what i need to get on new build only??

[andrew95]

hello I have recently left college with a Level 3 Electrotechnical Technology diploma at grade PASS. I have about 5months experience on site working as an apprentice but I really want to work on new build properties only due to my fear of asbestos. any advice on me getting onto new build and will I need to enhance my electrical qualifications or will a level 3 do it?? thanks!!

 

[Engineer54]

Any half decent sized refurb site where Asbestos had been identified to be present and the HSE would be all over it!! Restricting yourself to new build only sites won't endear you to most of the companies out there, that have to live and operate in in the ''Real'' world.

 

[Rockingit]

Whilst in no way shape or form do I promote being reckless, unsafe, unhealthy or just plain idiotic.......when your time's up, your time's up! When you are lying in your death bed dying from natural causes, how are you going to risk assess against that?

 

[telectrix]

and don't forget all that nasty fibreglass that goes into every space on mew builds.

 

[Maddison]

Like other blokes have said... MDF is the new asbestos.. Do you think drilling into brick and breathing that in is healthy ??. It comes with the job and the only way around it is educating yourself at how to approach it. If in doubt ask the question .. Unfortunately you can't pick and choose the work. Especially as a trainee... Like it or lump it...... Or go be a desk jockey

 

[Fin170]

Any dust or particulates can give you respiratory diseases, just being a pen pusher in a city will expose you to plenty of diesel fumes which is pretty naughty to your lungs.

Taking sensible precautions and ignoring the "why you wearin that for?" types is the way to go

 

[trev]

If you limit yourself to new build only you WILL find yourself out of work regularly. Also you'll find that you get yourself a reputation for being difficult, this will also make you less employable.
There are thousands of things which are hazardous to your health which you will come across or into contact with during your career either knowingly or unwittingly. Sites (even new build ones) usually have a rodent problem, their urine can cause Weil's Disease, Bird droppings can cause respiratory ailments, power tools can have your fingers off, scaffolding can collapse, cranes can drop things. The list goes on and on.
Life isn't about arriving at the pearly gates in a beautifully preserved body, it's about screaming up on a Harley with a bottle in one hand and a smoke in the other shouting "Woohoo what a ride"
Take the courses as suggested, get the risks in perspective and enjoy your work.

 

[ayjay]

you,ll only be paid a pittance too

 

[andrew95]

We'll guys big help appreciate the replies!! I once heard that asbestos only really affects your health if you are exposed to it for long periods of times (5+ years) is that true or could just one day on site where asbestos is present could that affect your health??

 

[telectrix]

get yourself on an asbestos awareness course. then if and when you come across it, you'll know how to deal with it without endangering your health. don't bother me. after 50 years of 20-30 smokes a day, asbestos is way down on my list of things not to inhale.

 

[trev]

We'll guys big help appreciate the replies!! I once heard that asbestos only really affects your health if you are exposed to it for long periods of times (5+ years) is that true or could just one day on site where asbestos is present could that affect your health??

One fibre is enough to start you down the road to asbestosis however, what Tel and everybody else has said.

 

[andrew95]

So just one day and your f**ked basically?! Damn

 

[telectrix]

it's only harmful if disturbed. a bit like a geordie. :6:

 

[shanky887614]

If you limit yourself to new build only you WILL find yourself out of work regularly. Also you'll find that you get yourself a reputation for being difficult, this will also make you less employable.
There are thousands of things which are hazardous to your health which you will come across or into contact with during your career either knowingly or unwittingly. Sites (even new build ones) usually have a rodent problem, their urine can cause Weil's Disease, Bird droppings can cause respiratory ailments, power tools can have your fingers off, scaffolding can collapse, cranes can drop things. The list goes on and on.
Life isn't about arriving at the pearly gates in a beautifully preserved body, it's about screaming up on a Harley with a bottle in one hand and a smoke in the other shouting "Woohoo what a ride"
Take the courses as suggested, get the risks in perspective and enjoy your work.

 

[Resu]

So just one day and your f**ked basically?! Damn

Find an awareness course to go on, that's your best bet. We went on one a couple of weeks ago. It would surprise you how many places you will find it! But at the same time it's not something that should put you off working in older buildings. And you will find it In buildings built up until the early 2000's (although not the worst stuff).

 

[WM123]

Of the top of my head here's what i work with and around on a day to day. After a while it soon becomes the norm...

Asbestos
Poisonous Gasses
Combustible Gasses
11kv substations
Cranes
33 Tonne FLTs
Heavy machinery
Working at height
Molten metal


As people have mentioned, take a course and learn about what your dealing with. Then be extra cautious when working. Its normal to be afraid of these things but you either shy away and suffer for it, or embrace the dangers of the job and make the working day a little more interesting