Document 4JZ1p4JZOMxneZ2dpmj41yO5e

/ (conoco) Interoffice Communication To D. D. Zimmer From S. P. Pitcs May 16, 1978 Subject Benzene Content - NPE Unit Streams The proposed OSHA Benzene Exposure Standard, expected to become effective later this year excludes materials containing 0.1% or less benzene. This means only that parts of the anticipated standard such as labeling, routine exposure measurements, and parts of the medical surveillance will not apply. In order to determine our ultimate obligation when the standard does become effective, we need to develop data on the benzene content of various streams in the Normal Paraffin Unit. Currently, we normally know the total aromatic content of these streams. '' --ible to develop this data and the estimated maa cc: RDG-RHG-JLE /psV-*^L 7/ - / /- /?/> X^t~*d Benzene Air samples taken in the general working areas of the powerhouse showed that benzene vapor concentrations were GAO WARNS OF POTENTIAL HAZARD IN USE less than one part per million, although samples taken at fuel OF RESIOUAL OIL FUEL. URGES OSHA ACTION filters indicated concentrations exceeding 60 ppm. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration should give "prompt attention" to a potential benzene hazard among workers in power generation and steam-heating plants, the General Accounting Office urged on July 5. In a letter to Labor Secretary Ray Marshall, Gregory J. Ahart, director of the GAO human resources division, reported that a GAO investigation had found two leukemia-related deaths among workers at the Naval Fuel oil samples indicated a benzene concentration of about one-tenth of one percent by weight. Employees who cleaned the fuel filters wore either no gloves or cloth gloves only, so that they "frequently" got the fuel on their hands, arms, and clothing. Powerhouse employees were not participating in ar.y medical surveillance program, according to the powerhouse foreman. Regional Medical Center in Portsmouth. Va. Both workers Corrective Meeturee had been employed at the facility's powerhouse, where a In a subsequent discussion with Medical Center officials. residual fuel oil called "number six fuel" is used. Ahart stated fh ficu* jai hygienist recommended Ahart noted that according to information suppl Defense Department's Defense Logistics Ag< amount of benzene in a batch of number six fu amount" to one-half of one percent by weight. finswc SSf FbD S?rS"'synthetic material and prohibit owerhouse. GAO "observed that signs "Although we are not concluding that there wa relationship between exposure to benzene or the o substances which may be found in number six fuf juirements for protective two leukemia-related deaths, we believe the evider lg to Ahart. adverse effects of benzene alone is enough to h*'- occupational exposure to prompt attention to this matter," Ahart declared. es which may be found in Both deceased Medical Center employees. Ahart form federal agencies and worked in the powerhouse for over 20 years. Oni rds which may be created died of an acute intracerebral hemorrhage myelogenous leukemia, and -he ''her from a T- % d other residual fuel oils, hemorrhage resulting from the subacute mye leukemia. Medical records indicated that traces of were found in the latter employee's blood, accordh GAO official. A 1973 survey by Medical Center industrial hy conducted after the death of the second employee, cc inithat "the second employee's problem was not du posure to chemical vapors in the work environment," Ahart related. However, he noted, there apparently was no testing for benzene, or taking of air samples. In January 1977, at GAO's request, an OSHA industrial hygienist surveyed the powerhouse, took air samples, and analyzed a sample of number six fuel for benzene. GAO found that: be included as a potential lecked for during OSHAs ices," he added. Number ely" by power generation its use "could f appropriate safe* Miiart noted that OSHA in April issued an emergency'* benzene standard that was to have become effective May 21 However, the standard was stayed temporarily by the Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals, a stay, still in effect (Current Report, May 26, p 1587). A permanent benzene standard was proposed on May 27. hearings on which are to begin July ID in Washington. DC. (Current Report, June 2, p 3c MCVD 00001191-3 yconocq) FEB22lS79 Interoffice Communication To R. D. Hamblin From R. E. Lehmkuhl ate February 16, 1979 Subject CHEMICAL EXPOSURE Please forward the following information as soon as possible, but no later than February 28. 1. How many regulated areas remain in plant? 2. When do you expect to deregulate the areas? 3. What kind of dosimetry functions are followed? Type used, badge, bag, etc. How often is personal dosimetry done? How many personnel checks each time? 4. How is area monitoring accomplished? How many points are checked? Is monitoring continuous? What is the maximum permissible level of methyl chloride/benzene at LCCP? What is the action level TWA? What is the OSHA or EPA standard? R. E. Lehmkuhl J44