Companies that are concerned about the environmental impact of their operations frequently hire a hazardous waste manager to assist them in managing hazardous substances. This person is usually in charge of keeping track of hazardous materials and ensuring that they are properly stored. Before disposing of hazardous products, she may want to check local environmental regulations. A manager may also respond to spills in the event of an emergency or train workers on how to clean them up.
It is critical to store hazardous materials in a secure manner. A hazardous waste manager is in charge of securing chemicals, explosives, and other potentially hazardous materials. This could entail ensuring that products are placed in the correct container and are properly labeled. It may also necessitate keeping safety equipment in good working order, such as a fire extinguisher.
When chemicals must be transported, a hazardous waste manager may be called upon to supervise the process. She might inspect the vehicle to ensure that the containers are properly loaded and secured. In the event of a spill on the truck, this worker may provide material safety data sheets (MSDS) and emergency contact information to the drivers.
Environmental agencies inspect buildings known to contain hazardous products on a regular basis in many locations. A hazardous waste manager is usually in charge of ensuring that an organization follows these rules. She will represent the company during an inspection, escort inspectors as they conduct a walk-through examination of the premises, and answer any questions they may have. She may prepare a report of the inspection for management and make recommendations for how to correct deficiencies after the visit is completed.
Hazardous materials can leak or spill even when safety precautions are strictly followed. If this occurs, a hazardous waste manager may be required to respond. She could be in charge of cleaning up the materials herself or be in charge of a team of workers who do so. She might inspect the site after she’s finished cleaning to make sure there’s no leftover residue.
An associate’s degree in hazardous waste management or environmental science is frequently required to work as a hazardous waste manager. Chemistry and math classes in college could be extremely beneficial. Many workers receive on-the-job training or attend special seminars devoted to new hazardous material handling and storage techniques. Ability to react calmly and quickly in an emergency, as well as good public speaking skills, are other qualities that may be desirable.