Skip to content
ESCO occupation

hazardous materials inspector

Back to ESCO occupations

Hazardous materials inspectors inspect facilities which handle hazardous materials to ensure compliance to health and safety regulations, and hazardous materials handling legislation. They investigate violations, oversee tests of emergency and risk response plans, and consult on the improvement of the facilities' operations and procedures, as well as on hazardous materials regulations. They also advise plants on potential sources of danger to a community, and on better safety regulations.

3257.4.1 ISCO 3257 ESCO source
Competences
39
Groups
4
Essential
18
Optional
21

Competences and skills

39 ESCO relations
Essential knowledge 8 competences

Occupation specific

0 competences

No competences in this bucket.

Sector-specific

3 competences
hazardous materials transportation

Regulations and safety procedures which are involved in the transportation of hazardous materials and products, such as hazardous waste, chemicals, explosives, and flammable materials.

green
ESCO source
radioactive contamination

The different causes of the presence of radioactive substances in liquids, solids, or gases or on surfaces, and the manner in which to identify the types of contaminants, their risks, and the contaminants' concentration.

ESCO source
waste and scrap products

The offered waste and scrap products, their functionalities, properties and legal and regulatory requirements.

ESCO source

Cross-sector

5 competences
hazardous waste storage

The regulations and procedures surrounding the safekeeping of materials and substances which pose health and safety risks.

green
ESCO source
hazardous waste treatment

The methods applied in the treatment and disposal of hazardous waste such as asbestos, dangerous chemicals, and various contaminants, as well as the surrounding environmental regulations and legislation. They exclude treatments of waste through incineration.

green
ESCO source
hazardous waste types

The different types of waste which poses risks to the environment or public health and safety, such as radioactive waste, chemicals and solvents, electronics, and mercury-containing waste.

green
ESCO source
pollution prevention

The processes used to prevent pollution: precautions to pollution of the environment, procedures to counter pollution and associated equipment, and possible measures to protect the environment.

green
ESCO source
waste management

The methods, materials and regulations used to collect, transport, treat and dispose of waste. This includes recycling and monitoring of waste disposal. It excludes procedures related to waste incineration.

green
ESCO source
Essential skills and competences 10 competences

Occupation specific

0 competences

No competences in this bucket.

Sector-specific

3 competences
ensure appropriate packaging of dangerous goods

Know that packaging for different types of dangerous goods (other than for limited and excepted quantities) must be designed and constructed to UN specification standards and pass practical transport related tests, such as being dropped, stored in a stack, and being subjected to pressure. It must also meet the needs of the materials it is to contain. Packaging must be certified by a competent authority.

ESCO source
ensure material compliance

Ensure that the materials provided by suppliers comply with the specified requirements.

ESCO source
revise certifications for dangerous good transportation

Check if the goods to be transported and their certifications meet regulations , ensure that certifications correspond to the goods. Drivers must ensure that they secure the load to their vehicle, which for dangerous goods requires a signed packing certificate (this certificate may form part of the Dangerous Goods Note).

ESCO source

Cross-sector

7 competences
advise on chemical use reduction

Provide advice to reduce the use of chemicals such as pesticides, the emissions of various chemical substances to limit their impact on the environment, as well as shorten their risk for people. Keep up to date with regulations and policies in the field.

green
ESCO source
advise on waste management procedures

Advise organisations on the implementation of waste regulations and on improvement strategies for waste management and waste minimisation, to increase environmentally sustainable practices and environmental awareness.

green
ESCO source
develop hazardous waste management strategies

Develop strategies which aim to increase the efficiency in which a facility treats, transports, and disposes of hazardous waste materials, such as radioactive waste, chemicals, and electronics.

ESCO source
ensure compliance with waste legislative regulations

Implement and monitor company procedures for the collection, transport and disposal of waste, in compliance with all regulations and legal requirements.

ESCO source
implement environmental protection measures

Enforce environmental criteria to prevent environmental damage. Strive for the efficient use of resources in order to prevent waste and reduce costs. Motivate colleagues to take relevant steps to operate in an environmentally friendly manner.

green
ESCO source
inspect compliance with hazardous waste regulations

Inspect an organisation's or facility's strategies which deal with the management of hazardous waste in order to ensure that their actions are compliant with relevant legislation and that measures are taken to improve protection from exposure, and ensure health and safety.

ESCO source
perform risk analysis

Identify and assess factors that may jeopardise the success of a project or threaten the organisation's functioning. Implement procedures to avoid or minimise their impact.

ESCO source
Optional knowledge 6 competences

Occupation specific

0 competences

No competences in this bucket.

Sector-specific

3 competences
hazardous freight regulations

The regulatory schemes applicable to the transportation of dangerous materials, such as IATA Dangerous Goods Regulations (DGR) for air transport, or International Maritime Dangerous Goods Code ("IMDG Code") for transportation of hazardous materials by sea.

ESCO source
import export regulations of dangerous chemicals

The international and national legal rules for exporting and importing dangerous chemicals.

ESCO source
pollution legislation

Be familiar with European and National legislation regarding the risk of pollution.

green
ESCO source

Cross-sector

3 competences
hazards associated with loading dangerous goods

The hazards implied with the transport of determined dangerous goods, and the emergency actions and handling procedures in case of accidents with the goods during their loading or transportation.

green
ESCO source
radiation protection

The measures and procedures used to protect people and the environment from the harmful effects of ionising radiation.

green
ESCO source
waste transport legislation

Regulations and legislation concerning the safe transportation of hazardous and non-hazardous waste materials, products, and appliances.

green
ESCO source
Optional skills and competences 15 competences

Occupation specific

0 competences

No competences in this bucket.

Sector-specific

6 competences
develop contingency plans for emergencies

Compose procedures outlining specific actions to be taken in the event of an emergency, taking into account all the risks and dangers that could be involved, ensuring that the plans comply with safety legislation and represent the safest course of action.

ESCO source
develop recycling programs

Develop and coordinate recycling programs; collect and process recyclable materials in order to reduce waste.

green
ESCO source
educate on hazardous waste

Educate the public or specific organisations on the importance of correct handling of hazardous waste in order to promote public safety, ensure compliance with legislation, and raise awareness of the different types of hazardous waste and their threats to public health and safety as well as the environment.

green
ESCO source
educate on recycling regulations

Educate organisations and individuals on the correct procedures and legislation concerning the recycling of different types of waste in different types of containers, waste collection procedures, and on the sanctions following non-compliance to legislation.

green
ESCO source
inspect hazardous freight in accordance with regulations

Inspect and take into account regulations on hazardous or delicate freight such as biomedical waste, transplant organs, and blood. Freight may have to cross national borders on its journey to its destination. Comply with legal freight regulations to avoid fines for the transportation company or the organisation that initiated the shipment.

ESCO source
train staff on waste management

Train the staff of a facility which deals with waste management, or an organisation's staff responsible for waste management strategies, on the improvements that can be made to reduce waste, increase efficiency of waste treatment and disposal, and ensure compliance with waste and environmental legislation.

green
ESCO source

Cross-sector

9 competences
advise on pollution prevention

Advise individuals and organisations on the development and implementation of actions which aid in the prevention of pollution and its related risks.

green
ESCO source
carry out environmental audits

Use equipment to measure various environmental parameters in order to identify environmental problems and investigate manners in which they can be resolved. Perform inspections in order to ensure compliance with environmental legislation.

green
ESCO source
educate on emergency management

Educate communities, organisations, or individuals on risk management and emergency response, such as how to develop and implement prevention and reaction strategies, and educate on emergency policies specific to the risks applicable to that area or organisation.

ESCO source
issue licences

Issue official documentation which grants licence holders with official permission to perform certain activities, after having investigated the application and processed the necessary documentation.

ESCO source
monitor legislation developments

Monitor changes in rules, policies and legislation, and identify how they may influence the organisation, existing operations, or a specific case or situation.

ESCO source
select hazard control

Perform appropriate selection of hazard control measures and risk management

ESCO source
test safety strategies

Test policies and strategies related to risk and safety management and procedures, such as testing evacuation plans, safety equipment, and carrying out drills.

ESCO source
train staff on recycling programs

Train employees on the type of recycling methods and programs available for a company and all its procedures and policies that should be taken account of.

green
ESCO source
wear appropriate protective gear

Wear relevant and necessary protective gear, such as protective goggles or other eye protection, hard hats, safety gloves.

ESCO source