A sealed operator is provided for operating an internal locking control element for a closure head for the inner container in a dual container hazardous waste storage system. The operator includes a cylindrical housing in which a bushing/operator element assembly is mounted for translational movement. The latter assembly includes a cylindrical bushing sealingly mounted in the housing, a spherical bearing assembly including an annular outer bearing press fit within the bushing and an annular inner bearing. An operator element is press fit within the inner surface of the inner bearing. The operator element includes a driving head which engages the locking control element for the closure head of the inner container.