Who Is At Risk?


Maintenance Workers

Asbestos in place has created a hazard which remains even today. In the maintenance and repair of facilities with asbestos in place, the material may be disturbed and release asbestos in the air. Building maintenance workers keep buildings in good shape. They repair plumbing, electrical fixtures, machinery, and the structure of buildings. Building maintenance workers use carpentry, electrical, plumbing, and masonry skills to keep buildings in good shape. They plan routine maintenance and schedule their work. Some of the maintenance they do occurs in almost every building. For example, they repair leaky faucets, clear clogged drains, and replace light bulbs. Other tasks are specific to the building they maintain. Those who work in apartment buildings are more likely to fix walls, roofs, windows, doors, and floors. This is because renters are less likely to take good care of their apartments. Those who work in hospitals or factories install machines, systems, and fixtures. Some workers lay brick to repair foundations, walls, and chimneys. When making repairs, workers inspect the structure or equipment and diagnose the causes of problems. Maintenance workers take apart machines and fix them. This may involve cleaning and lubricating parts. It may also require the replacement of worn or broken parts. After making repairs, workers reassemble machines and test them. Maintenance workers use various hand and power tools. Some tools are basic, such as hammers, wrenches, and screwdrivers. They may also use machine tools to repair and construct parts. Maintenance workers repair and maintain systems that control the temperature in buildings. They set and adjust the controls of these systems. In newer buildings, workers maintain computer systems that control temperature and lights. Building maintenance workers have a few administrative tasks. They keep track of work orders and the repair jobs they complete. They also document their purchases and what items cost. Before buying supplies and parts, maintenance workers read blueprints, catalogs, and manuals. They check prices with suppliers and estimate costs of a job Those in smaller buildings often do all the repairs except for very difficult or large jobs. In larger buildings, they may work only in a particular area or do general maintenance. Other titles for Building Maintenance Workers: Building Maintenance Repairer Fire Fighting Equipment Specialist Maintenance Maintenance Repairer, Building Maintenance Repairer, Industrial Maintenance And Repair Workers, General Maintenance, Building Repairer Maintenance, General Utility Repairer Mechanic, Field (Maint. And Repair, General) Mechanic, Machine (Maint. And Repair, General) Mechanic, Trouble Shooting Mechanical Adjuster Mechanical Expert Mechanical Handyman Mechanical Repair Worker Mobile Home Lot Utility Worker Repairer, Maintenance, Building Repairer, Maintenance, General Utility Trouble Shooting Mechanic (Maint. And Repair, General) The following list of occupational tasks were specific to the building maintenance worker. Some of these tasks could have led to asbestos contamination and subsequent lung diseases, to include lung cancer mesothelioma.

  • Plan work and schedule routine maintenance.

  • Do routine maintenance such as oiling equipment, clearing clogged drains, and painting walls.

  • Fix roofs, windows, doors, walls, and floors.

  • Lay brick to repair and maintain physical structures.

  • Estimate costs of repairs. Buy supplies and parts from distributors or stores.

  • Inspect and test structures, machines, and equipment to determine the causes of problems.

  • Repair and replace worn or broken parts, using hand and power tools.

  • Use cutting torches or welding equipment to cut or join metal parts.

  • Set up and operate machine tools.

  • Repair and maintain motors, plumbing, electrical fixtures, and heating and air conditioning systems.

  • Clean and lubricate shafts, bearings, gears, and other parts of machinery.

  • Assemble and install building components, such as plumbing, machinery, and equipment.

  • Take apart, fix, and put together defective machines and equipment.

  • Read blueprints, repair manuals, and parts catalogs.

  • Keep records of maintenance, repairs, purchases, and costs.

  • Physical Work Conditions

  • Often wear protective attire, such as work gloves, hard hats, leather aprons, back support, and sturdy boots.

  • Usually work indoors, but may on occasion work outdoors repairing foundations and exteriors.

  • May be exposed to hazardous conditions, situations, and equipment. They have a low risk of being injured. However, moderate injuries are possible from electrical shocks, cuts, or falls. Risks shoot up, however, to extremely high, if asbestos removal or abatement projects are involved.

  • Are occasionally exposed to machine sounds and noises that are distracting and uncomfortable