Document 06DwNzpBJ9jEw3ExMDG7r8qkR

PLAINTIFF'S EXHIBIT January 8, 1985 T.E. Gillespie J.B. Gross MD R.M. Kemball-Cook B.J. Kern MD J.G. Massey B.P. Staton Re: Asbestos Exams Please let me know if you have any wording change on the attached by January 17. A bulletin board announcement is planned prior to initiating examinations in February. Thank you. CU' P. J. SNYDER 'M LAM 012947 DPMC-14293 UPDATE ON THE ASBESTOS MEDICAL PROGRAM Since the promulgation of the OSHA Asbestos Standard in the early 1970's, Shell Oil Company has had a special medical surveillance program for employees with potential exposure to asbestos. This examination is similar to the voluntary medical exam, however. It is given yearly and places additional emphasis on the pulmonary system (lungs). The purpose of this exam is to detect any changes in lung function which may be related to previous asbestos exposure ie. exposure that occurred more than 20 years ago. Historically this exam was provided to insulators, and then in 1980 expanded to employees who had been pipefitters and boilermakers prior to 1972-73. After this time period asbestos insulation was no longer purchased and therefore exposure to these crafts reduced. More recently, efforts have been made to identify employees with low level exposure to airborne asbestos fibers. The present interpretation of the OSHA regulation suggests that employees with exposure to 0.1 fibers per cubic centimeter of air averaged over 8 hours (0.1 F/cc, 8 Hr. TWA) at least once a quarter be included in the asbestos exam program. This requirement is without regard to the use of respiratory protection. This is equivalent to a ten minute exposure to 5 F/cc once every three months. This level of exposure could conceivably occur from any visible disturbance of asbestos insulation. Based on this more recent interpretation of "potential exposure to asbestos" the asbestos surveillance program is being expanded. As of January 1985, employees who work or have worked in the following crafts since 1970 are eligible for participation. Pipefitters Insulators Boilermakers Machinists Carpenters Instrumentation Garage Mechanics Tinners Additionally, operators who worked in the Chlorine Plant (between 1969-1973), Epon I (1968-1976) and PDU (1956-1976) will be included because of frequent past potential exposure to asbestos. Generally, individuals meeting this criteria will be notified by their supervisor, however, questions concerning eligibility may be answered by contacting Industrial Hygiene (ext. 7374). Efforts are currently underway to identify any additional employees who had potential exposure to asbestos prior to 1970. LAM 012948 CHBT8500303 DPMC-14294