Document 91zv9X3XJB8bV8aqRvydq9zgR

FILE NAME: RT Vanderbilt (RTV) DATE: 1977 DOC#: RTV094 DOCUMENT DESCRIPTION: US Dept of the Interior Combined Spot Inspection Report United States De -rtment nf the I,uerififSi^ L-1;iiSE=' MININO ENTORCEMENT .N'D SAlLiA .V'.MiN.srRATIi.'V 329 U.5. t>05T OI IC E ANt> COllRY>1N 'V ALBANY. W YORK 2201 Edward J, EodgoxsVi, Subdistrict Manager / j '1y c l / ,u1/ ijk jtf OC Inspection No. . S20 Identification No.: 30-00611 ______ COMBINED SPOT INSPECTION REPORT______ _ This report is based on an inspection nade pursuant to Section 4 of the Federal Metal and Nonmetallic Mine Safety Act 30 Stat. 772). Company; ` Couverneur Talc Company, In< . ________________________ Mine Name; Mine No. 1 and Mill ______________________________ City; Balroat_____________ County; St. Lawrence State; New York______ Date(s> of Inspection: July 26-28, 1077_________Telephone Number: 315 287-0100 MESA Inspector (s); Arthur J. MeLnushlin, Metal and Nonmetal Mine Inspect: : t)0 of Employees; 170 N orR Schedule; V.ours/Shift 8 _Shift/Day 1 _Day* .eck__2 ;ype of Mint: Underground_____ Mining Method: Open Stope______ Produ .. Tal ______ Company Officials: Crorge E. Srdman, Vice P r e s i d e n t ____________ Union representatives: Rov Trombley. President, United Steelworkers of America Locai >.979, darrisvi-lle. New York 13640; William Kelley. Rcpres .itativc..Djstr.lt\ JL Unit- t- Steciworkers of America. 8 Putna-' Placa, Port He.nrv, New Tor. 12974____ Inspec ion Party: Floyd Robinson, Personnel and Safety ])irector______________ ___ REMARKS: No. of Last NOllCE Issued; 3?2____ Date Issued: 8/26/// . No. of Last ORDER Issued:___ ^3 Date Issued- 8/25/. > No. of Last HEALTH NOTICE Issued:______Date Issued:________ Issued Notices and/pr Orders were delivered to: .--------- ------- * < WES000863 Two orea samples were collected at the 700 level crusher station in addition to the total particulate sample. One sample was analyzed for the concentration of fibers having a length of 5 microns or greater anS'a^lenRth to "width aspect ration Q_f 3 to 1 (current criteria for asWstifofa^minerai fiber). The result vas 13.1 fibers petr'ciiglT"centimeter. Tfhe second sample was analyzed for~tKe' ratio of asbestiform mineral fibers to nonasbestifona mineral fibers that meet the abovementioned criteria. *Ihe_ result was 87 percent asbe3tlform to 13 percent nonaebestiforia. Applying this ratio'to the measured concentration we can, conclude that the concentration of asbestiform mineral fiber at the 700 level crusher station, at the tine of saapling, was 11.4 fibers/cc. Since the current threshold limit value (TLV) is 5 fibers/cc, immediate action must be taken to reduce personal exposures at the 700 level crusher area. A sample for fiber count was also taken at the skip loading area below the 700 level crusher and showed an airborne fiber concentration of 3.0 fibers/cc. Assuming the same asbestiform fiber to nonasbestiform fiber ration as deter mined at the 700 level crusher, the actual concentration of asbestiform fiber in the skip loading area vas 2.61 fibers/cc. In view of the proposed standard of 2 fibers/cc, which will become law in the near future, it is recommended that consideration be given to this location. Fiber identification samples were also taken at the tripper belt head pulley area, Ho. 4 Hardings Mill, and at Che Ho. 3 packer bagging area, The results were 67-, 75-, and 90-percent asbestiform mineral fiber, respectively. H e a lth studies conducted by MESA and H10S11 have produced data that documents the presence*of asbestiform mineral fibers in tho No. X Mine ore body and personal exposure data collected by MESA and MIOSH indicates possible over exposure to asbestiform mineral fibers by mine and mill workers; therefore, personal exposures must be Quantified and corrective action initiated in those cases where overexposures are evident. If you have any questions, please contact this office. 3 WES000864