Operating Engineers
An engineer is someone who is trained or professionally engaged in a branch of engineering. Engineers use technology, mathematics, and scientific knowledge to solve practical problems. The title ‘engineer’ may refer to a number of jobs such as a construction (civil, electrical or mechanical) engineer, a chemical engineer etc. An operating engineer is someone who operates and maintains weighty equipments such as bulldozers, road graders and backhoes.
Operating Engineers and Asbestos Exposure
Virtually all engineers share the risk of asbestos exposure as asbestos is a part of almost all industrial activities since the previous century. Asbestos was used in several materials including even protective clothing. Asbestos was a very common building material as it is highly resistant to flame, heat, caustic chemicals and electric current. It is almost certain that all buildings built before 1980 contain asbestos. So, engineers are at great risk of asbestos exposure. The chances of asbestos exposure depend on their specific field of engineering.
Asbestos exposure is unavoidable when working with bulldozer, backhoe and road grader. If the machinery is used to demolish an old building or when working in dust that previously had in the building, operators and engineers are at risk of asbestos exposure. Road grader operators and engineers are exposed to asbestos dust that is mixed with the gravel in the road. Asbestos particles become airborne as dust rises and operating engineer and others in the surrounding area inhale them. Asbestos dust that gets on the clothes is carried to their home and put even the family members also at risk of developing asbestos-related diseases.