Document 2R2oL87e54VXOdNNZ6npxdjg
LINDE DIVISION
speedway iactdry
asoi west i6th street. speedway. Indianapolis. Indiana 46224
To (Name> Division location
Copy to
Mr. T. J. Kroh UCC; Linde Division Speedway Factory
Mr. J. E. Bertrand Mr. F. E. Camic Mr. H. C. Dellinger Mr. K. Earl Mr. C. E. Frankenberger Mr. D. Jenkins
L. J. LaFrance Mr. D. P. Maurer Mr. R. M. Neary Mr. R. Old ford Mr. L. G. Suelter Dr. J. J. Welsh/Dr. K. , Mr. R. P. Wooldridge
Date September 17, 1974
Originating Dept.
Acetylene Cylinders
Answciing letter dale
Subject
ASBESTOS
Attached is Mr. LaFrance's letter of August 23, which summarizes the results of his recent air sample analysis in the acetylene cylinder manufacturing area. As you can see, the present equipment and process procedures are capable of maintaining dust particle limits below the July 1, 1976 OSHA regulations i^f the equipment operates properly. One of the keys to safe operating conditions is continuous operation of the exhaust blower on the asbestos shredder.
This blower has not yet demonstrated a high level of reliability, and even if it had, it is conceivable that dust build-up in the lines or in the asbestos dust collector could make it ineffective.
Continued use of the mixing equipment when the blower is inoperative or in effective will rapidly generate a hazardous level of asbestos dust in the shredder room.
In order to circumvent this situation, I would like for you to install an audi ble alarm system which will sound at the fill station when the pressure in the exhaust blower inlet duct reaches atmospheric pressure. I would suggest that you also maintain a replacement unit which can be quickly installed when the unit becomes inoperative.
If this proves to be effective, it appears that we can maintain low levels of dust throughout the building without the need to install expensive central dust collection equipment. Please let me know when you can have the system modified and advise Mr. Camic so that he can instruct his supervisors and operators of the safety alarm.
HLP.-gh Attachment
UCC 011737
A2185C
- V -.'JJ
{"TRNAL CORRESPONDENCE
UNION CARBIOE CORPORATION
270 PARK AVENUE, NEW YORK, NEW YORK lttl
Td (Nome)
Division Location Floor Wymuti
Copy *o
Mr. C. Frankenberger Linde Division Speedway Factory 4301 West 16th Street Indianapolis, Indiana 46224
Date Originating Dept. Ft zor Number
Answering letter djte
Mr, J, E. Bertrand Mr. K. Earl
Subject
Mr. D. Jenkins
Mr. R. M, Neary
Mr. R. Oldford
Mr. H. L Phillips '
Mr. L. G. Suelter
Dr. J. J. Welsh/Dr. K. S. Lane
August 23, 19?4 Medical Department
Dear Mr. Frankenberger: A follow-up industrial hygiene survey to evaluate the changes
made in the acetylene cylinder filling building was performed on August 6-7, 1974.
The results of the air samples for asbestos are shown on the attached table.
At the time of the first addition of asbestos to the mix tank it was noted that the. exhaust blower for the shredder was inoperative. It was decided to take samples anyway. As can be seen the results are 2-3 times the ceiling limit value of 10 fibers greater than 5 microns per milliliter. Respiratory protective equipment was worn by the operator and myself. The time of tins operation requires about 10 minutes.
UCC 011738
42 1851
Mr. C. Frankenberger
2- -
August 23, 1974
Follow-up samples after the blower was repaired indicated concentrations at the limit value of 2 fibers.
This also points up that routine periodic checking of equipment of this nature should be performed. It is also questionable whether or not is is wise to perform these operations when such conditions exist.
The shredder itself could be improved so that the present methods of charging after breaking the bale outside the unit could be eliminated.
All other operations checked and the general area samples were below the limit of 5 fibers and the limit of 2 fibers which becomes effective July 1, 1976.
For the present it is suggested that these areas be checked on a monthly basis. If results continue to be below limits, then a six month interval would be sufficient.
It would also be desirable to sample when a cylinder is cut open in the machine" shop. This operation has not been performed during one of my visits.
With regard to cylinder clean-out I would suggest mounting two or three sampling heads connected to a central vacuum source to determine levels in this building. I would not expect to find much if any since this is predominantly a wet system. However, the data should be collected for record purposes. This was discussed with Messrs. Phillips and Wooldridge
' ^2 1852
UCC 011739
Mr. C. Frankenberger
-3-
August Z3, 1974
The rest of the plant was inspected as time permitted and no other operations were noted where air sampling was felt necessary for evaluation.
Thanking you for your courtesy extended, I remain.
Very truly yours,
LJLrlk Attachment
Leo J. LaFrance Industrial Hygienist
A2ld53
UCC 011740
Asbestos in Air Concentrations Union Carbide Corporation Linde Division Speedway Factory Indianapolis, Indiana August 6-7, 1974
Location__________________
Asbestos Number of Fibers > 5 microns per milliliter
Acetylene Cylinder Fill Building New Shredder room operator
30
New Shredder general area
20
New Shredder room on operator
New Shredder room general area
2 1
At top of mix tank Plug drill (on operator)
0 1
Top clearance inspection (on operator)
1
Wire brush fill plugs (on operator)
^1
General area-walk around depts.
1
General air-top of power cabinet below old rest room
1
Remarks
Exhaust blower inoperativ
Exhaust blower in operation
While charging asbestos usual operation usual operation usual operation usual operation
UCC 011741