Asbestos Exposure Risks for Oil Refinery Workers

Asbestos, a naturally occurring mineral once admired for its insulating and resistance properties, is widely known as a dangerous substance that can cause several illnesses, including mesothelioma. Despite the known dangers of asbestos, this substance was widely used in various industries, including oil refineries. While asbestos is no longer widely used, it still poses significant risks to oil refinery workers. In this article, we discuss asbestos exposure risks for oil refinery workers. Hopefully, the information in this article can help with the implementation of effective safety measures that can protect oil refinery workers and other workers from asbestos exposure.

Historical Use of Asbestos in Oil Refineries

Before the 1908s, asbestos use was prevalent in oil refineries due to its fire and heat-resistant properties. This resulted in many oil refinery workers getting exposed to asbestos and being put at risk of developing mesothelioma and other asbestos-related illnesses. Asbestos was commonly used in areas with particularly higher temperatures and pressures. Workers in certain areas of oil refineries, including boiler rooms, ovens, furnaces, and reactors, were at the greatest risk of asbestos exposure. Asbestos was used in various applications, including the following;

• Insulation
• Gaskets
• Drywall
• Cement
• Ceiling tiles
• Floor tiles
• Pipes
• Pumps
• Valves
• Roofing

Also, some personal protective equipment (PPE) that oil refinery workers wore to keep them safe contained asbestos.

While workers who worked directly with asbestos-containing materials were at the greatest risk of asbestos exposure, even those who did not directly handle asbestos materials could still be exposed to asbestos. Those who worked near asbestos could inhale airborne fibers released during the installation, repair, maintenance, or demolition of asbestos-contaminated applications.

Asbestos Still Poses a Threat to Oil Refinery Workers

While the use of asbestos has significantly decreased since the 1980s, this dangerous substance remains a serious health hazard for oil refinery workers. This means that oil refinery workers are still at a high risk of being exposed to asbestos and developing asbestos-related illnesses, such as mesothelioma. This is because of legacy asbestos. These are asbestos-containing materials that were installed or used before the enactment of asbestos regulations and bans. Many oil refineries that were built before the passage of these regulations and bans still contain asbestos-contaminated infrastructure. For example, old machinery, insulation, and pipes may still contain asbestos. Legacy asbestos in oil refineries can also be found in roofing materials, gaskets, pumps, valves, ceiling tiles, cement, and many other products. If, for instance, asbestos-containing gaskets are removed for maintenance or repair, asbestos dust can be released into the air, where it can be inhaled by workers. Asbestos dust can also be released into the air if certain products or parts are damaged, scraped, or sanded.

While the use of asbestos has significantly decreased, it is crucial for refineries to implement comprehensive safety protocols to mitigate the risk of exposure since asbestos-containing materials are still present in many oil refineries. For workers who are exposed to asbestos due to their employer’s negligence, legal options are available.

Nationwide Mesothelioma Lawyers

If you or a loved one were diagnosed with mesothelioma, contact our office to speak to one of our experienced nationwide mesothelioma attorneys about your situation. Our office can help investigate your case and determine if compensation can be sought from negligent parties to help you and your family live a more comfortable life.