Concerned about my exposure to fiberglass.

N

Nepa1990

Private
Minuteman
Mar 4, 2021
93
66
USA
#1
I’ve worked at a company that manufactures heated cabinets for the food service industry, and have been there about 4 years now.

About 2.5 of these years, I’ve been building heated cabinets which utilize fiberglass roll insulation. Every morning, we cut the necessary amount to size, for the cabinets we plan to build for the day.

When building them, we use hanging pins that fold up to hold the cut insulation pieces in place along the interior of the cabinet. We do not wear masks, nor any special suit. Just typical beater work clothes.

I don’t know why I had never thought about it, or noticed, but two days ago I noticed all of the glass dust that comes off of it when disturbed. I happened to be wearing black jeans, and when using the flashlight on my phone, I found my pants to be covered in the glass dust.

I started to look around, and found it everywhere. On the interior of my brand new car, on surfaces of my house, etc. I used to just walk into my house and strip, not knowing all of the glass dust coming off of my work clothes into the open air. I’m sort of freaking out over this.

I’m sure all of my clothes are contaminated. I am unsure how to even clean my vehicles interior (if even possible) but most importantly, I’m worried about my health after reading up on things. I am desperately trying to find new employment, but in the mean time I am trying to calm down.

Any suggestions guys? WTF should I do?
 
#7
The real sick part of all of this is I’m alone. I would, for SURE, have coworkers cursing me out if “they have to wear a fucking respirator”. It blows my mind how people are so careless with basic safety. I don’t go around bitching about small things, but this has me legitimately concerned.
 
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#8
Nepa1990 said:
I don’t want to stir up a pot of shit unless necessary. We have inquired to our safety guy regarding masks, and he has stated they cannot provide them because we have not undergone fit-testing (his words, not mine).

And that’s where the conversation ended.
Click to expand...
My personal opinion?

That is a company whose management has made it abundantly clear that you DON’T want to be working for. The “fit testing” would have been done far in advance of your inquiry, IF the company gave a shit about their employees.

Run, don’t walk. Find a new employer NOW.
 
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#10
Nepa1990 said:
The real sick part of all of this is I’m alone. I would, for SURE, have coworkers cursing me out if “they have to wear a fucking respirator”. It blows my mind how people are so careless with basic safety. I don’t go around bitching about small things, but this has me legitimately concerned.
Click to expand...
in 15 years when they all have pulminary fibrosis....you can sit back and say "i told you do"
 
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#12
Threadcutter308 said:
My personal opinion?

That is a company whose management has made it abundantly clear that you DON’T want to be working for. The “fit testing” would have been done far in advance of your inquiry, IF the company gave a shit about their employees.

Run, don’t walk. Find a new employer NOW.
Click to expand...
I’m trying to, man. Even in this ‘labor shortage’ I’m having trouble.
 
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#15
mahlv said:
Fit test excuse is 100% bullshit, ya you need good respirators and it takes very little time to get fitted properly. Is this somewhere in USA? Sounds like a Chinese mining situation, you absolutely are entitled to proper PPE and is supposed to be provided
Click to expand...
If I named the company (I won’t) you’d probably be shocked. USA made. You’re garage more than likely has our products.
 
#19
Damn...... Sorry I came in late on this discussion........

If your company has less than 10 employees they fly under the OHSA radar...... More than that and they have set themselves up for a world of shit.

How many people work there?
 
#21
You should be wearing a full suit to cover you from your head to your toes and a respirator. Those should be discarded at work and a shower before putting civis back on to go home.
As said previously, get the hell out of there if the company is not complying with OSHA regulations for the hazardous work place.
Get to a respiratory specialist and get a full work up.
Fucking up your health for a few dollars?
 
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#22
Nepa1990 said:
I don’t want to stir up a pot of shit unless necessary. We have inquired to our safety guy regarding masks, and he has stated they cannot provide them because we have not undergone fit-testing (his words, not mine).

And that’s where the conversation ended.
Click to expand...
I'd be kicking a safety man's ass from here into next month. He just became part of the cover up.

Tell him you want to review the OSHA manuals that are required to be on site and available at anytime to employees.

Where is the MSDS Data sheet for the fiberglass and every other product you are using ?

 
Last edited:
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#24
DarnYankeeUSMC said:
You should be wearing a full suit to cover you from your head to your toes and a respirator. Those should be discarded at work and a shower before putting civis back on to go home.
As said previously, get the hell out of there if the company is not complying with OSHA regulations for the hazardous work place.
Get to a respiratory specialist and get a full work up.
Fucking up your health for a few dollars?
Click to expand...
Exactly ! ! ........ Tyvek

What does a Tyvek suit protect you from?



Image result for tyvek suits with hood

One of the top brands of hazmat suits, Tyvek® by DuPont, ensures protection against substances like spray paints, sanding and grinding waste, lubricants, dirt, grime, oil, grease, animal waste, and fertilizers
 
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#25
DarnYankeeUSMC said:
You should be wearing a full suit to cover you from your head to your toes and a respirator. Those should be discarded at work and a shower before putting civis back on to go home.
As said previously, get the hell out of there if the company is not complying with OSHA regulations for the hazardous work place.
Get to a respiratory specialist and get a full work up.
Fucking up your health for a few dollars?
Click to expand...
I know man, but part of it was my fault for being stupid not knowing better from the get-go. That doesn’t cover for the companies complacency, but I was ignorant for a good while.
 
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#26
Hobo Hilton said:
I'd be kicking a safety man's ass from here into next month. He just became part of the cover up.

Tell him you want to review the OSHA manuals that are required to be on site and available at anytime to employees.

Where is the MSDS Data sheet for the fiberglass and every other product you are using ?

Click to expand...
They are required by law to have Material data sheets on hand.
If you do anything go to an occupational heath place and get a baseline on your body.
Explain to them your work environment.
Do this whether you are staying or leaving



 
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#29
Nepa1990 said:
I’ve worked at a company that manufactures heated cabinets for the food service industry, and have been there about 4 years now.

About 2.5 of these years, I’ve been building heated cabinets which utilize fiberglass roll insulation. Every morning, we cut the necessary amount to size, for the cabinets we plan to build for the day.

When building them, we use hanging pins that fold up to hold the cut insulation pieces in place along the interior of the cabinet. We do not wear masks, nor any special suit. Just typical beater work clothes.

I don’t know why I had never thought about it, or noticed, but two days ago I noticed all of the glass dust that comes off of it when disturbed. I happened to be wearing black jeans, and when using the flashlight on my phone, I found my pants to be covered in the glass dust.

I started to look around, and found it everywhere. On the interior of my brand new car, on surfaces of my house, etc. I used to just walk into my house and strip, not knowing all of the glass dust coming off of my work clothes into the open air. I’m sort of freaking out over this.

I’m sure all of my clothes are contaminated. I am unsure how to even clean my vehicles interior (if even possible) but most importantly, I’m worried about my health after reading up on things. I am desperately trying to find new employment, but in the mean time I am trying to calm down.

Any suggestions guys? WTF should I do?
Click to expand...

Yeah,
What happened with your required safety briefing before ever starting your first day?
How about basic dust filtering mask use?

I can't believe you've worked there for four years and are just now starting to question obvious health and safety issues.
 
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#30
Nepa1990 said:
I don’t want to stir up a pot of shit unless necessary. We have inquired to our safety guy regarding masks, and he has stated they cannot provide them because we have not undergone fit-testing (his words, not mine).

And that’s where the conversation ended.
Click to expand...

Then push for fit testing.
Your safety guy is being lazy and should be fired
 
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#31
It's nasty stuff to breathe in regularly but it's not as bad as many other particles. You can get lung injuries from it, but in-general, it will be broken down and disposed of by the body.

If you've not developed symptoms, I wouldn't worry too much - but certainly, wear a mask. Blame it in Covid.
 
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#33
eflyguy said:
It's nasty stuff to breathe in regularly but it's not as bad as many other particles. You can get lung injuries from it, but in-general, it will be broken down and disposed of by the body.

If you've not developed symptoms, I wouldn't worry too much - but certainly, wear a mask. Blame it in Covid.
Click to expand...
That I’m not sure of….. like the poster above said, it probably is the new asbestos. Take away the health factors. The shit contaminates everything. It’s covered the interior of my car, I don’t even want to drive it anymore when I’m not I’m work clothing, because the seats/vents will spread it onto other clothing items. So fucking pissed. I’ve spread it throughout my house for years not knowing.
 
#36

FIBROUS GLASS DUST | Occupational Safety and Health Administration

www.osha.gov www.osha.gov

www.safetymanualosha.com

Is Fiberglass A Health Hazard? | OSHA Safety Manuals

Is Fiberglass A Health Hazard? Everyone has heard about the association between lung cancer and asbestos. Since some forms of asbestos are similar in appea...
www.safetymanualosha.com www.safetymanualosha.com

It looks like it might not kill you from cancer, but it is a skin, eye and ear irritant at the very least and it is not good to have it everywhere.

You might consider buying and wearing your own N95 mask or a dust half face respirator with dust cartridges. Is there a place to change clothes at work? Do you have a locker? you might consider buying a couple of work coveralls and leaving them and your work shoes at work to minimize getting that crap all over your car and house.

I work where there is oil, grime, asbestos and lead paint, I do not wear my work shoes past my door and any work clothes that get crap on them never leave the laundry room. It is always better to minimize the amount of stuff you track into the house.
 
Last edited:
#37
I am old enough to remember when asbestos was no big deal. Hell we used belt sand large rolls for steel mill applications on a lathe dust everywhere. Fiberglass is alot like asbestos the thing that makes asbestos so much more hazardous is the shape of the particles they are very sharp and jagged. The lungs cannot get rid of them. There is no reason fiberglass could not cause the same damage.
 
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#38
Asbestos pipe insulation has a hook shaped fiber and lodges in the lungs and skin. Asbestos siding and roofing has a straight fiber like fiberglass. Only the state of California has safety standards related to fiberglass. I'm not sure what their standards are, you can easily find out with a search. The straight fibers supposedly pass through. California is the only state to really study or test for this kinda stuff. But it is California...
 
#39
if you weren't worried about your health before why start now keep breathing that crap in , it's probably already too late seek medical help maybe mental help on top of the physical help you too can be remade better , faster , stronger . lol best of luck .
 
#40
Nepa1990 said:
I know man, but part of it was my fault for being stupid not knowing better from the get-go. That doesn’t cover for the companies complacency, but I was ignorant for a good while.
Click to expand...
No, NO and FUCK NO !!! You need to clear your head. Nothing was "your fault". Stop being a victim.

There are regulations and laws in this country that protect you from hazardous environments. It is NOT your responsibility to go begging to a company that doesn't give a shit about you or anyone else for the proper safety gear. It is THEIR RESPONSIBILITY to have safety protocols, processes and procedures in place, IN ADVANCE of you beginning this type of work for the first time.

Actually, if the company was on the up and up and gave two shits about you, you would have never been allowed to begin the job without comprehensive safety training/instruction, the regular issuance/replacement of proper, up to date safety gear and regular medical testing.
 
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#42
Nepa1990 said:
I don’t want to stir up a pot of shit unless necessary. We have inquired to our safety guy regarding masks, and he has stated they cannot provide them because we have not undergone fit-testing (his words, not mine).

And that’s where the conversation ended.
Click to expand...
if they provide them for "voluntary use", they simply need to give you the Appendix D to the OSHA respiratory protection standard, and then you don't need fit tested.
 
#45
eflyguy said:
It's nasty stuff to breathe in regularly but it's not as bad as many other particles. You can get lung injuries from it, but in-general, it will be broken down and disposed of by the body.

If you've not developed symptoms, I wouldn't worry too much - but certainly, wear a mask. Blame it in Covid.
Click to expand...
Fiberglass does not break down.... It is in your lungs forever.
 
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#48
Do you have facial hair? If so shave it and wear a dust mask as a bare minimum.

You should have had extensive safety training before setting foot into the facility. That include Chemical Hygiene, PPE and Haz Com. All hazards should have been pointed out and explained including PPE outline for each AND PPE provided. Since this has not happened that is on the company, not you.
 
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