POWER PLANT RISK FACTORS

Because power plants generate lots of heat, asbestos has been used heavily in them. This is true
mainly in older plants that were built before the dangers of asbestos exposure were revealed. Asbestos companies and major industry groups were aware of the dangers asbestos posed but continued to use asbestos products and concealed vitally important information from workers, their families and the public.

It was common to wrap steam pipes with asbestos cloth pipe covering, insulate boilers with asbestos tiling or blocks and spray asbestos insulation on boilers, turbines, walls, ceilings and roofing. Although some remediation (removal of asbestos) has taken place, in many instances power plants remain potentially dangerous worksites because of the high levels of asbestos still in place. Workers who repair steam pipes, boilers, pumps or related equipment may fracture asbestos-containing material, releasing dangerous fibers into the air. Some asbestos, especially sprayed-on insulation, may become crumbly to the touch (a condition called ìfriableî) and can be released into the air without significant force. Ruptures, explosions, and other accidents also can release asbestos.

In many of the plants where Local 148 members work today, asbestos is still present. The danger remains. Should you have contact with asbestos on the job, even in relatively small amounts, your health and your life may be put at risk. The more information you have, the better able you will be to protect yourself and your co- workers from a potential tragedy. I urge every member employed in a power plant to follow established safety procedures religiously when working with or near asbestos. Never shortcut a procedure. If you have any questions or concerns about working around asbestos, seek the advice of your safety representative or the union office.