Types of Machine Operators and At-Risk Trades Part 2
Posted on: September 30, 2024- Operating Engineers: Operating engineers, who handle heavy machinery like cranes, bulldozers, and excavators, are often exposed to asbestos through the dust and fibers released from old construction materials. Asbestos was commonly used in building insulation, pipes, and other materials that these engineers might disturb during excavation or demolition projects.
- Power Plant Workers: Power plant workers are at a high risk of asbestos exposure due to the extensive use of asbestos in insulating pipes, boilers, turbines, and other machinery within these facilities. The heat-resistant properties of asbestos made it a common material in power plants, putting workers in direct contact with its hazardous fibers, especially during maintenance or repair work.
- Road Machine Operators: Road machine operators, involved in constructing and maintaining roads, might encounter asbestos in older road materials, such as asphalt and concrete, which sometimes contained asbestos for added strength and heat resistance. These workers are at risk when cutting, drilling, or grinding these materials, as it can release asbestos fibers into the air.
- Sheet Metal Workers: Sheet metal workers often work with materials that have been insulated with asbestos, especially in older buildings. As they cut, bend, and install metal sheets for ductwork, roofing, and other applications, they can disturb asbestos-containing insulation, gaskets, or cement, releasing fibers into the air.
- Shipyard Workers: Shipyard workers are among those most at risk for asbestos exposure, as asbestos was widely used in shipbuilding for insulation, fireproofing, and soundproofing. These workers, especially those involved in repairing or dismantling older ships, are at high risk of inhaling asbestos fibers when disturbing materials like insulation, pipes, and engine parts.
- Tool and Die Makers: Tool and die makers, responsible for crafting precision tools and molds, might have been exposed to asbestos used in the machinery and equipment they maintained or operated. Asbestos was used in various machine parts, such as brakes, clutches, and gaskets, and these workers could inadvertently inhale fibers when working on or near such equipment.