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ESCO occupation

decontamination worker

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Decontamination workers remove and dispose of hazardous materials, such as radioactive materials or contaminated soil. They handle hazardous materials in compliance with safety regulations, investigate causes of contamination, and remove the contamination from the structure or site.

7133.5 ISCO 7133 ESCO source
Competences
31
Groups
4
Essential
15
Optional
16

Competences and skills

31 ESCO relations
Essential knowledge 7 competences

Occupation specific

0 competences

No competences in this bucket.

Sector-specific

2 competences
decontamination techniques

The methods and techniques used for the decontamination of waste by removing or neutralising the harmful substance.

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

Cross-sector

5 competences
cleaning industry health and safety measures

Preventive and interventional methods used in the cleaning industry to maintain health and safety for all workers and tertiary persons.

ESCO source
contamination exposure regulations

The regulations concerning exposure to contaminated materials or a hazardous environment which regulate the actions surrounding risk assessment, minimisation of further exposure, quarantine, and treatment of the exposed persons.

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
health, safety and hygiene legislation

The set of health, safety and hygiene standards and items of legislation applicable in a specific sector.

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
Essential skills and competences 8 competences

Occupation specific

0 competences

No competences in this bucket.

Sector-specific

2 competences
remove contaminated materials

Remove materials and equipment which are contaminated with hazardous substances in order to protect the surroundings from further contamination and to treat or dispose of the contaminated materials.

green
ESCO source
store contaminated materials

Package and store materials which pose risks to health and safety due to contamination, and awaiting disposal or treatment, in a manner compliant with safety regulations.

green
ESCO source

Cross-sector

6 competences
assess contamination

Analyse evidence of contamination. Advise on how to decontaminate.

green
ESCO source
avoid contamination

Avoid the mixing or contamination of materials.

green
ESCO source
disinfect surfaces

Apply the correct cleaning procedures, taking into account safe handling of disinfectants, to remove contaminants, pollutants, and bacterial risks, from various surfaces, such as buildings exteriors, vehicles, and roads.

ESCO source
investigate contamination

Perform tests to investigate the properties of contamination in an area, or on surfaces and materials, in order to identify the cause, its nature, and the extent of the risk and damage.

green
ESCO source
remove contaminants

Use chemicals and solvents to remove contaminants from products or surfaces.

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
Optional knowledge 2 competences

Occupation specific

0 competences

No competences in this bucket.

Sector-specific

1 competence
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

Cross-sector

1 competence
hazardous waste storage

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

green
ESCO source
Optional skills and competences 14 competences

Occupation specific

0 competences

No competences in this bucket.

Sector-specific

5 competences
advise on soil and water protection

Advise on methods to protect soil and water sources against pollution such as nitrate leaching which is responsible for soil erosion.

green
ESCO source
assist people in contaminated areas

Assist workers in remediation activities as well as people at risk of exposure in safety operations, such as instructing on wearing protective gear, entering and leaving restricted areas, and usage of remediation equipment.

ESCO source
report on building damage

Report on deterioration or disturbances of a building's exterior so that the correct authorities are aware of the problem and plans can be made for treating the damage.

ESCO source
tend asbestos blower

Tend the blower used to dry asbestos and eliminate fumes from asbestos.

ESCO source
test samples for pollutants

Measure concentrations of pollutants within samples. Calculate air pollution or gas flow in industrial processes. Identify potential safety or health risks such as radiation.

green
ESCO source

Cross-sector

9 competences
dispose of hazardous waste

Dispose of dangerous materials such as chemical or radioactive substances according to environmental and to health and safety regulations.

green
ESCO source
document analysis results

Document on paper or on electronic devices the process and the results of the samples analysis performed.

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
ensure operability of protective equipment

Monitor and maintain the equipment used during remediation activities such as disinfection, decontamination, radiation removal or pollution control, in order to ensure that the equipment is functional and able to control the hazard and protect the remediation workers.

ESCO source
follow safety procedures when working at heights

Take necessary precautions and follow a set of measures that assess, prevent and tackle risks when working at a high distance from the ground. Prevent endangering people working under these structures and avoid falls from ladders, mobile scaffolding, fixed working bridges, single person lifts etc. since they may cause fatalities or major injuries.

ESCO source
handle chemical cleaning agents

Ensure proper handling, storage, management and disposal of cleaning chemicals (CIP) in accordance with regulations.

Scope note
The chemicals include hazardous materials.
ESCO source
identify damage to buildings

Monitor the state of building exteriors in order to identify any possible damage and to assess the nature of the damage and treatment methods.

ESCO source
perform demarcation

Perform the activities involved in the creation and fixing of boundaries around a restricted area.

ESCO source
secure working area

Secure the operation site fixing boundaries, restricting access, placing signs and taking other measures in order to guarantee public and staff safety.

ESCO source