Document 1gv7Kw8n6LaeOodMEg4zOQqYa

"United States o X. M. Morse, Director Environmental Health MjKt Asbestos Open Hearth Homestead Works On May 21, 1973, I talked with Bill Coates, Ceramic Engineer at Homestead Works, pertaining to the asbestos com position of the spacers, rings, etc. used for hot tops. He advised me that the manufacturers (Ferro, Fesceco, etc.) stated the products contain between 5-10% asbestos. I told Mr. Coates of our previous surveys at similar operations, and found out that they conduct the operation similar to that at Fairless Works; that is vacuuming molds, knocking the material to the tracks and deeming up, etc. Dpon this basis, I told Mr. Coates that the moldmen's exposures would probably be similar to those at Fairless Works, that is excessive, and there probably would be no need to take samples; and they should change to the asbestos-free products now available. Be told me of the reluctance of the operating personnel to switch to the asbestos-free products because of the higher costs. Z told Mr. Coates of the stringent control measures governing the use of asbestos products, and to have the operating personnel review the control measures as outlined in the Occupational Safety and Health Act. The other operation that Mr. Coates /wanted surveyed was the furnace rebuilds because of the 90-1001 asbestos in the spacer boards used in the roof. Z told Mr. Coates that we would probably want to collect samples during this opera tion since, to my knowledge, it has not been evaluated. The next furnace rebuild is scheduled for June 2 and usually takes 2-3 days. Mr. Coates is expecting to hear from us prior to this date. JBM/mdd Attachment cc: W. C. Janes f USX0000183