Document 06BB0a3gyv4Ry1B1DDrgmgO5b

-----------flBgX-TORPORRT] INDUSTRIAL HYGIENE SURVEY (ASBESTOS) AMERICAN BRAKEBIOK WINCHESTER* VIRGINIA AUGUST 14 - 18* 1972 PURPOSE . ' This survey was the continuation o a study which was initiated to determine the extent of -asbestos exposure to employees in. . , the Plant. Additional surveys will be scheduled to complete the evaluation; 1............. - Several of the asbestos samples collected from locations pro** cessing lead compounds were also selected for lead analysis s to determine airborne concentrations at various operations. Samples were collected in five''different departments through- , out the Plant# including Book Preform# Book Press# Block Freform* Strip Finishing# and Inspection and Packaging. - The results of the asbestos study disclosed two (2) locations where airborne asbestos concentrations were above the current eight-hour time weighted average exposure limit of 5 fibers/ml. . . . . . . . ; ji Referring to Sample No. 15 in. the Analyses of Air samples for Asbestos* the concentration found at Machine No. P-11# operated by C. Orndorff was 6.01 fibers/ml. Exposure levels at other Block Preform machines in the area were also elevated# but did not reach the 5 fiber/ml exposure limit; It was noted that the mix is handled intimately by the operators during the pre form cycle. In addition to manually transferring the mix from , container to the mold# the material is measured and spread by hand. As none of the Preform units are provided with adequate exhaust ventilation# the continuous manual operations are generating increased airborne concentrations of.asbestos fibers. Sample No. 56i at a concentration of 5.3? fibers/ml# was ,, collected at the vertical saw adjacent to the Book Press De partment. The saw was operated by R; F. Putnam# and was in nearly continuous use during collection of the sample. The unit is not provided with local exhaust ventilation# and sig nificant quantities of airborne particulates are'generated SPNY 003351, (-Vi r.: i.,u --------- wh, inr tii.wii iww -gg caupTOuig1 xocners must be provided for all regularly employed personnel who work at a fixed place of employment where airborne concen- tratlons exceed 5 fibers /ml.......................... .: . - RS6?lSSTP.^.a The O.S.H.A. Rules & Regulations require that a respiratory protection program be established by the employer# and t, specifies the use of air purifying respirators.to control! exposures which exceed 5 fibers/ml but are less, than 50 :......... fibers/ml. However# the use of respirators is an interim 1/: means of controlling exposures# and they may only be used . during the time period necessary to install engineering ; v,, controls or implement a change in work practices* - t -J . , v . . ' ' ! I .. t . : ; l- \ i . i. ,:i. ij It is our understanding the MSA Dust Foe Respirators with replaceable cartridges are available to the employees upon request. These respirators are approved, by the U. 6. De partment of the interior# Bureau of Mines. However# it should be ascertained that the replaceable cartridge used with the respirator for portection against asbestos dust is the Type F FILTER. .......... - - " - , The operators of Machine Ho. P-11 in Block Preform and the vertical saw in the Book Press Department should be provided with respirators of this type. Until engineering controls have been installed# the use of respirators should be re- : quired at all times during operation of these units. If the Plant respiratory protection program needs improvement# ex pansion# or further development# referral, to AMSI Standard Z88.2-1969 will provide assistance in meeting requirements. . ' l t&smsL. In all locations where airborne concentrations exceed ^ :... , 5 fibers/ml. caution signs must be provided and displayed;\ The signs should be posted at all approaches to the areas in question# and should be located at such a distance from the operations that an employee can take necessary protective : steps before entering the.area. The legend and sign speci fications are listed on page 11321 of the attached O.S.H.A. asbestos standard. -3SPNY 003352 The main approaches to Block Preform and the vertical saw in the Book Press Department will require posting until airborne asbestos concentrations can be reduced to acceptable levels. LABELING RBQPIRJ & caution or warning labels should be affixed to'all raw materials, mixtures, scrap, waste, debris and other products containing asbestos which have the potential for releasing asbestos fibers into the ambient air, X asbestos fibers have been modified by a bonding agent, binder, or other material which fixes the fibers and prevents their release during any reasonably fore seeable use, no labeling is required; Labeling specifications are listed on page:11321 of the attached 0.8.H.A, asbestos standard, 1 *' v - - ` NOTIFICATION REQPIR. & The two employees whose asbestos exposures exceed the current permissible limit of 5 fliers/ml should'be notified in writing of the exposures as soon as practicable but no later than five (5) days from receipt, of this report, in addition, the eiaployees should also be advised, within a reasonable time period, of the corrective action being taken. , . . t. Employee notification ..requirements are listed bn page 11322 1 of the attached O.S.H.A. asbestos standard. HOTJSEKEEPtHG AND WASTE DISPOSAL - ? '= ' Some of the precautions that must be observed to prevent or restrict the dispersion of asbestos fibers are listed below; Please take note that although dry sweeping of asbestos fibers is not specifically prohibited in the Buies and Regulations, it is an inferred recommendation, and has beeti specifically' cited in other documents* . 1. The practice of sweeping asbestos and asbestos containing materials from floors, equipment and supplies should be prohibited. a. Spilled, scattered, or extraneously deposited asbestos fibers should be removed with vacuum cleaning equipment exclusively. - ' - -4- SPNY 003353 ... JV' *? ' ................. ' ' ` - . -- -f U''! <*;'i - ,, stfq ACi:^:; +** '# , JJ b. Vacuum cleaning should be of such frequency that, the work areas are maintained free of accumulated asbestos fibers. . c. Asbestos containing waste should be placed in imper vious containers resistant to tearing or breaking under normal handling conditions. The containers should be tightly sealed with a warning label affixed. , ... d* Disposal should be by burial or other means to insure non-dispersal to the environment. 2. Suction hoses should be used by employees to remove asbestos fibers from their wdrk clothing before entering the lockerroom to change. .Defined locations should be established for this purpose to encourage routine usage. 3. Bag storage and Handling. '' a. Bagged asbestos `fibers should^ be stored in a clean dry space where they are protected from damage. , b. A rotation system should be employed to ensure that older bags are used first. . . .L .r 1, ' c. Damaged bags should' be placed in larger slipover' bags and resealed. . d. small tears in bags should be patched with tape. This will require periodic inspection of hag storage areas. e. Asbestos containing jute or Kraft paper bags should be placed in larger plastic bags. : f. Bag storage and bag opening areas should be as close .-as practical. ...; , ,c. g. Bags should be opened in a hooded area only# using sharp knife .to slit the bag. . ; ' ' ' h. . Emptied bags should be tightly rolled or folded flat under the hood. .. i* Empty bags should be bundled into larger polyethylene bags, sealed# labeled# and removed to a landfill for disposal. SPNY 003354 \cQnc*flj Zt was observed in Book Preform that accumulated layers of compressed asbestos are allowed to collect on the floors in aisles and at individual machines for prolonged periods of time* In addition# asbestos dust is accumulating on equipment and overheads throughout the area. As previouslydiseussed* a vacuum cleaning program should be implemented to maintain the work area reasonably free of accumulated asbestos fibers. The Rules & Regulations'state that a cleaning program should pro vide for the removal of asbestos fibers''before accumulations reach a point where dispersal would create hazardous airborne concentrations. " ........................' ......... '' ' ''` *" ji As absorption of lead into the system''through'inhalation and ingestion is enhanced by smoking# the' practice should be pro hibited in production areas. This recoimiieildatioh applies particularly to those locations where lead and lead compounds are routinely handled. ' As a final note# cross sectional studies have disclosed that the incidence' of cancer 'among -asbestos- k; workers who smoke is dramatically higher than among the non smoking population. .........., .... . Our thanks io"charlie Mallory* Bob Brown* Charles Curtis and associates for the cooperation extended during the survey. 9/25/72 : APPROVED BY* ^ J'cZy*?__________ cC if. Borcherding* Jr * . Mgr. Ind. Hyg./Loss Prevention ! j * * . : .; ' - . - v/ J , l . . .. - - r. t * i : . f / 1 .> ,, V.,! ; ,v. c .o , _ = ' t -n j; ' '' ^ - -f- i, tA -i. *' /. 1 * } ' i . ' l- , * i t . I.. *..*# i - ' i.. . . ' .t C. vi . * - . k * ,, 1 L j ** * SPNY 003355