Asbestos exposure is a serious health risk that affects many workers, especially those working with older systems like public transit. SEPTA trolley maintenance workers face a hidden danger: asbestos in the older trolley cars they work on. These workers are at risk of asbestos exposure, which can lead to severe health problems, including mesothelioma and other asbestos-related diseases.
What is Asbestos and Why is It Dangerous?
Asbestos is a material that was once commonly used in products because of its ability to resist heat. In older trolley cars, it was used in parts like brake pads, clutches, and insulation. While asbestos was useful for these purposes, it is now known to be extremely dangerous. When asbestos-containing materials are disturbed, tiny fibers are released into the air. If these fibers are inhaled, they can cause diseases like mesothelioma, lung cancer, and asbestosis.
For SEPTA trolley maintenance workers, who handle old trolley car parts regularly, the risk of asbestos exposure is very real. These workers can unknowingly inhale asbestos fibers while working on brake pads, clutches, and other car components that contain asbestos.
The Health Risks for SEPTA Trolley Maintenance Workers
Asbestos exposure is linked to serious diseases that develop years after the exposure. For SEPTA trolley maintenance workers, these health risks include:
- Mesothelioma: A rare but aggressive cancer caused by asbestos fibers that attack the lining of the lungs, abdomen, heart, or reproductive organs.
- Lung Cancer: A common type of cancer linked to asbestos exposure, especially in people who have worked in environments with asbestos.
- Asbestosis: A chronic lung disease caused by the inhalation of asbestos fibers, leading to scarring in the lungs and difficulty breathing.
For SEPTA trolley maintenance workers, the risk of developing these diseases is higher the longer they are exposed to asbestos. Even short-term exposure can have long-lasting health effects that may not show up for decades.
How SEPTA Trolley Maintenance Workers Are Exposed to Asbestos
SEPTA trolley maintenance workers are at risk of asbestos exposure when they work on older trolley cars that contain asbestos. Common tasks that can release asbestos fibers include:
- Replacing or repairing brake pads: Older brake pads may still contain asbestos and removing them can release harmful fibers.
- Working on clutches: Like brake pads, clutches may also contain asbestos, and repairing or replacing them can expose workers to dangerous fibers.
- Handling gaskets and insulation: Many older cars have gaskets and insulation materials that contain asbestos, putting maintenance workers at risk during repairs.
When SEPTA trolley maintenance workers remove, grind, or cut these parts, asbestos fibers are disturbed and released into the air. If the workers do not have the proper protective gear, they can inhale these fibers and face long-term health risks.
What SEPTA Needs to Do to Protect Workers
To protect SEPTA trolley maintenance workers from asbestos exposure, SEPTA must take several steps to ensure safety, such as:
- Providing Protective Equipment: Workers should wear proper safety gear, including respirators, gloves, and protective suits, when working with parts that may contain asbestos.
- Regular Inspections: SEPTA should conduct regular inspections of trolley cars and maintenance areas to identify asbestos-containing materials and safely remove them.
- Training Workers: All SEPTA trolley maintenance workers should receive training on the dangers of asbestos and how to handle materials that may contain asbestos safely.
- Proper Ventilation: Work areas should be well-ventilated to prevent asbestos fibers from lingering in the air and being inhaled by workers.
Ensuring Safety for SEPTA Trolley Maintenance Workers
The case of asbestos exposure among SEPTA trolley maintenance workers is a reminder of the importance of workplace safety. Asbestos in older trolley cars is a hidden danger that can seriously harm workers if proper precautions aren’t taken. By providing the right safety equipment, conducting regular inspections, and training workers on how to safely handle asbestos, SEPTA can help protect its workers from the serious health risks of asbestos exposure.
Get Legal Help for Asbestos Exposure
If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with mesothelioma due to asbestos exposure, you may be entitled to financial compensation. With over 35 years of experience, our team is dedicated to helping victims of asbestos-related diseases secure the compensation they deserve. Our expert team is available 24/7 to answer your questions and guide you through your case. For more information, call (800) 505-6000, fill out our contact form, or chat with a representative in the bottom left corner of your screen.
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