Document 44VzvL2Q6nV0eY0now3vddqzV

'OR. L. V. CRAILEY INTERNAL CORRESPONDENCE November 10, 1959 FROM: INDUSTRIAL HYGIENE COMMITTEE TO: MESSRS. L. T. LETSINGER & W. F. KNEELAND DAVENPORT WORKS CONFIDENTIAL RE: INDUSTRIAL HYGIENE COMMITTEE (SPECIAL MEETING) A meeting was held by the above Committee on August 19th, 1959* Those in attendance were B. L. Tiedemann, C. L. Huey, C. A. Mauer, R. J. Nemetz, K. W. Williams, B. D. Kent, and T. B. Bonney of the Pittsburgh Office. Inasmuch as Mr. Bonney is associated with Dr. Cralley in our Pittsburgh Hygiene Department, the meeting was held primarily to bring Mr. Bonney up to date on our current problems and recent activities. The following items were discussed. Our past problem with sulphur dioxide fumes in the Remelter was discussed. The Committee was advised of our decision to approve the purchase of 1.3$ (sulphur) Bunker "C" oil for use this coming winter. Because this would cut the sulphur content to less than half the content used last winter, it was felt this should make a significant improvement and possibly virtually eliminate our problem. It was pointed out that the 1.3$ oil could be purchased at approximately 2^ per gallon less than specified 1$ sulphur content oil. Mr. Bonney compared our experience with that of Massena and it was observed that Massena's furnaces are equipped with straight oil burners whereas our furnaces require pilots and our mixtures have to be skillfully blended. Our situation with reference to X-2020 was reviewed and it was noted that there still was need for revision to hoods on our R-l8l unit. It was felt that we had made some progress in and around our holding furnaces; however, our stacks do still at times emit fumes, primarily salt fumes (potassium chloride and some lithium chloride). ARD 044197 TO: MESSRS. L. T. LETSIKGER & W. F. KHEEIAND PATE November 10, 1959 SHEET NO.__ 2 It was further pointed out in connection with casting of the above alloy that the wearing of respirators is not required of our production people; however, they are available upon request. Masks are mandatory for the brick masons and laborers who must re-line and work inside furnaces which have been used for X-2020. The discussion of this problem was concluded with the recommendation that as soon as cool weather approaches and we begin closing up our building, we should do some periodic re sembling of our air and stay on top of our situation. Sampling should be done especially around our pouring stations, melting furnaces and skim processing units. We also were to recheck on the dunp area of our X-2020 slag. Mr. Tiedemann mentioned the periodic problem of chlorine and ammonia fumes particularly on heavy, humid days. The question was raised as to whether or not it could eventually prove to be a Public Relations problem if not better controlled. The practicability of installing bag filters and skim coolers was discussed and Mr. Williams pointed out that skim coolers would not eliminate the ammonia problem if the skim was mixed with water. In connection with the chlorine problem, Mr. Tiedemann cited their difficulty in being able to promptly pinpoint chlorine leaks above holding furnaces with our present equipment. Mr. Bonney agreed to pronptly send us literature on a special type detector which he felt would aid us in our problem. Mr. Kent briefly reviewed the attitude of the Iowa Department of Labor during a recent visit of one of their inspectors, explaining that an incident in Clinton a short time ago had focused their attention on chlorine hazards. He pointed out that at the time of the inspector's visit, Mr. Maurer had done a very thorough Job in con vincing him that we were adequately equipped and making every effort to hold our problems to a minimum. In connection with the fume problem, Mr. Bonney indicated that inasmuch as we were using more and more beryllium in our alloying, certain precautions should be taken to guard against its effect. ARD 044198 TO: MESSRS. L. T. IETSINGEk & W. F. KhtKEIAND DATE November 10> 1959 SHEET NO. 3 The Committee was further advised of a recent report to the State Department of Labor with reference to our Foil Mill drinking water. The person making the complaint to the State Department of Labor had pointed out that the water was so strong that it etched our sinks and because of such, surely it would produce deteriorating effects on stomachs. It was pointed out to the Committee that we did feel that we were in a rather embarrassing situation inasmuch as we could not positively state what was pro ducing the etching. Our Engineering people at the time of the State Inspector's visit, expressed the opinion that the hydrogen sulfide in the water was the offending agent. The Sanitation people however, maintained that the sinks were originally ruined by contractors in the Foil Mill building prior to operations. It was pointed out to the Committee that water samples taken of Foil Mill water did show the water to be bacterially safe despite its objectionable odor. The Committee was also informed that a new sink had been moved from the mill proper over to the Foil Mill and its condition was being carefully observed for possible etching. The Committee was also advised that two possibilities were being studied by our Engineering people for the reduction and possible elimination of the high hydrogen sulfide content in the water. It was pointed out at the meeting by some members of the Committee that the Canteen dispensers at times seemed to receive inadequate attention in the area of the spigot. It was questioned whether or not this area wbb completely washed and sterilized as often as it Bhould be. The Committee was advised of the reason for Mr. Bonney's visit to our plant, that being the increased concern on the part of some of our people regarding hazards in connection with X-ray gauges. It was pointed out that there was some concern by those who are regularly engaged in calibrating and repairing this equipment. Mr. Bonney explained to the Committee his procedure of monitoring of our X-ray gauges including the Beta Cauge and that he had found our situation completely safe. The Committee was also informed that Mr. Bonney and Mr. Kent had concluded meetings with the Electrical ARD 044199 TO: MESSRS. L. T. LETSINGER & W. F. KNEEIAND DATE November 10, 1959 SHEET NO.__ 4 people on all three Ehifts. These meetings were held to give the people the opportunity to ask any and all questions with reference to possible hazards in order to reassure them of their safety, and to lay plans for future monitoring. The meeting was concluded with a short discussion on carbon tetrachloride and with the expressed desire that some day we can see our plant completely rid of carbon tetrachloride fire extinguishers. B. D. KENT EDK:hf Copies to: All Division Heads Members of Hygiene Committee Dr. L. V. Cralley, Pittsburgh Office ARD 044200