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Two people wearing hazmat suits. One person is adjusting the other person's breathing apparatus.Photo by Pixabay from Pexels

Are you interested in protecting public safety and preventing environmental damage?

If so, consider a role as a hazmat technician!

What do hazmat technicians do?

Hazmat (hazardous materials) technicians respond to emergencies involving dangerous substances.

GIF of Home Simpson taking off his PPE and leaving, as a radioactive bar sticks to his back. Text says, 'Whistle Blowing'.

Equipped with personal protective equipment (PPE), such as respirators, eye protection, and suits, hazmat technicians control and contain the spread of hazardous materials safely and effectively.

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Common materials handled include:

  • asbestos

  • radioactive waste

  • mold

  • lead

  • mercury.

These materials may be:

  • toxic

  • radioactive

  • flammable

  • explosive

  • corrosive.

They first identify the material, then dispose of it correctly.

How do I become a hazmat technician?

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Image by pikisuperstar on Freepik

To become a hazmat technician, you'll need:

  • a high school diploma

  • to complete a HAZMAT training program

  • to pass a background check

  • to be in good physical shape to carry and work in heavy protective gear

For specialized roles or to work for the government, you'll also need:

  • a bachelor’s degree in chemistry or environmental science

  • advanced training and certifications in specific areas — for example, cargo tankers or weapons of mass destruction (WMDs)

Did you know?

Entry-level hazmat training programs are typically 40 hours in length.

Who can I work for?

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Hazmat technicians work for a variety of employers, including:

  • private companies, such as factories, transportation, healthcare, and consulting firms

  • government agencies, including local, state, and federal

  • within police, firefighter, and emergency medical technician (EMT) departments as a specialist

  • research institutions

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Depending who you work for, you may:

  • handle different types of hazardous materials

  • have a different pay-scale

  • work different hours

  • be required to have different certifications

Did you know?

Some companies pay for their employees to become certified or re-certified in specialized areas.

What kind of pay can I expect?

Flaticon IconIn the USA...

Hazmat technicians make on average $44,886 per year.

Flaticon IconIn Canada...

Hazmat technicians make on average $52,169 per year.

Did you know?

Working as a hazmat technician is often an on-call, 24/7 position. Overtime pay is common.

Is this career right for me?

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This might sound good if you're...

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  • interested in the sciences, environmental safety, and public health

  • like being physically active

  • like to work under pressure

  • enjoy analysis and investigation to solve problems

  • someone who loves learning — every day has new situations…and equipment

This may not sound good if you ...

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  • don't like emergency work in dangerous conditions

  • don't like working on-call, 24/7

  • don't like physically demanding work and wearing PPE in hot and claustrophobic conditions for extended periods of time

  • don't like completing lots of paperwork

Quiz

Which strength would be best suited for a role as a hazmat technician?

Take Action

Looking to take the next step to be a hazmat technician?

License:

This Byte has been authored by

JW

Julie White-Robinson

Multimedia producer and LMS admin

English

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