Document 82pLzzr8GOqdEmy02zz4Enq6B

FILENAME: Flintkote (FLK) DATE: 1979 DOC#: FLK031 DOCUMENT DESCRIPTION: Memos RE Hembrane Filter Method for Evaluating Airborne Asbestos Fibers } -F T JC Mr. H. E. Beard Rochelle Park * August 7, 1979 S. Weiss Rochelle Park Membrane Filter Method for Evaluating Airborne Asbestos Fibers In reference to the attached letter, as long as the USPHS/KIOSH counting method is acceptable by OSHA and MSHA, we believe the approved method should be used in place of the counting procedure now used for Flintkote tests. SW trv Attachment cc: Mr. J, c: 7^ L-0 V\ % to MR. H. E. BEARD ROCHELLE PARK INTER-OFFICE CORRESPONDENCE *; r <9 < date JULY 20, 1979 from l . A. WILSON FAIRFIELD subject MEMBRANE FILTER METHOD FOR EVALUATING AIRBORNE ASBESTOS FIBERS I received a copy of the USPHS/NIOSH technical report on the approved method for counting airborne asbestos fibers shortly before vacation and have reviewed it. I bring this to your attention because the method which they detail is markedly less stringent than the one which we have been using. The specific differences call for the counting of a fiber that does not lie completely within the counting area as 1/2 of a fiber rather than as a whole fiber, and the disregarding of a fiber that crosses any two sides, rather than including it in the count. While in any given sample the reported numerical result might be the same, overall, the pattern of results would necessarily be shifted lower. Therefore, since we are penalizing ourselves by the use of the Flintkote method, and-to be in compliance with the USPHS/NIOSM requirements, I suggest that we formally adopt their procedure, and request that you direct me to do so. I should like you to send, me a letter for the files to this effect, and I will adopt their method as our own. LAW:ch P.S. Should we bring in the Safety Group on this?