Document 48qpGXqn3G1pzaqq4vy0Q0de

ABEX CORPORATION AN EVALUATION OP VARIOUS PACTORS INFLUENCING AIRBORNE ASBESTOS CONCENTRATIONS FRICTION PRODUCTS GROUP - WINCHESTER SEPTEMBER 30, 1974 - OCTOBER 4, 1974 PURPOSE. The purpose of this visit was to evaluate some of the factors associated with the manufacturing of various friction products in order to determine the effects of these factors upon the airborne asbestos concentrations associated with the processes. SUMMARY For the purposes of this study, the scope of this evaluation was essentially confined to three general locationsi the book preformers, the block preformers, and the strip roll machines. Samples were taken in other locations, but the * majority of the sampling occurred at these three locations. The variables that were considered during this study were* the; type of mix used and the fiber length of the asbestos associated with the specific mix, the height of the employees, the working habits of the employees (clean or dirty) and the effect of additional experimental enclosures upon the airborne concentrations of asbestos. The results of this study indicate that the type of mix used, and the degree of enclosure significantly effects the airborne asbestos concentrations generated at the various preforming operations. The factors of employee height and the employee working habits were secondary factors, and by themselves did not significantly affect the airborne asbestos concentrations. Each of the variables investigated during this study will be summarily discussed in the following sections of this report. Various comparative appendices and a sketch are also attached. Mix tvpei Using the comparative data gathered from the various mix types (see Appendix #2), there are two trends that emerge. First, the wet mixes generate far less airborne asbestos at various preforming operations than the dry mixes. Second, the SPNY 003284 1