We’re not going to pretend that the history of this trade is uncomplicated. For much of the 20th century, asbestos was the dominant insulation material in industrial and commercial construction. Workers and their families paid a serious price for that. It’s documented history, it’s something this union takes seriously, and it’s part of why the industry changed as fundamentally as it did.
That history is also the reason why, when someone hears “heat and frost insulator” today and thinks “asbestos,” we understand the association — and why we want to be direct about what the work actually looks like now.
The shift away from asbestos as an insulation material began in the 1970s and accelerated through the 1980s and 1990s. Today, asbestos is no longer used as an insulation material in new construction. It has been replaced by materials — fiberglass, mineral wool, cellular glass, calcium silicate, foam insulation systems — that do not carry the same risks.
What hasn’t changed is the skill required to install and maintain those systems properly.
A Local 14 member on a typical job site in 2025 is installing or maintaining the cryo-thermal and thermal insulation systems that make a building or industrial facility function properly. That includes:
Commercial work — hospitals, schools, universities, office towers, and high-rises. Insulation systems in these buildings control heat and cold transfer, protect against fire, reduce energy costs, and keep mechanical systems running efficiently.
Industrial work — pharmaceutical plants, chemical processing facilities, refineries, food production, and other process industries. Here, insulation is critical infrastructure. The wrong material or poor installation can affect product quality, worker safety, and energy efficiency at scale.
Firestopping — a specialized area in which Local 14 members install certified fire containment systems at penetrations in walls, floors, and ceilings. This is life-safety work, and it’s done to code with documented certification.
Abatement — where existing structures contain legacy materials (asbestos, lead) that need to be removed or encapsulated as part of a renovation or remediation project. This is a licensed, regulated activity performed under specific OSHA and EPA requirements. It represents a portion of Local 14 members’ work — not the whole of it.
Members who are certified for abatement work may work in environments where asbestos-containing materials exist — in older buildings undergoing renovation or remediation. They do not handle those materials without full protective equipment, containment procedures, and air monitoring. They are not exposed in the way earlier generations of workers were.
Members who work in new construction and commercial maintenance do not encounter asbestos materials at all. New buildings are not built with it.
At minimum: a full-face air-purifying respirator with HEPA filtration, disposable full-body protective suits (Tyvek), gloves, and foot covers. For higher-risk work, supplied-air respirators are used. All equipment is provided and required.
It’s a controlled environment. The work area is isolated with negative air pressure, sealed off with poly sheeting. Air monitoring is continuous. Workers decontaminate before leaving the work area. The process is designed at every step to prevent fiber release into the air.
Members are able to get occupational screenings at Fox Chase Cancer Center.
This section is for family members, prospective members, or anyone who wants to understand the specific regulatory and safety framework governing asbestos work in 2025.
The primary federal standard is OSHA 29 CFR 1926.1101, which governs occupational exposure to asbestos in the construction industry. Key requirements include:
The Environmental Protection Agency regulates asbestos under the National Emission Standards for Hazardous Air Pollutants (NESHAP), which governs demolition and renovation activities in facilities that contain asbestos. This includes notification requirements, work practice standards, and waste disposal procedures.
In Pennsylvania, asbestos abatement work is regulated by the Pennsylvania Department of Labor & Industry under the Pennsylvania Asbestos Occupations Accreditation and Certification Act. Workers must hold a valid Pennsylvania certification in their specific abatement role (inspector, project designer, contractor/supervisor, or worker).
In New Jersey, the Department of Labor and Workforce Development regulates asbestos abatement under the New Jersey Asbestos Control and Licensing Act.
Training Requirements
Local 14 apprentices and journeymen who work in abatement receive training that meets or exceeds federal and state requirements, including EPA-approved training provider curriculum and state certification requirements. Certifications must be renewed periodically and require refresher training.
The training is not a one-time event. It is an ongoing requirement that keeps members current with regulatory changes and best practices.
What “Encapsulation” Means
Not all asbestos-containing material is removed. In some cases, if the material is in good condition and not likely to be disturbed, it may be encapsulated — sealed with a penetrating or bridging encapsulant that prevents fiber release. This is a legitimate abatement method recognized by EPA and OSHA. Trained workers determine the appropriate approach based on the condition and location of the material.
