Document 6BbzvO9xqbXbnxxmj4KRzoRE4

SUBJECT PEL RESULTS IN EXCESS OF 1.0 PPM VCM SUMMARY AND CAUSE: On May 18,1992, an area operator was monitored for exposure to vinyl chloride. The level was 1.11 ppm, which is in excess of the 1.0 ppm Personal Exposure Limit. The operator did not perform any tasks requiring the use of a personal breathing device, i.e., air mask. The cause ofthis exposure, while undetermined, could have resulted when the operator removed (via a rope) two buckets of reactor cleanings from the polymerizer. BOARD OF REVIEW: On June 6, 1992, an on-shift incident review was held by the shift foreman with the area operator. On June 8, the results of this incident review were discussed with the Resin Plant Manager. CORRECTIVE ACTION: 1. Task monitoring will be conducted while chips are removed from a poly to ascertain the potential to VCM exposure. G.R.Evans/T.Turner by 6/30/92 2. The incident will be reviewed with all resin operators. G.R.Evans by 6/5/92 NARRATIVE: On May 18, 1992, a Geon West resin area operator was monitored for exposure to vinyl chloride. The results, which were received on May 28,1992, indicated an 8-hour average of 1.11 ppm. The area operator Indicated that he did not perform any duties requiring the use of an air mask. FACTS SURROUNDING THE INCIDENT: 1. The employee did not wear a personal breathing device because he performed no tasks which required one. 2. The employee did pull two 5-gallon buckets of reactor cleanings from the polymerizer. The chips were placed in the specified hopper. 3cO A*^'j v< NGC 13701 Page 2 3. The building chromatograph log indicated there were 2 yeiiow lights (VCM reading between 1 & 3 ppm) and 4 red lights (VCM reading greater than 3 ppm, but less than 99 ppm) during the shift. MANAGEMENT SYSTEMS INVESTIGATION: 1. All tasks performed by the operator did not require personal breathing protection per Geon West's WPS procedures. 2. The area operator received annual training concerning vinyl chloride regulations on October 9 and training concerning use of personal respirators on May 21. 3. The operator left the area during red light conditions. JPG:drf PeIResul.jpg NGC 13702