Document 77Qo8w48LNVEOR01xMwR66Jo

v - subjecti Environmental Health and Safety Department Policy on Asbestos Removal - Case 48097-1 LL LABQBJffORIXS datei October 12, 1981 from D. Raiher MB 78691 3A-213 x7512 HEHORAHDOM FOR RECORD IHT RODUCTIOH Maintenance and repair work an some of the Bell Laboratories Plant facilities has necessitated that on occasion asbestos insulation on pipes, boilers* beams, etc. be manipulated or removed. To assure compliance with all applicable state and federal regulations, the following are reconmended: 1. All contractors or Bell Laboratories employees engaged in asbestos handling or removal must comply with the regulations outlined in the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (06HA) Standard 29 OPR 1910.1001. 2. Disposal of asbestos containing wastes must be -handled in accordance with Environmental Protection Agency (SPA) regulations and Resource Conservation Recovery Act (RCRA) regulations. 08HA standards The present OS HA asbestos standard is two asbestos fibers per cubic centimeter of air as an 8-hour Tims weighted Average (TWA). "OSHA Program Directive #300-16,"j requires that medical examinations be given employees) who have jasbeatos exposures equal to or exceeding 0.1 fibers per cubic centimeter of air as an 8-hour TWA. Handling Asbestos Containing Insulation Befors working with material that is thought to contain asbestos, the material must be analysed to determine if it in fact does contain asbestos. It is not possible by visual inspsctlon vo ascertain whether or not insulation contains asbestos. If insulation matarials are to be analysed, please contact the Environmental Kaalth and Safety Department for instructions on the correct method of sampling. LLA 000749 2 The primary goal whan handling asbestos containing oatarial is to minimise employee exposure. Insofar as possible, asbestos should be removed or otherwise worked in a wet state sufficient to prevent the emission of airborne fibers. Por example, workers should continually mist or spray the layers of insulation with water if they are being removed. Employees engaged in the removal or demolition of asbestos insulation or coverings must be provided with respiratory protection and with protective clothing. Generally, workers wear disposable coveralls including a hood. Respirators must be HI0S8/MBSUA approved and be marked accordingly. Caution aigna must be provided and displayed at each location when airborne concentration of fibers may be in exceaa of axpoaure limits. Signs must be posted at such a distance ftom the location so that employee may read the sign and taka neesasary protective steps. work arses should be roped off and signs postsd to prevent inadvertent axpoaure to personnel not working in the area. All work areas where asbestos is being manipulated should be enclosed within plastic drapes. Floors should also be covered. Upon completion of the work tasks, all enclosure materials should be removed end disposed of in accordance with the 'applicable regulations. Any asbestos containing wastes must contain caution labels that are affixed to the bag containing the waste. After-- collation of all job tasks work areas should be vacuumed with an approved vacuum clsanar containing a HEPA filter which will remove 99.97% of particles with a diameter of 0.3 micrometers or greater. An alternative to vacuuming is to wot mop the affected area. CQHCLUSI08S The Environmental Health and Safety Department is available to review contractor work practices and HTL work practices ^to insure compliance with all applicable regulations. This department is also available to monitor BTL employees who hsve a potsntial asbestos exposurs or answer any asbestos relatsd questions. Copy to See next page