Hazmat specialist is someone who deals in hazardous materials. The hazmat is derived from two different word- hazardous and materials. It means dangerous and toxic substances and goods out of that have to be taken care of only by a certified person who knows everything about such things. 

Hazardous materials specialists are in other words are supervisors or managers who control and manage the operations related to hazardous substances in a unit. They see if there is any spillage, wrong packages or others. It is their job to ensure that the workers maintain safety protocol and keep the environment from any disaster caused due to accidental hazardous material leaks. 

Specialist is experienced and trained personnel that have the right kind of knowledge and deep understanding of biological and chemical substances, toxic substances and other potentially hazardous things. A specialist in hazmat may involve themselves in the treatment and cleanup procedure in case of an accident.

It is absolutely imperative that a person planning to work in an organization dealing with hazardous goods must undergo the appropriate training program. There are separate sections of the training period and the training grade depends upon the department you are working for. From entry-level role to experienced job profile, one has to complete hazardous materials certification.

Hazardous goods industry is very complex. Hazmat specialist can work in the chemical industry, biological industry, and toxic product manufacturing industries and also in disaster management facility. There is a huge demand in hazmat professional that can help various industries in the fields of research, ecology, biotech, and others. You may work for a specific company or you may work independently as a specialist on call. You can also set up your own facility. In nuclear research units, hazmat specialist is much demanded. It is highly advisable to recruit trained hazmat professionals because it is their job to ensure that the strict code set by the government is not broken and no harm has done to the environment. 

Since hazmat specialists are trained extensively they are fit enough to handle works safely and in the right way. You can be an entry level person or an experienced one. Depending upon your work field and experience, you can choose your job profile. Generally, a degree in health and environmental science is required. But any worker may appear for hazmat training from a reputed institute such as OSHA, DOT, as per their job demanded. 

You may be asked to inspect work sites and understand the intensity of the hazardous materials used in a specific organization. You may be asked to manage the laws and strict guidelines in a work environment. One has to invest the guidelines of a warehouse and also manage the right system of hazardous goods management.

They are also responsible for testing equipment and special tools and also need to interpret the results. They are also responsible to provide relevant and necessary instruction and information to the others in a work zone. Hazmat personnel are assigned for management of hazardous material projects and other forms of assignments. If you are an experienced person, then you should be able to control dangerous situations and conditions.