50 Equipment Types with Asbestos Exposure
1. Air Compressor Equipment
Workers were exposed to asbestos when maintaining air compressors. The insulation on these compressors often contained asbestos, and during maintenance or repairs, disturbing these materials could release asbestos fibers into the air.
2. Automotive Equipment
Mechanics encountered asbestos while working on older vehicles. Many automotive components, such as brake pads, gaskets, and clutches, contained asbestos. The friction and wear on these parts during repairs could release asbestos fibers into the environment.
3. Boiler Equipment
Maintenance workers faced asbestos exposure while servicing boilers. Boilers, especially older ones, were insulated with asbestos materials. During repairs or routine maintenance, these materials could be disturbed, releasing asbestos fibers into the air.
4. Brake Equipment
Brake mechanics were exposed to asbestos while handling brake components. Many vehicles and machinery used asbestos in their brake pads and linings. As brakes were serviced, the friction and wear would disturb the asbestos, causing fibers to be released.
5. Cement Mixer Equipment
Construction workers encountered asbestos exposure while operating cement mixers. These machines often contained asbestos in their insulation and components. During use or cleaning, the release of asbestos fibers could pose a significant risk to workers.
6. Crane Equipment
Workers were exposed to asbestos while working on cranes. Cranes used on construction sites often had asbestos-containing materials in their brake linings and insulation. Routine maintenance or repairs disturbed these materials, releasing harmful fibers into the air.
7. Electrical Equipment
Electricians and maintenance workers were exposed to asbestos while handling electrical equipment. Older transformers, circuit breakers, and wiring often had asbestos-based insulation. When these materials were disturbed during repairs, asbestos fibers could be released into the environment.
8. Elevator Equipment
Technicians working on elevators were exposed to asbestos. Many older elevators contained asbestos insulation in their components. As these systems were maintained or repaired, the disturbance of these materials released harmful asbestos fibers into the air.
9. Escalator Equipment
Escalator maintenance crews faced exposure to asbestos. Asbestos was used in various components of escalators, including insulation. During maintenance, cleaning, or repairs, the fibers from these components could be released into the air, exposing workers.
10. Excavating Equipment
Operators of excavators encountered asbestos exposure while working on construction sites. Excavators often had asbestos-based insulation in various components. During operation or maintenance, the movement of equipment could disturb these materials and release harmful asbestos fibers.
11. Fabricating Equipment
Metalworkers and fabricators were exposed to asbestos during operation. Many fabrication tools and machinery used in metalworking were insulated with asbestos-containing materials. As these materials were disturbed during cutting or grinding, asbestos fibers were released into the air.
12. Farm Equipment
Farm laborers were exposed to asbestos while handling agricultural machinery. Older farm equipment often contained asbestos in its insulation and brake systems. As the equipment was used or maintained, fibers from these materials were disturbed and became airborne.
13. Furnace Equipment
HVAC technicians were exposed to asbestos while servicing furnaces. Furnaces, especially older models, often had asbestos insulation. During maintenance, repairs, or replacement of parts, disturbing these materials released harmful asbestos fibers into the air.
14. Gaskets
Workers were exposed to asbestos while handling gaskets. Many industrial gaskets, including those used in engines and piping, contained asbestos. When gaskets were removed, repaired, or replaced, the materials often released asbestos fibers into the air.
15. Generators
Maintenance workers encountered asbestos exposure when servicing generators. Generators, particularly older models, used asbestos-based insulation. During maintenance or repairs, disturbing the insulation or electrical components released asbestos fibers into the air.
16. Grinders
Grinder operators faced asbestos exposure during metalworking tasks. Many grinders used in industrial applications had asbestos-containing components. During the operation or maintenance of these machines, asbestos fibers were released, putting workers at risk.
17. Heat Exchangers
Workers encountered asbestos exposure while servicing heat exchangers. Heat exchangers, particularly older models, were often insulated with asbestos. During maintenance or repairs, disturbing this insulation released harmful asbestos fibers into the air.
18. Insulation Equipment
Insulation workers were exposed to asbestos during installation or removal. Many insulation materials, especially older types, contained asbestos. As workers installed or removed these materials, asbestos fibers were released, creating a hazardous work environment.
19. Lathes
Machinists faced asbestos exposure while operating lathes. Many lathes used in manufacturing contained asbestos in their components. During machining operations, the disturbance of these materials released asbestos fibers, exposing workers to potential health risks.
20. Machinery
Industrial workers encountered asbestos exposure when working with machinery. Many machines used in manufacturing, construction, and other industries contained asbestos materials. Maintenance and operation of these machines disturbed the asbestos-containing parts, releasing fibers into the air.
21. Mills
Mill workers faced asbestos exposure while operating machinery. Many mills, especially in the textile industry, used asbestos insulation in their machinery. As the equipment was operated or repaired, asbestos fibers were released into the air, putting workers at risk.
22. Mining Equipment
Miners were exposed to asbestos while operating mining equipment. Mining equipment, particularly older models, often contained asbestos insulation to protect against heat. Disturbing these materials during operation or maintenance released asbestos fibers into the air.
23. Nuclear Equipment
Nuclear industry workers were exposed to asbestos while maintaining equipment. Many nuclear reactors and other equipment used asbestos for insulation. Maintenance and repair activities disturbed the asbestos materials, releasing fibers into the air, putting workers at risk.
24. Pumps
Industrial workers faced asbestos exposure when working with pumps. Pumps used in various industries often contained asbestos in gaskets and seals. During maintenance or repairs, disturbing these materials released harmful asbestos fibers into the air.
25. Refrigeration Units
Refrigeration technicians were exposed to asbestos when servicing old units. Many older refrigeration units used asbestos-based insulation. During maintenance, repairs, or disassembly, asbestos fibers were disturbed and released into the air, posing a risk to workers.
26. Road Construction Equipment
Road construction workers were exposed to asbestos while operating machinery. Many construction vehicles and equipment used in roadwork contained asbestos in their components. The disturbance of these materials during maintenance or operation released asbestos fibers into the air.
27. Ship Engines
Engineers and crew members were exposed to asbestos while working on ship engines. Ship engines, especially in older vessels, were insulated with asbestos. When maintenance or repairs were performed, the disturbance of these materials released harmful asbestos fibers.
28. Shipbuilding Tools
Shipyard workers were exposed to asbestos while using tools. Tools like hammers and welding equipment often came into contact with asbestos materials. During operation or maintenance, asbestos fibers were released into the air, putting workers at risk of inhalation.
29. Steam Boilers
Boiler technicians were exposed to asbestos while servicing steam boilers. Steam boilers, especially older ones, were insulated with asbestos. During maintenance or repairs, disturbing the insulation released asbestos fibers into the air, leading to exposure.
30. Turbines
Workers encountered asbestos exposure while servicing turbines. Turbines used in power plants and industrial applications often had asbestos insulation. Disturbing these materials during maintenance or operation could release harmful asbestos fibers, putting workers at risk.
31. Valves
Maintenance workers were exposed to asbestos when handling valves. Valves in chemical plants and refineries often contained asbestos insulation and gaskets. When these valves were repaired or replaced, asbestos fibers were released into the air, causing exposure.
32. Water Heaters
Technicians were exposed to asbestos while maintaining water heaters. Older water heaters, especially those used in industrial settings, were insulated with asbestos. During maintenance or repairs, disturbing the insulation released asbestos fibers into the air.
33. Welding Equipment
Welders were exposed to asbestos while working with welding equipment. Many welding equipment components contained asbestos for insulation or flameproofing. As these materials were disturbed during welding activities, asbestos fibers were released into the air, creating a health hazard.
34. Fireproofing Materials
Construction and industrial workers encountered asbestos exposure when handling fireproofing materials. Many fireproofing materials used in buildings and machinery contained asbestos. During demolition, repair, or renovation, asbestos fibers were released into the air, exposing workers.
35. Floor Tiles
Flooring contractors and maintenance workers were exposed to asbestos while handling tiles. Many older floor tiles contained asbestos for durability and fire resistance. Disturbing or removing these tiles during renovations released harmful asbestos fibers into the air.
36. Insulating Blankets
Workers faced asbestos exposure when handling insulating blankets. Industrial insulating blankets, used for heat resistance, often contained asbestos. When these blankets were removed or replaced, the disturbance of asbestos materials caused fibers to become airborne.
37. Ceiling Tiles
Construction workers and maintenance personnel encountered asbestos exposure while handling ceiling tiles. Many ceiling tiles installed in buildings before the 1980s contained asbestos. During renovations or repairs, disturbing these tiles released asbestos fibers into the air.
38. Wall Insulation
Workers were exposed to asbestos while handling wall insulation. Many older buildings used asbestos for insulation in walls. During renovations or construction activities, disturbing this insulation released harmful asbestos fibers into the air, increasing exposure risks.
39. Furnaces
HVAC workers encountered asbestos exposure while servicing furnaces. Many older furnaces were insulated with asbestos to prevent heat loss. Disturbing the insulation during maintenance or repairs could release harmful asbestos fibers into the air.
40. Tiles and Countertops
Workers faced exposure when handling tiles and countertops made with asbestos. Many older countertops and tiles used asbestos for added durability. During removal or replacement, asbestos fibers were released into the air, exposing workers to potential harm.
41. Hot Water Systems
Technicians were exposed to asbestos when repairing hot water systems. Hot water systems in older buildings often had asbestos insulation. Maintenance work on these systems disturbed the insulation, releasing harmful asbestos fibers into the air.
42. Generators
Maintenance workers encountered asbestos exposure when servicing generators. Many older generators used asbestos for insulation to protect against heat. Disturbing these materials during repairs or maintenance released harmful asbestos fibers into the air.
43. Radiators
Workers were exposed to asbestos while handling radiators. Radiators, particularly older models, were often insulated with asbestos to prevent heat loss. Maintenance workers disturbed the insulation, causing asbestos fibers to be released into the air.
44. Electrical Wires
Electricians were exposed to asbestos while handling electrical wires. Many older electrical wires and cables used asbestos for insulation. When repairing or replacing these wires, asbestos fibers could be disturbed and released into the air, causing exposure.
45. Lifts
Workers were exposed to asbestos when servicing elevators and lifts. Older lifts often contained asbestos in their insulation and gaskets. Maintenance and repair work disturbed these materials, releasing harmful asbestos fibers into the air.
46. Concrete Mixers
Construction workers faced asbestos exposure when handling concrete mixers. Concrete mixers often contained asbestos in their components for heat resistance. During maintenance or operation, disturbing these parts released asbestos fibers into the air, exposing workers.
47. Industrial Ovens
Workers in industrial facilities faced asbestos exposure when operating ovens. Many older industrial ovens used asbestos for insulation. As workers serviced or repaired these ovens, the disturbance of asbestos materials released fibers into the air.
48. Kitchen Appliances
Technicians faced asbestos exposure while servicing kitchen appliances. Older stoves, ovens, and other appliances often used asbestos for insulation. During maintenance or repairs, disturbing these components released harmful asbestos fibers into the air.
49. Sewer Pipes
Plumbers encountered asbestos exposure when handling old sewer pipes. Sewer pipes installed before the 1980s often contained asbestos materials for insulation. When these pipes were handled, asbestos fibers could be disturbed and released into the air.
50. Mining Equipment
Miners were exposed to asbestos when operating mining equipment. Mining equipment often contained asbestos insulation for heat resistance. The disturbance of these materials during operation or maintenance released harmful asbestos fibers, putting miners at risk.
