Document 858MjrGnKLn6jEBeK43a3Oa3m

* c TO: W. H. 3RA.D* FROM: J. 3. YCVNG // / '<w li >" .1? u Is-- ` June 5, 1972 c * - ^ ownAmi ,US ATTENDANCE AT ASBESTOS SEMINAR JUNE 2. 1972 - WILMINGTON Fallowing arc some of the sore importent fsets vhleh I pleked up a: tne Asocstes Scmlnsr that I attended on June 2, 1972, In Wilmington: * The Ssergeney Standard for asbestos work which OSHA has been fol lowing since December 7,.1971, la scheduled to be replaced by a new standard "any day now." The word is that the new standard will probably be announced on June 7, 1972. Afterwards, industry Is expeeted to have a period of time before tne standard becomes effective. * The general opinion is that the new standard will be mueh more restrictive than the current Emergency Standard. * The basis for the new standard is a study titled "Criteria for Recommended Standard - Occupational Exposure to Asbestos." This Criteria was developed by the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health. * As an example of the type of tightening up that is expeeted in tne new standard, the KIOSK Criteria specifies an 8-hour timeweighted average maximum concentration of 2 fibers greater than 5 microns in length per milliliter of air whereas tne present Emergency Standard permits an average of 5 fibers. Short term maximum allowable concentrations are also much more restrictive than at present. * The NXQSH Criteria specifies strlet medical survellance of asbestos workers Including pre-employment medical tests snd evaluation, periodic medical evaluation plus specified cheeks during employ ment and comprehensive termination cheeks. An asbestos worker Is deflntd as anyone who might be exposed to ssbestos. * None ox'those attending Indicated experiencing any problem getting below the current Emergency Standard of 5 fibers greater than 5 microns In lsngth per milliliter of air. This paralltls our exponents. There was considerable eonoern about being able to consistently stay bslow 2 fibers/milliliter^. In fact. It was felt that there could be more than a 2-flber counting deviation or variation from one technician to another making sample analysis. our 09011*5 booc: * '..'.j .'IS.;;; -ri-urla 35:3*4 :n ribi.- .'3* . ,Z..~ Ssa.-.aird is was ecneiuCee tnat many parts of is will 5* sxtrtmely difficult to live with. In tnl* regard, it was recommended shat w wait and see what OSHA does come out with and then see ho* we can best cope witn it. * Nevertheless 1 quite a few of the company plants who were represented are working to get in line with as many of the KIOSK Criteria reeomr.er.datiORS as they can, in anticipation that tne Criteria will become law. (We are getting a copy of the NIOSK Criteria for 3elle Plant use.; * Moss of the plant people I talked with have been making regular sample cheeks- for some time - some for as long as two years. * 3or..e make one sample eheek per month as we do, but most are making more. One plant makes five sample eheeks every month. * All the sites I talked with have more than one instrument for taking samples. Most have two. * Most sites routinely attach the sampler intake to the worker's lapel and take snap "worst condition" samples as well as 3-hour time weighted average samples. * Sawing is considered the greatest source of asbestos dusting. Several locations require tne use of resplrstors whenever their men saw asbestos regardless of whether it is by hand or machine or whether it l*vin the shop or in the field. One site has built portable power ventilated work wagons which their people use any time they saw asbestos in the field. * At least one location provides disposable paper work suits wnieh are replaced every day. they require their men to remove these worksuits and wash up prior to coffee break and luneh break. Other locations require their men to vacuum their work clothes prior to coffee break, lunen and quitting time. * Most locations prohibit eating in their Insulation shop. Some outlaw the presence or use of chewing gum, cigarettes, and tobaeeo in their insulation shop. * Most locations require the use of respirators during the removal or insulation. Dismantling old Insulation is considered the seeond greatest source of asbestos dusting (sawing being the number one source). * Some locations have alerted the laundry that deans their work clothes of the possible presence of asbestos dust and of the hazards. * In most all eases the responsibility for the establishment and administration of the asbestos control program rests with the supervisor in charge of the insulators. Bu OOC25S * ::c real substantial progress has been made toward finding a suitable ufi lubitltuti mattrial for asbestos although thtrt is much interest in this. The prospects are net optinlstie either. Tfiose attending were definitely not encouraged to look for a break-through in materials as a way out of the problems of living with the hazards of asbestos. :orm 6/7/72 CUP 0901SS7 S000256