Document 71JQryOV7RD44e7JZ9kYXb8Ze

Anthony J. Rossi , Chief, Safety Inspection Section, Dept, of Labor E. Lynn Schall, Chief, Occupational Health In in July 3C, 1S70 Technical studiesconductedat Owens Coming Fiberglas Corporati or. Jackson Road, Berlin, K ev Jersey Technical studies for mineral dusts were conducted at your request in the Ovens-Coming Fiberglas Corpcraticn in Berlin, Kerv Jersey on June 10, LS70. Results are recorded on the attached tables. They indicated that air-borne contaminant concentrations at the tide of sampling averaged within es tablished threshold limit values, providing the time-weighted formula is applied. Highest concentrations generally occurred in the batch-mixing area where employees are intermittently exposed to such dusts as asbestos, diatoaacious earth, calcium oxide, clay, iron chromite and iron oxide. These dusts, depending upon the particular batch, may contain an appreciable amount of free silica and an especially hazardous form from diatoaacious earth known as cristobalite. Atmospheric dust concentrations in the ic^n production lines typically averaged within threshold limit valnes. As 'indi cated by the samples, a considerable variation in dust concen trations can be expected under present manufacturing conditions. The present threshold limit value for asbestos dust is under revision by the ACG3B. The results as stated in this report are based cn the standard impinger, light-field count technique. Tne company has hired George D. Clayton and Associates as environmental control consultants. Two industrial hygienists, Henry J. 1'uranko and John E. Hutchler, Were collecting dust samples for phase-contrast microscopic examination at the same time as our study. The emphasis of their study for the week of- June 9th had been on asbestos dust. They expect to ccmnlete and conclude their study during the month of October 1970. According to the literature, diatocaaceous earth that is calcined may contain appreciable quantities of cristobalite. This crystalline form of silicon dioxide is now considered more hazardous than quartz and the limit value should be reduced by approximately one-half. This cristobalite value is therefore included in Table I. Mr. Anthony J. Rossi - 2- July 30, 1970 Cur staff observed that the company is installing extensive ventilation equipment throughout the main plant area. We believe that the present ventilation in the batch mixing area should also be improved because of the combined asbestos and free silica dust hazard. A full enclosure of the hoppers would readily increase effective capture velocities. Suggested bin and hopper ventilation specifications are diagramed on Print Number VS-30U appearing on page 5-30 of the manual, INDUSTRIAL VENTILATION. In the near future a heat stress evaluation should be made in the autoclave area of the plant. Upon completion of the ventilation improvements and installations in the fall, technical studies should be continued to determine the effective ness of the engineering recomendations, particularly in areas where cristobalite exposures can occur. Please contact us for a mutually agreeable sampling date. i JAT:hfh b.c. Mr. Taylor Mr. Schall E, Lynn Schall Chief Occupational Health Program 4 Owens Coming Fiberglas Corp. Jackson Road Berlin, Rev Jersey Results of an occupational heelth study conducted in the above named establishment on June 10, 1970. Table I - Mineral Dust Sample Number 2391 2392 2393 2394 2395 2396 2397 239S Location and Rfr"-=-ks Flat ware finishing line Batch mixing - hand dump ing 100 lb. bag asbestos Batch mixing - hand dump ing 100 lb. bag asbestos Batch mixing - hand dump ing 50 lb Diatomite bags*-* Batch mixing - hand dump ing 50 lb Diatomite bags** Pouring line Pouring line Flat ware finishing line Results expressed in m.p.p.c.f. * 3.3 2.3 1.8 5.2 4.7 1.4 1.4 1.5 Note: * m.p.p.c.f. means millions of particles per cubic foot of air. The threshold limit value for asbestos dust is considered to be 2.0 m.p.p.c.f. for a daily B-hour exposure. ** Threshold limit value for silica, as determined by Table II, is 3.9 m.p.p.c.f. The threshold limit value for diatomaceous earth containing cristobalite (one of the three major crystalline forms of eilicon dioxide) is one half the above value or 1.95 m.p.p.c.f. t- 4 Owens Coming Tiberglas Corp. Jackson Road Berlin, Kev Jersey Results of sn occupational health study conducted in the above named establishment on June 10, 1970. Table II - Free Silica Sample Kumber 12SS1 Location and Remarks Percent Free Silica Dietcnite from hopper area 58.81 T.L.V. * 3.9 Kcte: * TLV means threshold limit value in million of particles per cubic foot of air. It is determined by the formula: TLV = 250 *Si02 4 5 Ovens Coming Fiberglas Corp. Jackson Road Berlin, Kev Jersey Results of an occupational health study conducted in the above named establishment on June 10, 1570. Table III - Calcium Oxide Sample K-umber 12SS2 12883 Location and Remarks Batch mixing - hand dumping Batch mixing - hand dump mg. Results expressed in imr/cu.m. * 1.98 3.96 Kete: * mg/cu.m, means milligrams of substance per cubic meter of air. The threshold limit value for calcium oxide is 5.0 ag/cu.m, for an S-hour daily exposure.