Asbestos Removal for Steam Locomotives

1) Asbestos hasn't been used on steam locomotive restorations/rebuilds for way more than 30 years.

 

1) Fiberglass is pads used on current steam locomotives, is a FAR BETTER insulation than the old asbestos blocks ever was. For example, you can now lean you thighs up against the boiler jacket on 4449, 844, or 3985 while working on appliances, without burning yourself.

 

3) Wear protective masks & clothing while removing, handling, and bagging for disposal.

Thanks Hot Water,

 

I didn't realize that they didn't use asbestos anymore. 

 

My questions just came up from seeing photos of 1225's restoration and others. I didn't realize that fiberglass was such a good alternative.

 

Thanks again.

The 1225 hasn't had asbestos on it since it was originally restored. As hot water says fiberglass or mineral wool is used primarily on most locomotive boiler shells and piping today. On the 1225 we have been using a ceramic blanket for the last several years. It has a much higher temperature rating (not needed) and it is easier to use than fiberglass. Asbestos as an insulation was phased out in the late 60's as a new product. When we put the 1225 back together we will most likely use a combination of high density mineral wool for the top one third of the boiler shell and ceramic fiber blanket for the rest. The high density mineral wool will hold up better when the jacket is walked on.

Ron

Thanks for the information Ron! Definitely interesting to hear all of the detailed things that go into a locomotive restoration.

Small correction: it's not chemicals--it's near-microscopic fibers that get lodged deep in the lungs and cannot be expelled. Which makes one wince when you see images of people mining the stuff long ago--they were supposedly breathing clouds of the stuff.

 

I've seen asbestos panels in some of the old trolley and subway cars at one of the museums I was once active at. Instead of going through the expense of having it removed, they simply put several layers of paint on it to keep it sealed and prevent it from becoming  'friable' (shedding fibers), then covered it up so it wouldn't suffer any impacts.

 

---PCJ 

Interesting thanks!

I think it's a little more involved at this point than just taking precautions. In the construction industry there are specific asbestos abaitment contractors skilled in removing any material that contains asbestos. Usually quite costly.  Even buildings to be demolished have to have the asbestos abaitment done properly before demolition. A signifcant expense related to the Economic Stimulus package was spent on locomotive and car restoration at Steamtown to remove asbestos so that volunteer groups could work on cosmetic restorations.




I believe the Asbestos removal was done in the existing paint shop and at the time,  Oct. 2010, a temporary paint shop was installed for painting.

The remains of the temp. paint area.
Paint shop is the left bay pictured.


A couple of examples of the intensity of this issue.
One extensive remodel of an all building required the installation of some floor receptacles. The existing tile floor was tested and had unacceptable content of asbestos. We were not allowed to touch the area until the tiles (4) per floor box were correctly removed. A lot of lost time and a very hefty price tag.
A small church on an adjoining property to a car dealership was purchase with the intent to demolish.  Cost of the asbestos removal was more than the demolishion.

Railride when I was a certified asbestos removal contractor in the 80's what you suggested was an acceptable practice. Asbestos has killed and will kill some more but if you check around the world I believe there are lots of countries where it is still legal to use. Everybody that has come in contact with may or may not have any problems with it. I worked with it regularly for 8 years before it was phased out and stayed in the industry for 28 more years. I don't have any problems myself but I know many who died from it.

Ron