Hazardous Materials Manager Job Description

Handling hazardous materials requires specialized training of the men and women who remove and transport toxic and dangerous components from office buildings, factories and plants, homes and the environment.

Definition of Hazardous Materials

Materials are considered hazardous if they are corrosive, reactive, toxic or ignitable. Workers in hazardous materials are responsible for identifying, removing, packaging, transporting and/or disposing of items such as asbestos, nuclear and radioactive materials, mercury, lead, arsenic, mold and contaminated soil.

Industries

Examples of industries involving hazardous materials include waste management, general contracting, electric power generation, scientific research and waste treatment. Professionals working as hazardous materials managers may work in health sciences, public safety, homeland security, environmental protection and engineering fields.

Certification

Hazardous materials managers may earn certification from the Institute of Hazardous Materials Management (IHMM), which is the only accrediting organization for this specialty. Successful completion of a certification exam demonstrates the candidate's level of experience, knowledge and expertise in managing hazardous materials.

Specific Job Duties

A hazardous materials manager is in place to advise how handle and manage hazardous materials safely and in compliance with government regulations.

Emergency Workers

Hazardous materials workers are present during disaster and emergency response. Police officers and firefighters are often trained in handling and disposing of certain hazardous materials, and a hazardous materials manager is typically on site to oversee the handling, transportation and/or disposal of the materials.

References

• U.S. Department of Labor
• U.S. Department of Labor
• Institute of Hazardous Materials Management