Who Is At Risk?
Boilermakers
Boilermakers build, install and repair boilers as well as work on large containers holding liquids and gases.
Boilermakers work involves removing uneven edges or reshaping bent plates using hammers, files, grinders, and cutting torches.
Boilermakers also update parts such as burners and boiler tubes. Although asbestos use in insulation and fireproofing cease in the 1970s boilers constructed before that time still pose a risk.
Maintenance Workers
Hundreds of thousands of workplaces still have asbestos materials which pose a huge risk for those who maintain those buildings today.
Repair plumbing, electrical fixtures, machinery, and the structure of buildings brings the maintenance worker in to contact with asbestos laden materials. The more extensive the work the greater the risk of releasing asbestos fibers in to the air.
Insulators (Asbestos Workers)
Before the mid-1970's asbestos was used extensively in construction materials. Workers who insulated furnaces, steam pipes, etc. had to cut, saw and apply asbestos insulation and cements resulting in high asbestos exposure. Even though installation of asbestos insulation has ceased the old installations now need to be repaired and/or removed.
Brake Mechanics
Asbestos has been used in automobile brakes for several decades and continues still. The need to grind some brake shoes during installation results in huge amounts of airborne asbestos. Additional airborne asbestos fibers are also created when fittings are removed and the area 'blown out' by high-pressure air hoses.
Pipe Fitters
Pipefitters and plumbers install and repair pipework for steam, fluids and gases. Pipefitters work in domestic and commercial settings and so come into contact with all asbestos risk areas. The need to access areas that are seldom visited means that they are more likely to encounter areas with dated asbestos materials that may additionally require cutting or demolition.
Pipefitters also work with steam pipes which historically would hav eused asbestos block and cement for insulation. Gaskets containing asbestos may also need replacing/cleaning.
Shipfitters
Shipfitters fabricate metal structures, such as plates and bulkheads for riveting or welding. These workers will also install gaskets and other structural accessories. Because ship pipework, boilers and furnaces were insulated with asbestos shipfitters are at a high risk and especially as much work was carried out in poorly ventilated areas.
Steel Workers
Steelworkers manufacture and work with metals in both molten and solid forms. Asbestos was used in steel mills and foundries as part of the steam pipes insulation and boilers. Asbestos aprons, leggings and gloves were also used by steelworkers as were asbestos blankets on metal castings.
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