At old factories, power plants,
and other facilities… hazardous materials
—or hazmat—removal workers…
clean up and remove materials
that would be harmful to people
and the environment.
Hazmat workers remove lead
or asbestos from structures
that are undergoing renovation
or demolition.
They apply chemicals to surfaces,
and cut out the material
from surfaces or strip the walls,
then package the waste.
They may use sandblasters, scrapers,
and vacuums to remove paint,
often working in confined spaces
or at great heights.
They may build scaffolds
or containment areas before cleanup.
Hazmat workers also clean up landfills,
incinerators, and industrial furnaces.
Some work at nuclear facilities
and power plants,
where they measure
and record radiation levels
and package radioactive materials
for storage.
Hazmat workers are also called in
to clean up spills from
train or truck accidents.
Hazmat work is dangerous,
and guided by strict safety procedures.
Workers wear protective suits
and respirators for hours at a time.
Most hazmat workers are employed full time,
and overtime and shift work are common.
When a disaster occurs,
they may travel to work on location
for several days or weeks.
While a high school diploma or equivalent
is the only formal education required,
hazmat workers receive
in-depth on-the-job training.
Workers at nuclear facilities
must take courses mandated
by the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission.