What They Do
The work of the asbestos worker today covers industrial, commercial, transportation and cryogenics. They work 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. Asbestos work requires more coordination than strength.
Working Conditions
Asbestos workers generally work indoors. They spend most of the workday on their feet, either standing, bending or kneeling. They often work with their hands and may be asked to work on ladders as well as in tight spaces. Insulation work is often dusty and dirty. 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.
Qualifications
- High school graduate
- Physically fit to perform duties
- Competent in math (algebra, geometry, trigonometry)
- Blueprint reading
- Mechanical drawing
Application Requirements
- Doctor's exam, including chest x-ray
- Diploma and transcript of grades
- Successfully meet the norms established in Employment Services SATB
Apprenticeship
- • 4 year program
- • 144 hours minimum each year of related classroom instruction
- • Indentured to the Joint Apprenticeship Committee
Job Opportunities
Workers in occupations involving similar skills include carpenters, carpet installers, drywall applicators, floor layers, roofers and sheet metal workers. Skilled insulation workers may advance to supervisor, shop superintendent, insulation contract estimator or set up their own insulation or asbestos abatement business.
Application and Information
Contact Ed Price at:
International Brotherhood of Heat and Frost Insulators and Asbestos Workers
Union 3
1617 East 30th St.
Cleveland, OH 44114
216-621-3522