Document 6RKK4q93gZ08vdvZRrkpEBO4R

s.e,ci Interim Report Bell Laboratories Septemser 2' , 19 1. D. Ker.r. ey I.ntrocuction In the early part of 1973 A.T.iT. formed a committee tailed the Bell System Ccc-pat lcnal Health Working Group (GHWG). The puroose of this committee was to investigate the exposures of employees In TELGG's to various environmental insults. This committee which consists of representatives from A.T.IT., Western Electric*, Sell Labs and two operating TELCCs contracted with the Bell Labs Environmental Health i Safety Department to perform a Baseline Industrial Hygiene Study. The purpose of t.nis study was to obtain measurements on the exposures of Bell System employees to determine baseline conditions including exposures to toxic or harmful agents. Since* the summer of 1975 measurements have been taken in eight different operating TELGO's. These measurements include: ( asbestos, lead, vinyl chloride, carbon monoxide, sulfuric acid. mist, noise, and ionising and non-ionizing radiation. In addi tion - certain practices and procedures were reviewed to determine if they are being followed. The following report summarizes the findings of these measurements and makes some recommendations cased on the findings. RESULTS AND RECOMMENDATIONS Asbestos Asbestos measurements were taken In central offices, business offices, and on the operation of changing and/or Inspecting brakes. The following table presents a brief summary of these results. Asbestos Bui 1 - i .. g/Arci CO/F.qu i p. Frames l J/ M c- c . Eq-. . Boom OO/Offi ces ' a : nges /1'har.gir.g crakes c H fj~ /> -1 ` ' Co c ntra 11 0 Q. 01 - 0. 3 0 . 01 - 0. 09 0 . 01 - 0. 2 0. uu - 0. 3 r, hi - n. u LLA 000891 The r. i t REDACTED 3rd for astestcs is 2 fib ers 'v discussing :r.e results further d< >urse the -u.iUc'i analysis far asbestos filers might. be p: i . , - * ercnt method of analysis calls for c!:e fiDors to : U S i r g a phase contrast microscope, The standard calls : r irt lole laving _m aspect ratio (the lenrt fi of the i . 1 a ; '.fie cf the fiber) of 3 to 1 or greater - :-:nfv. if' five m!crone:ers to Pe counted, Trie pro cedar'- ec"1 r--'> si tivc-ly identify the fiber as an asbestos fiCer. ary ver From the cable it can be seen that the asbestos levels -eas-red are well below tre present OSHA standard of 2 fibers/::. M:st of the exposure levels are of the same magnitude as tr.e artier: levels . The only exposure listed In this table that has been reported elsewhere in the scientific literature is on changing coaxes. One report gives values much higher than the OSHA standard, anot:.-:r report gives values close to those reported here. Further measurements on these exposures are being planned. In general the exposures of Beil employees to asbestos is the same as they would experience from an ambient exposure.- Although the exposures are low the provisions for medical examinations in the present standard may present problems. As the standard now reads any exposure to asbestos fibers triggers the requirement of medical exams (note the key word "any"). Strictly interpreted this could mean all Bell System employees should undergo medical exams. The A.T.&T. OHWG has taker, steps to clarify this -otter with OSiiA. In addition, to air samples for asbestos fibers analysis of certain insulating materials used on boilers, steam pipes and ventilation ducts were performed. The results of these analyses showed that some materials contained as much as 55% asbestos. CT Potential exposures may exist for certain employee groups, such as, brake mechanics, maintenance men working on insulating ma rials, and plant personnel pulling cable through transite due A program Is underway to identify these exposures. lach company should examine various supplies to determine If they contain asbestos. If possible these supplies should be discard?: using oi'oper procedures. If they cannot be discarded they must !'- pavka^cl and labelled in the proper manner. LLA 000892