Machinist Asbestos Exposure

A machinist is defined as a skilled worker who can efficiently operate all standard machine tools, read drawings, use precision measuring instruments and use hand tools.  He or she specializes in making things out of metal or other solid material. A machinist may also be known as a fitter or turner, if they possess trade papers; a toolmaker if they specialize in making the tools for production; or a process worker if they operate a production machine.  Machinists must be careful and precise and being a skilled machinist is often considered an art.

Machinists and Asbestos

Machinists often work within the construction industry or in shipbuilding and other similar fields that require their skills.  They also do maintenance work when necessary, creating new parts to replace existing ones. 

Because the process of machining metal creates an abundance of heat, for decades fire-resistant materials such as asbestos were used as insulation in the machinist’s shop. Other uses for asbestos-containing products were no doubt found in the work area as well, such as in pipe coverings or for other areas that required some form of insulation.    

Machinists also wore protective gear that, prior to the 1970s, may have been made of asbestos.  These often included aprons, gloves, and even masks that were worn directly against the face, making it quite easy to inhale asbestos fibers.

A machinist may have also been responsible for creating products that contained asbestos.  For example, pumps and valves were finished using an asbestos and graphite gasket. This may have involved cutting a piece of the asbestos-graphite material to fit the valve. Equally as dangerous was removing an old damaged gasket, which may have caused asbestos dust to be released into the air, causing a potential hazard to all in the vicinity.

Today, machinists are apprised as to the dangers of asbestos, but those who worked in the field decades ago are still being diagnosed with asbestos-related diseases.  Did you or a loved one work as a machinist?  Have you been diagnosed with asbestos-caused mesothelioma?  If so, it’s time to learn more about the disease, its treatments, and your rights as a sufferer by ordering our free Mesothelioma Information Kit.