amulford
11-06-2005, 03:08 PM
I've been working alot lately. I'm a union pipefitter, and in this trade you get it while the gettin's good.
Well the hours have been crazy. I did a nuke as a valve repair foreman for two months, the last 4 weeks in shutdown on nights. 7 days a week, 13 hours a day minimum. 2 days to reverse my sleep cycle, and I rolled right from that to day shift on a refinery turnaround.
When I got to the refinery, I came to WORK. Well, someone found out I was on site and the next thing I know I'm a piping superintendant on days over one of the units. This called for 13 hrs, minimum. I haven't had a 13 hr day yet. Last night it was a double, I just rented a room to get the extra sleep.
I pulled in the lot this morning, and there was a crowd at the gate. I walked up and asked what the hell was going on. One of my fitters told me two men had died last night at 11:30. Maybe ten minutes after I left...Oh shit....
It seems it was nitrogen asphyxiation. one man was being concientous about his job, the other was trying to save the first. Bad decisions were made, but God will be the one to pass final judgement. One guy was 24 years old the other was 63.
The details will come out, but the fact remains. And there, but for the grace of God, go I.
I wish my kids were here. I just want to hold them...
I've heard people say that we union craftsman are overpaid. Well, I beg to differ. I somehow think the next time I hear that, the reaction won't be so placid.
Thanks to all of you, too, for being who you are. It feels good to be alive...
Well the hours have been crazy. I did a nuke as a valve repair foreman for two months, the last 4 weeks in shutdown on nights. 7 days a week, 13 hours a day minimum. 2 days to reverse my sleep cycle, and I rolled right from that to day shift on a refinery turnaround.
When I got to the refinery, I came to WORK. Well, someone found out I was on site and the next thing I know I'm a piping superintendant on days over one of the units. This called for 13 hrs, minimum. I haven't had a 13 hr day yet. Last night it was a double, I just rented a room to get the extra sleep.
I pulled in the lot this morning, and there was a crowd at the gate. I walked up and asked what the hell was going on. One of my fitters told me two men had died last night at 11:30. Maybe ten minutes after I left...Oh shit....
It seems it was nitrogen asphyxiation. one man was being concientous about his job, the other was trying to save the first. Bad decisions were made, but God will be the one to pass final judgement. One guy was 24 years old the other was 63.
The details will come out, but the fact remains. And there, but for the grace of God, go I.
I wish my kids were here. I just want to hold them...
I've heard people say that we union craftsman are overpaid. Well, I beg to differ. I somehow think the next time I hear that, the reaction won't be so placid.
Thanks to all of you, too, for being who you are. It feels good to be alive...