01. Asbestos Risk for HVAC Workers
How Are HVAC Workers Exposed to Asbestos?
HVAC工人可能经历过asbestos exposurewhile working in homes and buildings. Before the 1980s, many structures were built with asbestos-containing materials. Some HVAC systems were also made withasbestos parts.
例如,asbestos常见于垫圈和绝缘材料。石棉是一种有价值的添加剂,因为它改善了耐热性和耐用性。
Workers may come in contact with asbestos while maintaining and repairing HVAC systems. Asbestos exposure may also occur when workers are removing or replacing old parts.
暖通钢菌工人s may grind, saw, cut or damage asbestos-containing materials.
Broken asbestos materials may release asbestos fibers into the air. Airborne asbestos fibers create a serious health hazard. Workers who inhale or ingest asbestos risk developing万博专业版,lung cancerorasbestosis.
What Asbestos Products Put HVAC Workers at Risk?
Several products used in the HVAC industry were once made with asbestos. HVAC workers may have been exposed to asbestos from:
- Air duct systems
- Asbestos blankets
- 锅炉
- Ceiling tiles
- Cooling towers
- 地板瓷砖
- Furnace ducts
- Gaskets
- HVAC振动阻尼器
- Insulation
- Steam pipes
Companies can no longer manufacture asbestos products. However, some HVAC mechanics may still be at risk of asbestos exposure in older buildings and homes. Old products may still be present in some structures.
Common Places HVAC Workers May Be Exposed to Asbestos
HVAC professionals work in many types of residential homes and commercial buildings. Until the 1980s, HVAC systems in buildings often contained asbestos products.
Locations where HVAC workers have been exposed include:
在这些建筑物中,HVAC技术人员经常在狭窄的通风区域内工作。低通风可能导致高度浓缩的石棉灰尘。
例如,friable asbestos in a boiler room or an air duct system puts workers at high risk of exposure.
HVAC工人and At-Risk Trades
A variety of HVAC workers may have risked asbestos exposure. At-risk trades in the HVAC industry include:
- Boilermakers
- 电工
- Fabricators and assemblers
- General repair workers
- Heat and frost insulators
- HVAC承包商
- Machinists
- Pipefitters
- 制冷力学
- Stationary engineers
- Steamfitters
Today, individuals in many HVAC occupations remain at risk of exposure to asbestos due to aging buildings and products.
Family members of HVAC workers also risksecondhand asbestos exposure. After working in confined areas, asbestos fibers may settle on workers’ clothing, skin and/or hair.
As a result, HVAC workers bring home asbestos fibers at the end of the day. Loved ones who launder asbestos-contaminated clothes may experience secondhand exposure.
02. 万博专业版HVAC工人的间皮瘤风险
Mesothelioma Risk for HVAC Workers
暖通钢菌工人s who have experienced asbestos exposure are at risk of developing mesothelioma.
In a 2017 study, researchers analyzed asbestos deaths in the United States from 1970 to 2014. Researchers found insulation workers and boilermakers died fromasbestos illnessesat higher rates than other occupations.
The study also noted HVAC workers were 4.4 times more likely to pass away from an asbestos-related illness than the general population.
Mesothelioma has alatency period of up to 50 years. HVAC professionals who worked with asbestos products in years past may still develop the disease today.
Individuals who have known occupational asbestos exposure should stay up to date on cancer screenings. Early万博专业版间皮瘤诊断andtreatment是延伸的最佳方式life expectancy.
03.惠华卫生署工人的赔偿
Compensation for Victims of Occupational Asbestos Exposure
HVAC工人来自间皮瘤的万博专业版occupational asbestos exposuremay seek compensation. Individuals can file amesothelioma lawsuitorworkers’ compensation claimagainstasbestos companies.
面临大量诉讼后,一些公司成立石棉信托基金. By filing an asbestos trust fund claim, eligible individuals may receivecompensation.
Workers may contact alaw firmto determine eligibility for a lawsuit or claim. Experiencedmesothelioma lawyerscan help build a case and hold negligent companies responsible.
04. Asbestos Safety
Asbestos Safety for HVAC Workers
职业安全与健康管理局(OSHA) requires employers to provide safeguards for Class I HVAC workers. Safeguards mandated by OSHA include:
- Sealing HVAC systems within isolated areas using two layers of six mil plastic sheeting to prevent contamination
- 在石棉abatemen关闭空调系统t projects or when asbestos construction materials are likely to be disturbed
这些规则有助于HVAC工人降低了空中石棉暴露的风险。