The Asbestos Worker

Scope of Work - The work of the asbestos worker today covers industrial, commercial, transportation and cryogenics.  Industrial applies to all types of industries such as chemical process and petrochemical.  The commercial field includes building, building services and refrigerated spaces.  Transportation includes the insulation of trucks, trailers, railroad cars and ships.  Cryogenics is the field of low temperature service, such as required by the liquefied gases.  The asbestos worker today works with many types of materials, such as fiberglass, cork and calcium silicate.  They insulate hot and cold piping, refrigerant lines, duct work boilers and tanks.

Working Conditions - Asbestos workers generally work indoors.  They spend most of the workday on their feet, either standing, bending, or kneeling.  Insulation work is often dusty and dirty.  The minute particles from the insulation materials, especially when blown, can irritate the eyes, skin, and respiratory system.  Removing cancer-causing asbestos insulation is a hazardous task and is done by specially trained workers.  To protect themselves from the dangers of asbestos and irritants, workers follow strict safety guidelines, wear protective masks and respirators, take decontamination showers and keep work areas well ventilated.

Apprenticeship Requirements

Length of Program - 4-year apprenticeship, one evening a week. (approximately September through May)

Requirements - Required high school diploma or GED. 18 Years minumum posses a valid drivers license and live in the geographical area as specified for each individual training program.

Courses Required - Pattern Cutting, math, Scaffold Building, Metal Cutting, pattern and Blueprint Reading.