Hazardous materials are all around us. It’s thanks to hard-working professionals that we’re able to live safe and comfortable lives.
If you’ve considered becoming part of the industry that manages and transports sensitive materials, you’re in luck. Handling hazardous waste is a very in-demand skill that’s only seeing more attention these past few years, both for people passionate about the environment and those eager for a career field with nearly unlimited opportunity for growth. Getting your Hazmat certification can be done online and supplemented with hands-on experience. A leg up on your studies can be done by glancing below and picking up some essential vocabulary on your new career field.
What should you expect from DOT hazardous materials training? A careful blend of environmental awareness, industry jargon, and common sense.
The United States is a busy, busy country. When it’s not constantly sending out materials and products internationally it’s in constant need of good materials to keep society churning. Electronics remain the highest valued commodity in the country, accounting for a staggering $1,600 billion. Following close behind are natural gas, asphalt, and Coca Cola for the highest weight of commodities shipped. Recent estimates have determined the collective total to be 2,600 million tons. This is just a taste of what you can expect when applying for your DOT hazardous materials training course.
When it comes to the most dangerous materials moved throughout the American transportation network, you can look to flammable liquids. Gasoline and various oils total 85% by value, 85% by weight, and 65% by ton-miles. The Department Of Transportation has gone so far as to label and categorize hazardous cargo into nine separate classes. Hazardous waste management certification training is a necessary barrier between you, other workers, and everyday people when moving these materials from place to place. Over 11 billion tons of freight shipped over 250 billion miles only remain possible because of the efforts of hazmat workers.
Did you know the vast majority of daily hazmat shipments are done by truck? These also remain some of the most volatile transportation efforts, as a single crash can damage the environment and harm countless people. Every year sees over three billion tons of hazardous materials shipped. Jobs that require entering confined spaces and jobs that require traveling several miles to deliver essential materials all rely on DOT hazardous materials training as a foundation. You’ll learn everything from proper driving protocol to how to maintain equipment like gloves, jackets, and helmets.
Today Texas is the biggest oil producing state in the country. The year 2016 saw the Lone Star State producing an impressive 1,175 million barrels and accounting for 45% of total oil production in the United States. You might find yourself working in and out of Texas if you decide to specialize in oil transportation, though the open road can very well take you across the country. Most hazmat workers today complete up to 40 hours of essential training mandated by OSHA, though some are required to have state-specific licenses. Your classes today will pave the way for a career field that only keeps growing.
If it’s good pay you want, it’s good pay you’ll get. As of 2016 hazardous material removal workers made a median annual salary of $40,000, with this getting higher with more experience and more moving up the ladder. Your DOT hazardous materials training will cover toxic materials, sensitive materials, transportation methods, maintenance routines, and much more to give you the best possible chance at success. You might also need required training for shipping hazmat materials or an application for a separate license depending on the state you work in.
The DOT hazardous materials training course will set you up for future success. Consider signing up for a class this month and set yourself on a dynamic course.