Document 7MmRZmNG40wygGzRQx1pb7ByV
CHEVRON MWiffii'^lfiftfALTHCENT
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San Francisco, CA January 7, 1984
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DO POST STUDY OH RESPIRATORS TOR ASBESTOS REMOVAL File W3t5--Respirators
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EMPLOYEE RELATIONS MANAGERS (SELECTED) SAFETY ENGINEERS
A recent study by Du Pont on respirators for asbestos removal was discussed in the November 15, 1984 issue of the Bureau of National Affairs (BNA) Occupational Safety and Health Reporter. The study addressed the protection provided by negative pressure air purifying respirators and self contained breaching apparatus (SCBA) during the removal of a3be3tos containing materials. One important conclusion presented in the study was that negative pressure respirators may provide protection which is not significantly less than the protection obtained from SCBA.
The attached critique prepared by the Corporate Industrial Hygiene staff presents an analysis of the study and a discu33ion of the validity of the study's conclusions. In our opinion, the study does not present adequate data to support the conclusion mentioned above. It does, however, indicate that negative pressure respirators can provide significant protection from asbestos exposure during asbestos removal operations, when employees are qualitatively fit tested.
If you should have any questions concerning this study please contact Mr. J. S. Hatfield (CTN 894-5280).
JSH:mjg Attachment
S. L. DRYDEN
CHEVB8 5618