Heavy Metal Poisoning

[roofermarc]

Originally Posted by SteveB

Years ago, I suppose back in 1994-5, we had a helper who did the soldering of our galvalume and lead roof jacks. He was so good at it, that the boss left him there. Too long from what I heard. At a given point he began coughing up blood, and had to get serious medical care, and never did get back to soldering roof jacks. I heard he'd eventually left the shop.
Sad too, because he'd served as a sniper for the Rangers in the first gulf war. He was a good kid. I never did hear what happened to him after that.

It happens. We work with Muriatic Acid, Lead, Galvanized metal, and God knows what else.
Over-exposure will kill anyone if left in it long enough.

Can galvalume be soldered?

[rothalion]

No for the galvalume and the more I think about how lightly the use of all the fluxs and the use of lead is taken I think tougher standards are needed to protect folks. Unfortunatly all too often one or two guys end up stuck with the brunt of these tasks increasing their exposure.

[SteveB]

Originally Posted by roofermarc

Can galvalume be soldered?

Hi RM.
Apparently. I hadn't had any luck with it before then, but it was a painstaking task.

[mouse53]

I know we all have stories about our time in the trade. I know there are many dangers in quite a few jobs, but I did learn a lot from Sheet Metal working and am glad I did. We can all do the shoulda, woulda stuff, but hopefully are more safety conscious nowadays. I remember thinking the plumbers telling their apprentices, "Paydays on Friday, shit runs downhill 1/4" per foot, and Don't put your fingers in your mouth" , was hilarious. Wonder what we should have been told starting out? Would it have helped?
Hope all of you out there are staying safe and healthy. If all our stories and info help one person, that's a good thing.