South Africa produces large volumes of hazardous waste with only 6% such as waste oils, being recovered and treated for new use. This poses a significant threat to human health and wellbeing and if not disposed of appropriately can seriously compromise the natural environment and ecosystem functioning. Careful handling and disposal of hazardous waste materials is governed by regulation to avoid compromising public health or impacting the natural environment.
Hazardous materials removal workers work in varying conditions depending on the type of materials, from homes and businesses to landfills, nuclear facilities and other power plants. They can work as part of a team and because of the hazardous materials with which they work, are required to wear fully enclosed protective suits for several hours at a time.
Hazardous materials removal workers need to have an extensive knowledge of the properties of toxic materials and require a complete understanding of safety regulations and procedures. They will also benefit from:
Plan procedures and dispose of hazardous materials that are flammable, corrosive, reactive or toxic
Load and transport contaminated waste to designated sea or ground locations
Clean contaminated equipment or areas
Record numbers of containers stored at disposal sites, specifying amount, equipment used, and waste disposed
Hazardous materials removal workers can benefit from a General Education and Training or Further Education and Training Certificate or a National Certificate in Environmental Practice at National Qualifications Framework Level 1 to 4 offered at Technical and Vocational Education and Training Colleges. Training takes place on the job with mentoring by an experienced mentor.
National, provincial and local government.
Waste management companies.
Power utility and mining companies.
