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Who Is At Risk for Mesothelioma?
Pipe Fitters
Plumbers and pipefitters install and repair pipe systems that carry water, steam, air, or other fluids or gases. Plumbers and pipefitters are considered a single trade. However, workers usually specialize in one area. Plumbers install and repair water, waste, and gas systems in homes and commercial buildings. Pipefitters install and repair pipe systems used in manufacturing. They also work on pipe systems that generate electricity and heat and cool buildings. Some pipefitters specialize in one type of system. Steamfitters install pipe systems that move liquids or gases under high pressure.
Though the systems they work on are different, all three types of plumbers have many tasks in common. First, they study blueprints and inspect buildings to determine what materials to use. They select pipe sizes and types according to requirements. They also select other materials, such as supports or hangers. They measure and mark areas where pipes will be installed. They also check for things that are in the way, such as electrical wiring. They must be sure to plan the layout around such obstructions. Then, plumbers cut holes in walls, ceilings, or floors where the pipes will go. For large pipe systems, such as those in manufacturing, they may hang steel supports from ceiling joists.
The next step is to cut and bend the lengths of pipe, using saws, pipe cutters, and pipe-bending machines. Plumbers then assemble the pipe system, using different methods. For plastic pipe, they use glues to join pipe with fittings. For copper pipe, they slide fittings over the end of the pipe and solder the fitting in place with a torch. Finally, plumbers install the pipe, fixtures, and appliances. They connect the system to water, gas, or sewer lines. They also check the system with pressure gauges to be sure it is free from leaks and operates properly.
Plumbers also repair and maintain plumbing. They replace defective fittings and broken pipes. They open clogged drains. They also modify existing pipe systems and maintain related equipment. Sometimes plumbers operate pump equipment to remove water from flooded areas, such as basements or manholes. For large jobs, plumbers may direct other workers in cutting, assembling, and installing pipe systems.
Steam pipes in decades past were insulated with asbestos block and cement. Gaskets contained asbestos. A steam fitter would be repairing and replacing pipes covered with asbestos. This process was dangerous. Further, steam fitters often had to remove asbestos gaskets that would adhere to pipe flanges or valves. Often a wire brush driven by an electric motor was used to clean off gaskets. The particular process created high dust levels which increased the risk of exposure to and inhalation of asbestos. Exposure to the asbestos dust has lead to numerous cases of severe lung disease, to include lung cancer, asbestosis, and mesothelioma.
Other titles and keywords for pipefitter include:
Air Conditioning Installer (Plumbers and Steamfitters)
Apprentice, Copper Smith
Apprentice, Coppersmith
Apprentice, Gas Fitter
Apprentice, Pipe Fitter
Apprentice, Pipefitter
Apprentice, Plumber
Apprentice, Steamfitter
Assemblyman Or Woman
Bracket Man
Bracket Worker
Construction Worker (Plumbers, Pipefitters . . .)
Copper Smith
Coppersmith
Coppersmith Apprentice
Corrosion Control Fitter
Fire Control System Installer
Fitter, Gas
Furnace Installer, Pipe or Steam Fitters
Furnace Installer, Pipe or Steamfitters
Gas Fitter
Gas Line Installer
Gas Line Repairer
Gas Main Fitter
Gas Pipe Layer
Gas Plumber
Hangerman
Heating Unit Installer
Hot Water Heater Installer
Hydrant Setter
Hydraulic Plumber
Industrial Gas Fitter
Inspector, Manhole and Underground Steamline
Inspector, Service
Installer, Water Hydrant
Instrument Fitter
Irrigation System Installer
Journeyman Plumbers
Locomotive Pipe Fitter
Locomotive Pipefitter
Maintenance Plumber
Marine Pipefitter
Marine Plumber
Marine Steam Fitter
Marine Steamfitter
Master Plumber
Mechanic, Aircraft Hydraulic Equipment
Mechanic, Aircraft Plumbing and Hydraulic
Mechanic, Aircraft Plumbing and Hydraulics
Mechanic, Fire Hydrant
Mechanic, Plumbing
Mechanic, Soft Water
Mechanic, Water
Meter Installer, Gas Or Water
Meter Setter
Pipe Assembly Man
Pipe Assembly Worker
Pipe Calker
Pipe Connector
Pipe Cutter
Pipe Fitter
Pipe Fitter Apprentice
Pipe Fitter, Diesel Engine
Pipe Installer
Pipe Setter
Pipefitter
Pipefitter Journeyman
Pipelaying Fitter
Piper
Piper Installer
Plumber
Plumber Apprentice
Plumber and Tinner
Plumber, Journeyman
Plumbers, Pipefitters and Steamfitters
Plumbing Installer
Repairer, Gas Line
Repairer, Water Regulator and Valve
Servicer, Gas Line
Spacer
Sprinkler Fitter
Sprinkling System Installer
Steam Fitter
Steam Heating Installer
Steam Pipe Fitter
Steam Pipefiitter
Steam Service Inspector
Steam Trap Man
Steam Trap Worker
Steamfitter
Water Hydrant Installer
Water Meter Installer
Water Pipe Installer
Water Regulator and Valve Repairer
Water Softener Installer
Water Softener Installer/Servicer
Water Softener Servicer
The following list of occupational tasks are specific to the pipefitter's trade. Some of these tasks could have led to asbestos contamination and personal injury.
- Select pipe sizes and types and related materials, such as supports, according to needs.
- Lay out job to fit piping into structure of building with least amount of waste.
- Measure and mark areas where pipes will be installed. Check for obstructions and plan layout around them.
- Cut holes in walls, ceilings, and floors, or hang steel supports from ceiling joists.
- Cut and bend lengths of pipe. Use saws, pipe cutters, and pipe-bending machines.
- Connect pipe with fittings, using glues (plastic pipe) or soldering torch (copper pipe).
- Install assembled pipe, fixtures, and appliances.
- Connect system to water or sewer lines.
- Check system to ensure proper fit and operation, using gauges.
- Repair and maintain plumbing. Replace defective fittings and broken pipes or open clogged drains. May also modify pipe systems and maintain related equipment.
- Operate motorized pump to remove water from flooded areas.
- Direct other workers in pipe cutting, pre-assembly, and installation.
Physical Work Conditions:
- Often work indoors, but sometimes work outdoors.
- Sometimes wear protective attire.
- Are sometimes exposed to cramped work places that require getting into awkward positions.
- Are sometimes exposed to contaminants, including asbestos, which can lead to severe lung disease.
- Are sometimes exposed to hazardous equipment. There is some possibility of moderate injury.
- Are sometimes exposed to hazardous situations that produce cuts or burns. However, the likelihood of even slight injury is low.
- May on rare occasions be exposed to very hot or very cold temperatures when working outdoors.
- May on rare occasions be exposed to hazardous conditions. There is a slight chance of injury, but injuries are likely to be moderate.
- Are sometimes exposed to sounds and noise levels that are distracting and uncomfortable.
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