with the subject matter. With the proper qualifications, hazardous materials technicians can ensure the safe removal of hazardous materials from any environment, thereby helping to protect both people and the environment from potential damage.

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Job Description

Collect and analyze samples of hazardous materials for safety and compliance
Monitor hazardous materials storage and handling procedures
Prepare, implement and evaluate safety plans for hazardous materials
Inspect hazardous material sites for compliance with safety standards
Train employees in proper hazardous materials handling procedures
Respond to emergency situations involving hazardous materials
Monitor hazardous material disposal sites to ensure compliance with regulations
Develop and maintain hazardous material databases
Provide technical advice on hazardous materials management and disposal
Maintain records of hazardous material sites and activities

Skills and Competencies to Have

Knowledge of hazardous materials safety and handling procedures.
Ability to read, interpret and apply regulations and standards related to hazardous materials.
Knowledge of hazardous materials classification, labeling and packaging.
Ability to safely use protective clothing and equipment.
Ability to use hazardous materials detection and monitoring equipment.
Knowledge of hazardous materials emergency response procedures.
Ability to develop and implement waste management plans.
Knowledge of hazardous materials disposal methods and regulations.
Ability to assess and mitigate hazardous materials risks.
Knowledge of transportation regulations for hazardous materials.

Having a Hazardous Materials Technician on staff is essential for any organization that works with hazardous materials. This is because their expertise can ensure the safe handling and disposal of hazardous materials, which can prevent costly accidents and potential harm to people, property, and the environment. The technician is trained to identify, package, transport, and dispose of hazardous materials in compliance with all regulations, thus minimizing risk and liability for the organization.

The technician must have a number of skills in order to effectively do their job, such as knowledge of chemical properties, familiarity with safety protocols, and the ability to clearly communicate instructions. the technician must be able to work well with teams and have problem-solving skills to be able to quickly assess and address any hazardous material-related emergency. With these skills, a Hazardous Materials Technician can help keep people, property, and the environment safe.

Firefighter/EMT, Fire Hydrant Technician, and Wildland Firefighter are related jobs you may like.

Frequent Interview Questions

What experience do you have with hazardous materials handling and disposal?
How do you ensure that hazardous materials remain safely stored and handled?
What safety protocols do you adhere to when dealing with hazardous materials?
How would you respond to a potential hazardous material spill?
What techniques do you use to identify hazardous materials?
How do you keep up to date with changes in safety regulations for hazardous materials?
What methods do you use to communicate the hazards of hazardous materials to others?
Describe a successful project you completed involving hazardous materials.
What experience do you have working in hazardous environments?
How do you ensure that all necessary safety equipment is available and in good working order?

Common Tools in Industry

Hazmat Suit. A protective covering designed to protect from hazardous materials, such as chemicals and radiation. (eg: Tychem® 2000 Coverall)
Respirators. Breathing apparatus that filters out hazardous particles from the air for safe inhalation. (eg: 3M 6000 Series Half-Face Respirator Mask)
Gas Detectors. Handheld devices used to detect the presence of gases, such as carbon monoxide and methane. (eg: BW Technologies GasAlert MicroClip)
Safety Goggles. Protective eyewear designed to shield the eyes from hazardous materials, such as chemicals and dust. (eg: Uvex Tribraze Safety Goggles)
Portable Containment Tank. A mobile tank used to store hazardous materials, such as flammable liquids and corrosive chemicals. (eg: Justrite Polyethylene Tank)
Chemical Test Kits. Kits used to test for the presence of hazardous materials, such as asbestos and lead. (eg: Hach ChemCheck Pro Test Kit)
Hazmat Storage Cabinets. Lockable cabinets designed to store hazardous materials in an organized and safe manner. (eg: Justrite Safety Cabinet)

Professional Organizations to Know

International Association of Fire Fighters (IAFF)
National Fire Protection Association (NFPA)
American Industrial Hygiene Association (AIHA)
American Chemistry Council (ACC)
National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH)
National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences (NIEHS)
International Association of Fire Chiefs (IAFC)
International Society of Fire Service Instructors (ISFSI)
National Emergency Response and Rescue Training Center (NERRTC)
International Association of Hazardous Materials Managers (IAHMM)

We also have Fire Inspector, Firefighter/Driver Operator, and Airport Firefighter jobs reports.

Common Important Terms

Hazardous Materials Management. The practice of handling, storing, and disposing of hazardous materials safely and responsibly.
Decontamination. The process of removing hazardous materials from an area or object.
Air Monitoring. The process of measuring the amount and types of hazardous materials present in the air.
Hazardous Waste Management. The practice of disposing of hazardous materials in a safe and responsible manner.
Spill Response. The process of quickly containing and cleaning up spilled hazardous materials.
Personal Protective Equipment (PPE). Specialized clothing and equipment designed to protect a person from hazardous materials.
Hazardous Communication. The process of providing information about hazardous materials to workers and others in the vicinity.
Emergency Response Plan. A plan for responding to emergencies involving hazardous materials.
Labeling. The practice of providing information about hazardous materials on labels or signage.
Storage Regulations. Regulations governing the proper storage of hazardous materials.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a Hazardous Materials Technician?

A Hazardous Materials Technician is a professional who is trained to recognize, manage, and mitigate hazardous materials incidents such as chemical spills, hazardous waste disposal, and emergency response.

What qualifications are required to become a Hazardous Materials Technician?

Generally, a Hazardous Materials Technician needs to have a high school diploma or equivalent, and complete a state-approved training course in hazardous materials management. In addition, some states may require additional certifications.

What tasks does a Hazardous Materials Technician perform?

Hazardous Materials Technicians typically provide oversight and guidance during emergency response operations, identify hazardous materials and properly dispose of them, inspect sites for potential hazardous materials and contamination, and develop protocols to reduce the risk of hazardous materials incidents.

What type of environment do Hazardous Materials Technicians work in?

Hazardous Materials Technicians typically work in both indoor and outdoor environments. They may work in industrial settings, in the field responding to hazardous materials incidents, or in a laboratory setting conducting tests and research on hazardous materials.

How much does a Hazardous Materials Technician make?

According to PayScale, the average salary of a Hazardous Materials Technician is $48,906 per year. However, salaries may vary depending on geographic location, experience, and other factors.