characteristics of waste
Expertise in the different types, the chemical formulas and other characteristics of solid, liquid and hazardous waste.
Hazardous waste technicians dispose of materials that have been in contact with or are ignitable, corrosive, reactive, toxic or a combination of the aforementioned hazardous traits. They remove the waste from industrial facilities or households and transport them to a treatment facility to ensure they are treated and disposed of according to regulations. They may also advise on the proper treatment of hazardous waste, and aid in the clean-up of hazardous waste spills.
Competences and skills
53 ESCO relationsEssential knowledge 8 competences
Occupation specific
0 competencesNo competences in this bucket.
Sector-specific
3 competenceshazardous 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
waste and scrap products
The offered waste and scrap products, their functionalities, properties and legal and regulatory requirements.
Cross-sector
5 competencescontamination 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.
hazardous waste storage
The regulations and procedures surrounding the safekeeping of materials and substances which pose health and safety risks.
green
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
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
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
Essential skills and competences 9 competences
Occupation specific
0 competencesNo competences in this bucket.
Sector-specific
4 competencesassess waste type
Identify waste materials during collection and sorting operations in order to assess whether they need to be recycled, disposed of, or otherwise be treated.
green
follow standards for machinery safety
Apply basic safety standards and machine-specific technical standards to prevent risks connected with the use of machines in the workplace.
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
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
Cross-sector
5 competencesassess contamination
Analyse evidence of contamination. Advise on how to decontaminate.
green
avoid contamination
Avoid the mixing or contamination of materials.
green
dispose of hazardous waste
Dispose of dangerous materials such as chemical or radioactive substances according to environmental and to health and safety regulations.
green
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.
remove contaminants
Use chemicals and solvents to remove contaminants from products or surfaces.
Optional knowledge 9 competences
Occupation specific
0 competencesNo competences in this bucket.
Sector-specific
4 competencesdecontamination techniques
The methods and techniques used for the decontamination of waste by removing or neutralising the harmful substance.
green
pollution legislation
Be familiar with European and National legislation regarding the risk of pollution.
green
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.
radiochemistry
The chemistry of radioactive materials, the way to use radioactive isotopes of elements to study the properties and chemical reactions of non-radioactive isotopes.
Cross-sector
5 competencesheating, ventilation, air conditioning and refrigeration parts
The different parts constituing heating, air conditioning and refrigeration systems such as the different valves, fans, compressors, condensers, filters and other components.
hydraulics
The power transmission systems that use the force of flowing liquids to transmit power.
pneumatics
The application of pressurised gas to produce mechanical motion.
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
radiation protection
The measures and procedures used to protect people and the environment from the harmful effects of ionising radiation.
green
Optional skills and competences 27 competences
Occupation specific
0 competencesNo competences in this bucket.
Sector-specific
9 competencesclean up spilled oil
Safely clean up and dispose of spilled oil.
drain hazardous liquids
Drain substances which pose health and safety risks from equipment, appliances or installations in order to store the liquids according to safety guidelines and dispose or treat them as required.
green
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
establish waste collection routes
Establish and outline the routes which would ensure efficient and fast waste collection in the designated area.
follow nuclear plant safety precautions
Comply with nuclear power plant safety procedures, policies and legislation to ensure a safe working environment for all employees, and to ensure the safety of the public.
maintain waste collection records
Maintain records on waste collection routes, scheduling, and types and volume of waste collected.
report pollution incidents
When an incident causes pollution, examine the extent of the damage and what the consequences could be and report it relevant institution following pollution reporting procedures.
green
respond to nuclear emergencies
Set in motion the strategies for reacting in the event of equipment malfunctions, errors, or other events which may lead to contamination and other nuclear emergencies, ensuring that the facility is secured, all necessary areas are evacuated, and further damages and risks are contained.
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
Cross-sector
18 competencesadvise 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
collect industrial waste
Collect non-hazardous or hazardous waste which is produced by industrial activities, such as paints, chemicals, industrial byproducts, and radioactive waste.
green
collect samples for analysis
Collect samples of materials or products for laboratory analysis.
- Scope note
- Follow the procedures required for the collection of materials and products for laboratory analysis.
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.
develop radiation protection strategies
Develop strategies for facilities and organisations which are at risk for exposure to radiation or radioactive substances, such as hospitals and nuclear facilities, for the protection of people within the premises in case of risk, as well as the minimisation of radiation exposure during working operations.
document analysis results
Document on paper or on electronic devices the process and the results of the samples analysis performed.
ensure compliance with radiation protection regulations
Make sure the company and the employees implement the legal and operational measures established to guarantee protection against radiation.
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.
instruct employees on radiation protection
Explain the various legal and operational measures established in the company against radiation, such as reducing exposure time and wearing protective gear, to the employees and communicate the emergency procedures.
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.
maintain recycling records
Maintain records and process facts and figures about type and volume of different recycling operations.
green
monitor disposal of radioactive substances
Ensure correct management and disposal of radioactive substances used for medical purposes, in compliance with established procedures.
green
monitor radiation levels
Use measuring and testing equipment and techniques to identify the levels of radiation or radioactive substances in order to control exposure and minimise health, safety, and environmental risks.
green
operate recycling processing equipment
Operate recycling processing equipment such as granulators, crushers and balers; process and sort materials to be recycled.
green
read maps
Read maps effectively.
sort waste
Manually or automatically sort waste by separating it into its different elements.
test electrical equipment
Test electrical systems, machines, and components and check electrical properties, such as voltage, current, resistance, capacitance, and inductance, using electrical testing and measuring equipment, such as a multimeter. Gather and analyse data. Monitor and evaluate system performance and take action if needed.
wear appropriate protective gear
Wear relevant and necessary protective gear, such as protective goggles or other eye protection, hard hats, safety gloves.