Document 3ez8N0JMEVGr8LvgLv6LmdQw0

UNITED STATES STEEL CORPORATION CI.AI KTON WORKS . ENVIRONMENTAL 4 HEALTH SERVICES DECEMBER 11, 1979 MEMORANDUM SUBJECT: Mechanic end Apprentice Mechanic Exposures Carage and Locomotive Crane Repair Station Compensation Claim - Julius Onyika On October 9 and 10, 1979, a survey was conducted by the Environmental and Health Services Department to determine the exposures of the mechanics and apprentices to various airborne contaminants. Criteria: Section 1910.1000 and 1910.1001 of the Occupational Safety and Health Act limits employee exposures to various physical and chemical agents. The Permissible Limits for those substances present in the garage and repair stations are as follows: SUBSTANCE Total Particulates Chromates Iron Oxide Asbestos 8-Hour Limit (TWA) 3 15.00 mg/m 0.05 mg/or 10.00 mg/or 2 fibers/cc Ceiling Limit 10 fibers/cc (greater than 5 microns) (greater than S microns) Conclusions: The personal sampling results indicated the exposures of mechanics and apprentices in the Carage and Locomotive Crane Repair Station to the substances listed were well below the Permissible Limits. Sampling conducted October 9 and 10 Indicated Total Particulate exposures of 1.18 mg/m^, 0.10 mg/m3, 0.14 mg/m^ and an Asbestos exposure of 1.35. fibers/cc.. The samples collected for chromates analyses indicated "ho detectable levels of exposure. Recommendations: As indicated, exposures to Total Particulate, Chromates, Iron Oxide, and Asbestos were well below established safe limits; therefore, no precautions need be taken by the mechanic or mechanic helper against these contaminants. USEI000082 PLAINTIFF'S EXHIBIT USX-71 Discussion: The garage is primarily used for moeor vehicle repair, and general upkeep of motorized equipment such as portable-welders. All typer of services are performed, from visual inspections to engine overhauls. The personnel were sampled for exposures to Total Particulates, Iron Oxide, Chromates, and Asbestos. The Particulates, including Iron Oxide were evolved by mechanical attrition, although some Iron Oxide stay have resulted from the small amount of burning and welding done in the shop. The Asbestos was generated from changing brake shoe pads. The exposure results indicated all the personnel were below the permissible limits for all substances sampled. The Total Particulates averaged less than 5X of the allowable level of IS mg/a3 (1.18 mg/a3, 0.18 ag/a3 *nd 0.25 mg/m3). No Chromates were detected since very little welding or burning was conducted in the shop. The majority of Iron Oxide found was present in the form of rust. Iron Oxide exposures to the mechanic and apprentice were well below the Per missible Exposure Limit of 10 mg/a3 (0.26 mg/m3, 0.10 mg/m3, and 0.14 mg/m3). An asbestos sample was collected during a visual inspection of the brake pads of #15 fire service truck. The mechanic, wearing a Dustfoe 66 respirator, blew off the brakes and drum with an air hose. According to his foreman, it is not cosaon practice to use an air hose. Thus, even though his exposure was well below the permissible ceiling limit, it could be assumed chat his exposure would have been considerably less had proper procedures been followed. His exposure to Asbestos was 1.35 fibers/cc while the permissible ceiling limit is 10.00 fibers/cc. TMC/cay cc: W. C. King H. S. Miller T. F. Weir, M.D General Supervisor Environmental Health & Safety USEI000083 OCCUPATION Mechanic Apprentice Apprentice Mechanic MECHANIC AND APPRENTICE MECHANIC EXPOSURES CARAGE AND LOCOMOTIVE CRANE REPAIR STATIONS 10-9 and 10 - 79 TABLE I Time (Min) Total Particulates (mg/m3) Chromates (tag/*3) Iron Oxide (ng/m3) Asbestos f/cc 421 1.18 0.0 0.26 420 422 7 0.18 0.25 0.0 0.10 0.0 0.14 - - 1.35 Substance: Total Particulate Chromates Iron Oxide Aabestos 8-Hour Limit (TWA) 15 mg/m3 0.05 mg/m3 10.00 mg/m3 2 fibers/cc (greater than 5 microns) Ceiling Limit 10 fibers/cc (greater than microns) USEI000084