Document 3N21p9ZR5J6JVRyr3bymwpxN6

NATIONAL INSULATION MANUFACTURERS ASSOCIATION, INC U4l Lexington Avenue Nev York, N.Y. 10017 April 9, 1968 TO TBS BOARD OF DIRECTORS AND HSAX2B k SAFETY C0M4I7T5E Gentlemen: Supplementing our letter of February 19, 1968, ve ere Attach* lac for your perusal a copy of "Racoamendad Practices - For and Applying Thermal Insulation Products Containing Mineral Fiber". If you have aay aejor consents ea tht concept, pltase Advise us prior to April 22, 1968, as ve vlll start final printing At that tlao. If ve do not beer froa you prior to that data, ve vlll assume you approve sad vlll act accordingly. Sincerely yours, ec: G.D. Reyeraft J M. Barnhart RECOMMENDED HEALTH SAFETY PRACTICES For Handling And Applying Tharmal Insulation Products Containing Mineral Fibers [TD NATIONAL ! e 5 MANUFACTURCRS ASSOCIATION CONTENTS Introduction (cont'd) Introduction......... 7... Housekeeping........... Physleel Contact with Mineral Fibers .. .. exposure to Excessive Mineral Fiber Dusts ............. ....................... Respiratory Equipment r * INTRODUCTION w Mineral fiber is s generic term and is applied principally to glass wool, rock wool and slag wool. The basic physical structure of each of these materials is a lightweight mass of inter* mingled mineral fibers processed from a molten state into a fibrous form. Mineral fiber products are produced in numer ous forms for a wide range of uses and appli cations. Despite the diversity of applications, the health safety practices for handling, fab ricating and applying these materials are very similar. Mineral fiber products will differ primarily in density, rigidity, shape, and fiber dimension, depending upon use and requirements. Prod ucts manufactured from coarse fibers may eause some irritation. Generally these health safety problems can be classified into two major areas: (1) Physical contact with mineral fibers. Contact with mineral fiber particles may result in itching and skin irrita tion. Particles may enter the eyes par ticularly during overhead applications. (2) Exposure to excessive mineral fiber duete. Inhalation of excessive quanti ties of dust may result in some respira tory irritation. 2 Manufacturers of Thermal Insulation Prod ucts containing mineral fiber have for years been talcing protective measures to control ex cessive dust. _ The National Insulation Manufacturers Asso ciation recommends the following practices for handling and applying thermal insulation products containing mineral fiber to protect the worker. Insulation contractors and applicators are urged to study these recommended practices carefully and to see that they are observed by all workers handling insulation materials. As with Safety Regulations, it is in the interest of both employer and employee to see that health safety practices are strictly observed. AreeoreO Cy COMMITTEE ON SAFETY AND HEALTH NATIONAL INSULATION ________ -_________ ________________ _j MANUFACTURERS ASS N. % HOUSEKEEPING PHYSICAL CONTACT WITH MINERAL FI3ERS An organized housekeeping program should b maintained in ail areas and on all opera* tions at all times. A major source of excessive airborne dust is from loose materials, scrap, and debris dis tributed throughout the job area and disinte grated by trampling on. running over. etc. Much of the airborne contamination can be eliminated by exercising simple good house keeping practices. Specific standards and practices designed for providing safe, elean and orderly working conditions should be defined. Efficient supervisory control, planning of sys tematic denning plus day to day follow-up are the basic requirements for dust control and health protection. 4 1 If particles accumulate on exposed skin areas, do not rub or scratch. Remove the particles by washing thoroughly with soap and warm water. If water is not avuiabie. use dry wash materials (waterless soap ar.d paper towels). 2 Long-sleeve shirts, long trousers and caps should be worn to cover maximum skin areas to avoid contact with the mineral fibers. Clothing should be loose fitting at collars, wrist bands and waist to eliminate skin irritation. . 5 Barrier creams applied to exposed skin areas will provide protection against-skin irritation. They should be used prior to handling the material and re-applied ac cording to instructions. 4 Good personal hygiene practices are essen tial. Thoroughly wash exposed skin areas periodically and shower at end of work day. Change and launder work clothing fre quently. 6 Proper work methods and practices that will eliminate creating excessive dust should be adhered to at all times. 6 Suitable gloves should be worn whenever handling abrasive materials. 7 Mineral fiber slivers that superficially penetrate the skin should be removed by thorough'.y washing.Those embedded in the skin should be removed immediately and medical treatment administered. 8 Sharp particles may result in eye injuries. Safety glasses, goggles or face shields should be worn when applying materials overhead or in areas where airborne parti cles may get into the eyes. 8 EXPOSURE TO EXCESSIVE MINERAL FIBER DUSTS 1 When mineral fiber materials are machine awed, die cut, slit, etc., mechanical dust coU lectin; systems adequately designed to re* move dust at the source should be installed. 2 Hand cutting, jacket stripping, etc., should be done in a manner that will create mini mal airborne dust. Proper methods and tools will help considerably to abate dust. S When working in confined spaces, dust col lecting systems adequately designed should be provided to remove dust from'the source. If conditions prevent collecting dust, use ex haust blowers to provide general room air changes. Avoid exhausting into other work areas. If mechanical exhaust equipment cannot be used to remove excessive dusts, 'Respirators should be worn. 4 When applying mineral fiber insulation overhead, workers should be clothed as de scribed on page 5, wear eye protection and 'Respirators if excessive dust is generated. 5 When mineral fiber thermal insulations are stripped from piping or other surfaces, the area in which stripping takes place should be confined by means of curtains, portable partitions, etc., to prevent excessive dust concentrations in adjacent areas. All work ers in the stripping area engaged in tearing off, handling, cleaning and disposing of ma terial should be dothed as described on page 5, wear eye protection and 'Respirators. Where circumstances permit, materials should be wetted down prior to and during removal. Where applicable, portable me chanical exhaust ventilation should be used to remove airborne dusts from the area. fi Avoid unnecessary rehandling of scrap by locating disposal equipment as elose to working area as possible. Do not permit ac cumulation of serap and debris on floor and other surfaces. * Santa ( rtipiralan. St* HI* * 6 RESPIRATORY EQUIPMENT Only U.S. Bureau of Mincs-approved respira tory equipment is recommended for use. Ap proved respiratory equipment must be used at all operations where dust control is not ade quate. The efficiency and effectiveness of respiratory equipment is dependent upon proper care, cleaning and maintenance. A systematic pro cedure should be established to assure that this is done. Lists of currently approved respiratory equip ment can be obtained from: Bureau of Mines United States Department of the Interior Nineteenth and E Streets, N.W. Washington, D.C. 20240 American Industrial Hygiene Association 14125 Prevoet Detroit, Michigan 41227 7