Document G5e3jbm27BYb118MxJjeQp4pm

f * *> J- 'Cc /* E982000IS : HANDBOOK FOR HANDLING ASBESTOS MAT E R I A L THE DOW CHEMICAL COMPANY TEXAS DIVISION Maintenance Department Supporting Services July 1972 Rev. MftwdjflMrrJiw mSHWi HANDBOOK FOR HANDLING ASBESTOS MATERIALS Index Page (s)- 1. Purpose 2 2. Safety .3 3. Use of Handbook 4 4. Safe Work Procedures Fabrication of Asbestos Materials 5 Mixing Cement Containing Asbestos 6 Handling and Storing Asbestos Materials 7 Sawing and Cutting by Hand .8 Insulation Removal > 5. Insulator Safety Check List 9 10 6. Threshold Limit Value n ST0002864 VC C *^.7 PURPOSE The purpose of this handbook is to define safe handling procedures for asbestos materials used in the Texas Division. The intent is to control the exposure of employees to asbestos dust through the proper use of safe work procedures and by the sub stitution of non-asbestos containing materials. Asbestos is widely used as structural wall board, insulation, and roofing material. Asbestos fibers are used as a mechanical reinforcing matrix in. in sulation, roofing paper, certain piping systems, etc. However, Dow Engineering Specifications were revised to exclude asbestos-containing insulation prior to installation of Federal regulations controlling the use and handling of asbestos. Eventually, the use of asbestos will be eliminated as the ultimate solu tion to the problem. The OSHA standards which, became, effective July 7, 1972, define the precautions required for asbestos handling and the allowable safe working limits. Should a hazard exist, and these procedures appear Insufficient, contact the superintendent of the Plant A or B Functional groups for exceptions or variations. These procedures will be reissued prior to 7 December 72 to incorporate revisions dictated by results obtained from the Division Monitoring Program. ST0002865 -2- !. 'C C SAFETY r The health of those who breathe asbestos dust may be seriously affected. Results can be similar but more serious than those caused by the more common ly known materials such as silica and coal dust. This phenomena has been observed for many centuries.. Current medical discoveries show that handling of asbestos by a confirmed cigarette smoker is espec ially hazardous in the area of potentially serious lung disorders. It is recommended that those persons handling asbestos not smoke cigarettes in any quantity. ...--- ` ST0002866 When working with materials which contain asbestos fiber, care must be taken to eliminate as much loose dust as possible. Wetting, isolating the work area, or other suitable procedures to eliminate the dust hazard are absolutely necessary. The main problem areas will be in removal of old, deteriorated in sulation and the sawing of Transite. Respiratory protection, dust collectors, blowers, etc., will be mandatory where asbestos-containing materials must be handled. ''The two "nose'arid mouth" dust respirators which have been approved by the Safety Department are: (l) MSA Dustfoe 77, Dow.Stock Mb. 15-26005, Cartridge Mo. * **** 15-23775, and (2) Wilson Dust Respirator, Dovi Stock t*ST'o No. 15-25460, Cartridge Ho. 15-23790. Disposal of asbestos will be in polyethylene bags, Dow Stock No. 15-05080 for large bag and 15-04170 through 15-04185 for small bags. As required, special protective clothing such as cover alls, head covering and gloves will be provided. Such requirements will be determined by the Division Moni toring Program. Two lockers will be provided, so separated or isolated as to prevent contamination of the employee's street clothes from his work clothes. Asbestos-contaminated clothing shall be placed in labeled, polyethylene bags for shipment to the laundry. iffTiTMWH ST0002867 'C c USE OF HANDBOOK FDR HANDLING ASBESTOS MATERIALS The Safe Work Procedures outlined in this handbook are minimum requirements for working with asbestos containing materials. In some cases, job conditions may dictate more stringent requirements. These could include com pletely wetting down the area with water when re moving old insulation, or completely isolating the work area with tarpaulins, etc. Specific require ments for each job will be detailed on the"Insulators Safety Check List." Because Dow's Engineering Specifications have.been re vised to exclude .use of asbesto3-contalning insulation, most of the Safe Work Procedures in this section of the Manual will seldom be referred to for new installations. These procedures are to be used in conjunction with Plant Safety Rules, Maintenance Standard Safe Work Procedures for the Area, and Safety Standards. -H- I' < cc SAFE WORK PROCEDURE if r Subject: Shop Fabrication With Asbestos Materials Minimum Safety Equipment Requirements: 1. Side Shield Goggles must be worn. 2. Approved "Nose and Mouth" Dust Respirator must be worn at all times. (See Page 3; 3. There shall be a Dust Collecting System on Power Equipment adequate to remove large amounts of dust generated. 4. An Insulator Safety Check List is to be filled out prior to the job and properly approved. Turn in to supervisor at completion of job. ST0002868 Special Precautions: 1. Do not breathe asbestos dust. 2. Do not operate equipment if provision cannot be made to eliminate dust in a safe manner. 3. Normal precautions- must be taken for working with power equipment. (See specific Safe Work Procedure for Operating Power Driven Tools if in doubt). 4. When cleaning out the vacuum system of the machines, a respirator must be worn. Viet down dust prior to handling. Place the wet material in polyethylene bags, seal, label and notify Yard Department that asbestos waste is ready for proper disposal at landfill. 5. Good housekeeping in the shop area is to be practiced. Asbestos dust must be vacuumed throughout the shop area If and when such conditions exist. 6. Keep all personnel not directly involved in the fabrication aeration away from the area unless they observe mir n safety requirements and have been apprised oi *. hazards involved. j ST0002869 Subject: CSAFE WORK PROCEDURE Mixing Material Vfhich Contains Asbestos Minimu.il Safety Equipment Requirements: 1. Side Shield Goggles must be worn. 2. Approved "Nose and Mouth" Dust Respirator must be worn at all times. (See Page 3} 3. An Insulator Safety Check List is to be filled out prior to the Job and properly approved. Turn in to supervisor at completion of Job. Special Precautions: 1. Do not breathe asbestos dust. 2. When mixing whole sacks, do not open sacks and dump into open mixing tray. Moisten asbestos by adding water through a small hole in sack until danger of dust is eliminated. Then the material can be removed if necessary to complete mixing operation to desired consistency. 3. Slipping or falling Is a hazard to be considered when working around wet asbestos mud. H. Back Gtralns from handling containers of mixed mud are also a hazard. A means of handling this mixture may need to be provided, depending on the circumstances. 5. Keep all personnel not directly involved in the mixing operation away from the area unless they observe minimum safety requirements and have been apprised of the hazards involved. 6. All contaminated bags, boxes, waste, etc., shall be wetted, placed in labeled polyethylene bags and sent to landfill. -6 - ST0002870 cc SAFE WORK PROCEDURE I. f i Subject: Handling and Storing Asbestos Materials Minimum Safety Equipment Requirements: 1. Side Shield Goggles must be worn. 2. Approved "Nose and Mouth" Dust Resoirator must be worn at all times. (See Page 3) 3. An Insulator Safety Check List is to be filled out prior to the job and properly approved. Turn in to supervisor at completion of job. Special Precautions: 1. Do not breathe asbestos dust. 2. Handle materials in such a manner as to minimize . exposure to dust. Moisten material with water spray before removing from container if material will not be damaged. 3. Areas vised to store asbestos containing materials should be marked "Asbestos Material". Cartons, boxes, etc., that have contained asbestos * materials should be wetted, broken and placed in labeled polyethylene bags for disposal. 5. Good housekeeping of shop areas is to be practiced. Clean up all loose dust on floor, machines, shelves, etc., by vacuuming. Wet down, place in labeled polyethylene bags and dispose of dust while damp. Notify the -Yard-Depepument to dispose by landflli while material is still damp. C -7 c SAFE WORK PROCEDURE Subject: Sawing and Cutting by Hand Minimum Safety Equipment Requirements: 1. Hard Hat must be v?orn. 2. Side Shield Goggles must be worn. 3. Approved "Nose and Mouth" Dust Respirator must be worn at all times. (See Page 3; ST000287I 4. An Insulator Safety Check List is to be filled out prior to the job and properly approved. Turn in to supervisor at completion of job /Yottf re~***( - 5. All other safety equipment which is required by job location must be used. (Read Area Safe Work Procedures.) Special Precautions: 1. Do not breathe asbestos dust. 2. Wear the "Nose and Mouth" Dust Respirator when removing'asbestos material from package, installing, 'or cutting. 3. Keep all personnel not directly Involved in the operation away from the area unless they observe minimum safety requirements and have been apprised of the hazards involved. 4. Special precautions shall be taken when using "Skil-Saw" for sawing asbestos materials. To eliminate dust hazards and protect all people in the area, an air operated saw shall be used and the material shall be flooded with water. 5. If water will damage the material, a hand saw shall be used and sawdust collected with a portable vacuum whenever possible. If site work prohibits use of a vacuum pick-up, cuts should be made directly over a collection box or polyethylene bag. 6. All contaminated bags, boxes, waste, etc. shall be wetted, placed in labeled polyethylene bags and sent to landfill. -8 ST0002872 c ' c SAFE WORK PROCEDURE l i } Subject: Insulation Removal Minimum Safety Equipment Requirements: 1. Hard Hat must be worn. 2. Side Shield Goggles must be worn. 3. Approved "Nose and Mouth" Dust Respirator must be worn at all times. (See Page 3) 4. An Insulator Safety Check List is to be filled out prior to the job and properly approved. Turn In to supervisor at completion of job. /Xo/i'iy )/</ /ftK/fA Scrtfrctt (/ 8/) sirf* r ~**r'*- ! 5. All other safety equipment which is required by job location must be used. (Read Area Safe * Work Procedure.) Special Precautions: 1. Do not breathe asbestos dust. 2. Hazards from asbestos dust that falls, blows or may be scattered throughout the area must be eliminated. 3. Keep all personnel not directly involved in the insulation removal operation away from the area unless they observe minimum safety requirements and have been apprised of the hazards involved. 4. Use water to wet down the insulation before and during removal. 5. Seal all material in labeled polyethylene bags as removed. re-^ford-I>epartme*tt is to be notified for disposal at landfill. stc of* S ** 9 JOb' DESCRIPTION: LOCATION r AREA Safe V/orlc Permit Received 2. Area Safe Work Procedure Known V V YES NO f |[ j *~ 1 | * | 3. Nearest Phono 4. Nearest Eycbath and Safety Shower 5. Job Site in Safe Condition j T1 j 1----- '--1 6. Is Pipe or Equipment Safe to Work On? 1 : f 1------ ' 1----- 7. Are Corrosive Chemicals j ' ; j j Involved? *a. Can lines or ji r equipment be drained? 1--* 1-- ((* --- V`v Is Adjacent Piping and | |[ f Equipment Safe *-----1 *--* 9. Red Tags Needed? [ j| 10. Burn Hazards Present? j--j j j 11. Craftsmen Lined Up With Check List? r--i j--i 1--- J--- Special Hazards Special Safety Precautions Checked and Approved By: Supt. Foreman Cn-wleadcr C"iaT toman DATE: * _ DATE C II. ASBESTOS WORK ' YES 1. Handbook for Handling ]--j Asbestos Materials Used?--' 2. Signs and/or Barricades^--^ Up to Warn Others ? 3. Has Disposal of Debris 1--l Been Arranged ? 4. Is Hater Needed to Control Dust ? l--l 5. Stencil on Job to DenotO---1 Materials Used ? 6. Have all Involved Lj Personnel Been Informed ? III. Special Safety Equipment. Require r~~j Coveralls __ Chemical Goggles to __Face Shield __ Acid Hood __ Air Mask __ Dust Respirator ^ -- Rubber Gloves qq -- Rubber Boots __ Slicker Coat co __ Slicker Pants __ Safety Belt __ Hearing Protection L_i Other: Specify IV. Personnel on Job (Name) Exposur Time-Hr 1. . 2. . 4. 5. 6. - 10 _ c THRESHOLD LIMIT VALUE No employee shall be exposed at any time to air borne concentrations of asbestos fibers in excess of 10 fibers, longer than 5 micrometers, per cubic centimeter of air. The eight hour time-weighted average shall not exceed five (4>) fibers per cubic centimeter.* fc In order to assure compliance with these limits, the Environmental Health Group vjill make random samples. When special field testing is desired, call Environmental Health at 238-212X7 In order to keep asbestos dust concentration within the proper limits,.any dusty conditions connected with the handling of asbestos materials must be kept' to an absolute minimum. This must be done as out lined in the previous Safe Work Procedures by wetting down the area, pre-soaking the material, or vacuuming the material as it Is cut. Each individual job should be planned with this uppermost In mind. / i ST0Q02874 * Effective 1 July 1976, this limited is reduced from five (5) to two (2) fibers per cubic centimeter. - 11 - ST0002875 Latest word on asbestos c represents a whopping 17% of all cancers detected annually in the U-S. won't be the last The joint study's figures on expo sure for workers are taken from HEW estimates (the department believes that J.5 to 2.5 million U.S. workers are Scientific evidence against asbestos continues to still being exposed to asbestos), while the fatality percentages are borrowed accumulate, and OSHA's much-delayed exposure standard directly from a World Health Organi zation (who) position paper issued in goes on bringing criticism from all concerned parties. early 1977. This link with the WHO Meanwhile, millions of workers remain exposed to document is confirmed by Joseph Wagoner, special assisunt for carcino asbestos dust in plants throughout the world.' genesis with the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OStu), who was a member of the group of health experts that authored the WHO [~1 Bad news about asbestos continues study estimates that between 8 and 11 study. to make headlines. In September, for million U.S. workers have been Meanwhile, a spokesman for instance, Joseph A. Califano, Secre exposed to asbestos since the beginning NC1/N1EHS says that the joint report is tary of Health, Education, and Wel of World War II. Of these, about 4 basically an update of epidemiological fare (HEW), drew attention to an million have been "heavily ex data on asbestos, in the light of new alarming statistic in a new study by the posed,"--i.e., worked directly with the information uncovered in the past National Cancer Institute (Net) and material most of the time--and 4 to 7 year. the National Institute of Environmen million have received "peripheral" Whatever its origin, the NCI/NIEHS tal Health Sdences (NIEHS): An aston exposure--e.g., of the sort that a work is attracting its share of criticism ishing 17% of all cancer deaths in the maintenance worker would get in a by way of an attack on Califano's U.S. over the next few decades wilt be plant where asbestos was being rcrent statement. Some claim that the linked to some previous exposure to installed. HEW secretary is unnecessarily alarm asbestos. The.NCt/NlEHS report assumes that ing the public. Asbestos no longer Speaking at the AFL-CIO National 20 to 25% of those in the first group causes widespread* sickness because Conference on Occupational Safety will die of lung cancer, 7 to 10% of working conditions have changed, they and Health, Calirano said that the pleural or peritoneal mesothelioma (a say. NCt/NIF.ItS report definitely rejects the particularly lethal* cancer), and 8 to Dr. Irving J. Selikofi*, a well-known conventional estimate that I to 5% of 9% of gastrointestinal cancer. Assum authority on asbestos, and director of all U.S. cancer incidence is related to ing that the risk to the second group is Mt. Sinai Medical Center's Environ occupational exposure to carcinogenic 25% that of the first one, the report mental Health Laboratory (New York agents. Estimates of 20% to as high as concludes that a total of 2.15 million City), notes that "Califano's remarks 38% are not unreasonable, he added. workers will die over the next 30 to 35 are projections based on limited data, EXPOSURE HUT kills--The joint years, or about G7,000 per year. This and probably represent an upper limit." But he warns that even if Cali fano's figures are off by a factor of ESS two, the problem is enormous. However, a spokesman for the American Cancer Soc. (acs). New York City, feels that the NCt/NtFKS report docs overstate the problem. INDUSTRY REsrONSE--The Asbestos. Information Assn. (aIa), Arlington, Va., an organization of asbestos processors, says that the NCt/MEiis data are being analyzed by the group's scientific advisors, and that a statement will be issued when the study is complete. Meanwhile, an AU press release calls the report "simply anoth i'tffs r.VTuar er extrapolation in statistical terms from the same data which have been available to the international scientific community for some time." Another aIa press release, issued in response to a Califano statement Fiberglass .insulation, an alternative to asbestos, is considered safer (made in April) regarding a Urge 76 UIUIIML MUIMMI 4. |l)l ST0002876 c cl U.S. firms still use it, despite its checkered career 8-h, time-weighted baSs, with a 15min reiling of 5 fibers/cm'. AH limits The term "asbestos" comprises a group of impure magnesium silicate minerals--e.g., chrysotilc, amosite--that occur in fibrous form. Reports of the toxic properties of asbestos date back to the 1920s in the U.S. However, it wasn't until the war broke out, when millions of workers were employed in shipyards insulating warships, that mass exposure to asbestos dust occurred in this country. The material enjoyed wide popularity as an insulator in plants and apply only to fibers longer than 5 pm. (xiosh, which serves in an advisory capacity, has recommended a limit of 0.1 fiber/cm'.) OSHA is currently evaluating the economic impact of the proposed stan dard, which is bound to afTcct both processing and use of the material. buildings until 1970, when, in response to mounting evidence of its toxic properties, manufacturers slopped producing insulation made of Predictably, industry reponse to the idea has not been favorable, aia calls loosely bound asbestos fiber. the 0.5-fiber/cm1 limit "not technical The Asbestos Information Assn, says that the 3,000 asbestos products made today in the U.S. contain chemically and physically ly feasible," and recommends instead the adoption of 2 fibers/cm' as a bound fibers that do not flake off. Current end-use breakdown: permanent standard--one that can be asbestos cement products (pipe, sheets), 22.4%; roofing products, realized at a reasonable cost for dust 34.9%; asbestos paper, 4.3%; flooring products, 15.67; packing and control. gaskets, 2.8%; thermal and electrical insulation, 1.2%; friction On the other side of the spectrum, products (brake linings), 8.8%; coatings and compounds, 2.7%; Roy Steinfurth, the asbestos workers' plastics, 3.0%; textiles, 1.0%; and miscellaneous, 3.3%. spokesman, feels that the only accept able level is no asbestos exposure at all. The union official says that, even if the outbreak of asbestos-related diseases leading maker of asbestos products): exposure level is reduced to 0.5 among World War II shipyard work "Clinical evidence shows that lung fiber/cm', a worker would breathe in ers, explains that such a heavy expo cancer in asbestos workers is virtually 4 million fibers in an 8-h workday. He sure to asbestos existed before medical limited to those who smoke cigarettes, estimates that as many as 50% of the information revealed the dangers in and that for practical purposes, lung members of his organization wilt even volved. Since then, millions of dollars cancer as an asbestos-related disease tually die of asbestos-related diseases. have been spent in dust-control equip svouid not be a problem were it not for In Europe, there is also a move to ment by mintrs, millers, processors cigarette smokers." cut down on the exposure levelt which and manufacturers of asbestos. AIA is currently on a vigorous has been 2 fibers/cm' in the past few In addition, note other asbestos- campaign to persuade Industry work years. Italy, which lacks asbestos industry spokesmen, the type of prod ers to stop smoking. deposits, is attempting to phase out the ucts made in (he pan--e.g., asbestos "There is no doubt that exposure material completely. Sweden moved to thermal insulation--are no longer and cigarette smoking have a synergis a 1-fiber/cm' standard a year ago, produced. They were phared out in tic efTect," says an acs spokesman, and U.K. authorities are clamoring for the early 1970s, when the inherent "but since so many workers included a reduction of the present limit. hazards became apparent (see box). in past studies were smokers or ex Critics who complain that the osha Nevertheless, asbestos is still used as smokers, it's difficult to assess the risk proposal does not go far enough in an insulator or fire retardant in more to non-smokers." protecting workers also question why than 3,000 products ranging from The synergism is acknowledged in the standard should apply only to water pipes to brake linings. And an the WHO document. "Both cigarette fibers longer than 5 pm. Both Sclikoff estimated 500 million tons of the mate smoking and exposure to asbestos and Wagoner, for example, believe rial are still around in plants and independently cause lung cancer.' that the smaller fibers are even more 'Idings throughout the U.S., accord- However, when present together, they active in producing lung tumors. Ami, 1.1 it* Roy Stcinfurth, administrator of act in a multiplicative fashion." The according to SelikofT, "For each fiber the insulation health-hazards pro NC1/XIEHS study agrees, and admits longer than 5 pm, there may be ai grams for the International Assn, of that it would be an error to attempt to many as 100 shorter ones." Heat and Frost Insulators and Asbes blame each type of cancer mentioned OSHA's Health Standards Project tos Workers (Washington). Workers in the report on an exclusive cause. Officer William Warren says that the still exposed to asbestos are not a NEW STANDARD*--The current 5-pm length was the most practical adequately protected, charges SelikofT. flarcup of the asbestos controversy is of alternative because detection equip cigarette UNK--Industry spokes more than marginal interest to osilA, ment does not pick up anything small men also point out that exposure to which has been trying to modify pres er. Warren notes that available moni asbestos alone may not be enough to ent ruler governing exposure to the toring units detea only "from a few cause lung cancer--the disease most material (the agency is studying the percent to 50%" of the actual number commonly associated with the breath ncj/nikhs report). of fibers in a sample. ing of asbestos fibers--and that the For more than three years, OSHA iNsui-vnos danger--Spot cheeks connection between exposure and ciga has been pushing a proposal to reduce with a number of U.S. insulation rette smoking has not been stressed the jtcrmissible level of airliornc fibers manufacturers turned up no one still enough. Says John A. McKinney, in the workplace from a present value making the asbestos-containing ver president of Johns-Manville Corp. (a of 2 fibers/cm' to 0.5 fibcr/cm1 on an sion. However, there are still tons of it 78 UllMtC*!. INCWt l.tsc SUUMIU i. n:i c .*n installed in chemical plants alt over the world. Since the asbestos is loosely bound, the cutting, handling and tear ing down of such insulation poses a health hazard. "If the insulation is intact.'thcre's no problem," says an engineer with Brit ain's ICJ, Ltd., "Whenever mainte nance requires stripping down and removal, we replace with a substitute material." lie adds that the firm does not specify asbestos for any new plants. "We stopped using asbestos for insulation about seven or eight years ago," claims the safely manager of a U.S. refinery. "Although it is cheaper and easier to apply, the health risks persuaded us to switch to fiberglass and calcium carbide." He farther notes that although some asbestos is still used, It is of the bonded type, which does not present a potential dust hazard. The indirect risks of asbestos insula tion were highlighted in a recent study of maintenance workers at American Cyanamid's facility in Bound Brook, N.J. The survey, commissioned by the C International Chemical Workers April 1977, NIOSH said: "J^ibrous glass Union (lewu), Washington, and car seems lo be considerably less hazard ried out by the Ml. Sinai Medical ous than asbestos . . . and, until more Center, identifies the risks faced by information is available, the recom maintenance workers (other than insu lation installers) when working in the vicinity of an insulation job. mended standard can also be applied to other manmade mineral fibers." The Ntosil paper suggests a standard According to Larry Ahern, director of 3 fibers/cm3 for fibers of less than of health and safety for icvvu, the 3.5-fim dia. Larger fibers arc not results show that 44% of all workers, thought to be respirable. regardless of job function, had some Ralph Zumwnlde, an industrial form of asbesios-reinted lung abnor hygienist at NIOSH, points out that mality. One group of workers exposed most of the exposure to fiberglass for less than one month experienced a involves fibers with diameters greater significant increase in the incidence of than 3.5 #m, even though some special lung disease. products contain thinner ones. Worse, the researchers discovered "Fiberglass is an irritant, and can that many of the workers' relatives, cause skin irritation or upper respira who had not been in direct contact tory irritation," says Dr. Donald J. with the material, were affected. Bitlmaicr, assistant medical director of "About 123 wives were sick," says Oivens-Corning Fibergias Corp. (To Steinfarth. ledo, Ohio, "but our studies show that HOW ABOUT SUBSTITUTES?--Such there are no chronic adverse healfi/7 popular asbestos replacements as fi effects from using the material." berglass, mineral wool and calcium Calcium silicate is classified as G2 silicate may have health hazards of nuisance dust, not a fiber. The osiCD their own, but these have yet to be standard is 15 particles/cm* for tKD identified. respirable fraction. TO In a criteria document issued in Vincent CavascfiK) 'J Gulf Coast buildup may ease olefin glut Q A more hopeful outlook for ethyl ene derivatives is triggering major expansions in the Gulf Coast area, and these may help alleviate, at leasi local- , 'he ethylene surplus that is predict ed through the early 1980s (Clwm. Eng., Mar. 27, p. 80). Consider, for example, the current buildup at the Rapurte, Tex., lomplcx of the USI Div. of National Distillers and Chemical Corp. The company, which last year increased its highdensity polyethylene (UUPF.) capacity to 500 million Ib/yr, tmosted its lowdensity (xdycthylcne (LOPE) capacity by 200 million Ib/yr ibis spring. Another ethylene-consuming addition is under way--L'Sl will complete early next year a vinyl acetate mono mer expantion.Thiswill raise monomer capacity from 375 million Ib/yr to COO million Ib/yr. The three expan sions will consume a total of just under 500 million lb/yr of ethylene. Shell has marked the tenth anniver sary' of its complex at Gcismar, La., by inaugurating ethylene oxide and ethyl ene glycol trains, now about 60% completed. About a year ago, the company began work to increase oxide production from 300 to 700 million ib/yr, and glycol output from 150 to 350 million lb/yr. "This expansion will be ready for startup in early 1979," says plant manager Fred Foster. The ethylene oxide boost will require 340 million lb/yr of ethylene ratv material. Shell will also add flexibility to the Gulf Coast ethylene distribution sys tem with a new 25-1-nii ethylene pipe line that will run from Mont Belvicu (just cast of Houston) to Napoleonville, 1a., near Shell's petrochemical plant at Norco. The company is build ing a 1.5-billion-lb/yr ethylene plant there, which is expected to go onstream in 1981. Says A. R. Flora, Shell's olefins business manager, "The pipeline will help to eliminate spot shortages in Texas and Ixuisiana complexes, which arc the heart of the petrochemical industry." USI executives now speak more optimistically about the future of downstream products, and predict a belter supply/demand balance. Ac cording to George Kappas, vice-presi dent of National Petrochemicals Corp(jointly owned by National Distillers and Owens-Illinois). "OFF. is currently moving away from oversupply. "At present," says Kappas, "iW it a slight surplus of KOl'E. However, producers are not building up yearend inventories, and demand is grow ing steadily. Consequently, in 1980 and 1981, supply and demand will be somewhat tighter than the)* are today." Kappas notes that dmitestie need for' the resin has grown at an average annual rate of more than 11% since 1971. LOPE will be' in balance by 1980, according to USI estimates. 80 CII1MK.U. LMilSt I KINO Mil I MSI > . Itll cs ci \ (/> i r --I o o o GUIDELINES FOR HANDLING OF SILICA DUST ro co "4 CO INTRODUCTION These guidelines ere provided to further alert our customers to the potentially harmful health effects and the increase of risk of serious disease caused by the inhalation of silica dust. The developing medical and scientific evidence strongly suggests that as the amount and/or duration of silica dust inhalation increases, the risk of serious and possibly fatal respiratory and other diseases also in creases. Even a minimal inhalation of silica dust may pose a health hazard. While C-E is not in a position to agree or disagree with all the various scientific and medical studies. C-E does believe that various precautions could minimize whatever risk is associated with silica dust inhalation. These guidelines also provide information which may assist you in inplementing, monitoring and evaluating your own industrial hygiene and dust control programs to minimize potentially harmful personnel exposures. While C-E cannot assure that these procedures will eliminate risk, they should tend to reduce the risk. CLASSIFICATION OF SILJCA OUST Free silica it uncombined silicon dioxide (SiOjI. Silicates contain silicon and oxygen combined with other elements in a more com plex molecule. With the exception of asbestos and some talcs, silicate dusts should not ordinarily cause disabling lung conditions suett as is produced by free silica. It is uncombined or free silica that it most important in industrial dust exposure. So that an exposure can be properly evaluated, the percentage of uncombined silica must be determined by petrographic analysis, preferably by x-ray diffraction or infra-red tech niques. HARMFUL EFFECTS OF DUST It has been generally stated that the size of the offending dust particles is of extreme importance in determining the concentration of particles that may be suspended in the air. The size of particles also determines the depth to which these particles penetrate into the '-mg along with the quantity that may become deposited and retained. The particulates less than 10 microns in size are potentially the most harmful. Generally, when airborne panicles are substantially larger than 10 mictons in diameter, they are not of great concern because they are unable to penetrate into the lung where they could be damaging. Instead, they arc removed, and collected, by the nasal passages or upper respiratory system. Also, it has been generally stated that the duration of dust inhalation is of extreme importance. Persons who for many years have continuously inhaled free silica dust have a great likelihood of contracting a silica related or caused disease. Those who only inter mittently inhale the dust have less risk of injury. In addition, those persons who smoke will increase the risk which otherwise exists. INSTALLATION AND TEAR-OUT It is imoorrant to be aware that exposure to silica dust can occur during installation of products that contain free silica as well as during tear-out and repair of facilities where products containing free silica have previously been installed. Protective measures should be taken during both installation and tear-out and repair operations. SILICOSIS Inhalation of progressively excessive amounts of silica dust can produce rapidly-developing (acute! or chronic silicosis -- a disabling lung disease. Typically, the lung tissue resets to the presence of silica panicles by forming fibrous matter around the particle. Evidence suggests that particles below one micron (one-millionth of a meierl in siae may be the most dangerous since they may penetrate deeper into the lungs in high concentrations, In rapidly-developing silicosis, symptoms appear 8 to 18 months after the first exposure. Chronic silicosis, the type usually encountered in industry, generally is produced 5-20 years after the chronic silica inhalation. Silicosis is generally classified in three separate stages by medical authorities. The first stage of the disease produces no disability. The affected man can carry on his work as well as ever. Frequently, the in dividual is not aware that anything is wrong, and the disease is revealed only by opaque nodular shadows on a chest x-ray coupled witn a known exposure so crystalline free silica. In the second stage, respiration may be affected in some persons but not in all by any means. Labored breathing, on heavy exertion usually is noted first, and a dry cough also may be present. The third stage can develop alter the second stage even though the individual has been removed from exposure to silica dust. Howit, the progress of the disease will be slower without continued dust exposure. Breathing may become severely labored. The worker far below nomial physically ai.d is susceptible to respiratoiy diseases. Chest x-ray may show an enlarged heart as a result of the body's attempts to ovcrro.r.o tin- icsistance ol restricted blood vessels in the lungt. Pulmonary tuberculous and emphysema ate frequent complications. ..'.r.--f<).:>t'un to causing silicosis, the mnalation of ulica dust can othr-wsc weaken the lungs and their natural cleansing ptocf.s. As a result., the inhalation of silica dust may tj contribution factor leading to other respirwr" V diseases. Medical and scientific analysis .is continuing, ind the total effect of silica i\ alien is not known. What is known strong!^ Jicatcs that silica inhalation is hazardous to health. THRESHOLD LIMIT VALUE ITLV) TLV's or Threshold Limit Values of mineral dusts are time weighted average concentrations considered permissable (or exposures of eight hours per day, fiv# days per week that are published by the American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists (ACG1H) and have been promulgated as standards of OSHA. These values have been obtained from the experience of many groups lr industry end from laboratory studies on animals. They ere reviewed annually and changed as necessary on the basis of experience. Copies of TLV's may be obtained by writing to: American Conference of Industrial Governmental Hygienists U.S. Public Health Service P.O. Box 1937 Cincinnati, OH 45201 For maximum safety, C-E does not recommend the inhalation of any silica dust. MEDICAL REQUIREMENTS An effective medical control program for exposed personnel will help prevent occupational diseases. Such a program can also serve as a check on engineering controls because symptoms of exposure in a group of workers could indicate inadequate controls. Examinations should be performed by, or under the supervision of a licensed physician and should be given to ail personnel prior to their assignments to areas in which airborne concentrations of dust may exceed the permissable exposure limits. These examinations should include as a minimum the following: 1. Medical and occupational history 2. Chest x-ray 3. Pulmonary function studies 4. Physical including body weight, height and age INDUSTRIAL HYGIENE MEASUREMENTS Personnel dust exposures should be evaluated by dust measurements and a step-by-step analysis should be made to determine the conditions under which personnel are exposed to silica material. A standard procedure using personal sampling pumps should be employed in silica dust sampling. Sampling Data Sheet rrS315 found in the "NIOSH* Manual of Sampling Data Sheets" may be used to sample respirable silica dust. ABATEMENT OF PERSONNEL EXPOSURES VENTILATION The primary means of controlling airborne dust is through use of proper ventilation. For detailed information refer to the ACG1H publication, "Industrial Ventilation, a Manual of Recommended Practices". PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT Respiratory protection should be used by personnel working in dust environments where the ventilation system is inadequate or non-operational. A combination of both proper ventilation and respiratory protection would tend to eliminate most risks. For details on use of respirators refer to the ANSI standard, 288.2-1969 "Practices for Respiratory Protection". </> O O O no GO U3 National Iniutvtc tot Occupation*! Safety and Health US. Dept, ol Health, Education and Welfare c cASBESTOS WORK INSULATOR CHECK LIST % i t JOB DESCRIPTION: LOCATION: ______ I. AREA 1. Safe Work Permit Received 2. Area Save Work Procedure Known 3. Nearest Phone _______________ 4. Nearest Eyebath and Safety Shower __________ 5. 'Job Site in Safe Condition 6. Is Pipe or Equipment Safe to Work On? 7. Are Corrosive Chemicals Involved? a. Can lines or equip ment be drained? 8. Is Adjacent Piping and Equipment Safe? 9. Red Tags Needed? YES NO 10. Burn Hazard Present? 11. Craftsmen Lined Up With . Check List? SPECIAL HAZAROS SPECIAL SAFETY PRECAUTIONS II. ASBESTOS WORK YES NO 1. Handbook for Handling mAsbestos Materials Used .2 Type of Material to be Removed Known 3. Signs and/or Barricades Up to Warn Others CZ1IZ34. Has Disposal of Debris Been Arranged 5. Is Water Needed to Control Dust .6 Stencil on Job to Denote Materials Used 7. Have All Involved Personnel Been Informed .8 Other Special Safety Equipment * 1. Chemical Goggles 2. Face Shield - 3. Acid Hood 4. Air Mask 5. Dust Respirator 6. Rubber Gloves 7. Rubber Boots 8. Slicker Coat 9. Slicker Pants 10. Safety Belt 11. Hearing Protection 12. Other. Specify __ --.j q o o r>o CO OO ISSUED BY: Supt. _____ Foreman __ Crewleader Craftsman Date: vgm:3-19-81 C .Safa .Uork Permit Received * 'Area* Safe '.Fork . Procedure Known II. ASBESTOS WORK . YES HO . YE . ma 1. Handbook for Handling Asbestos Materials Used i___ 2. :/lZType of Material to Be Remox'ed Known. . Dearest Phone 2-Teerest Eyebath and Safety Shower ____ .\ ! i. Job Site in Safe Condition I?; Pipe or Equipment Safe to Work On? 1 m Are Corrosive Chemicals Involved? * ** * ta. Can lines or. * equipment be drained? 4, Is Adjacent Piping and 'Equipment Safe. . r--r i i trfib Bed Tags Heeded? 0. Burn Hazards Present? aci . Craftsmen lined Up With Check List?___________ T" 1 ' 1 ~T" jcial Hazards men iscial Safety Precautions. ;sued By ipfc. ______ ireiaan. .Date 3. Signs and/or Barricades . r~ Up to Warn Others vt4. Has Disposal of Debris Been Arranged 5- Is Water Heeded to 'n Control Dust '. 4. . 6. Stencil on Job to Denote 1 Materials Used . . . 7. . Have All Involved * Personnel.Eeen Informed 8. OCT-tar* 'V- 4 .!*. 4w * *** . - #* 1 ' . So eclal Safety.. Equipment . l * 1. ' Chemical 'Goggles 2. Pace Shield . 3. Acid Hood k. Air Mask...' - ~ - 5`. Dust Respirator 6. Rubber Gloves 7. Rubber Boots -* 8. Slicker'Coat " 9. Slicker Pants 10 . Safety Belt ' * 11 . Hearing Protection 12 . Other. . Specify . . , * * \c/>: \* -M.o .* . o o ->o. * * o *. .* * * ewlcad er__________ afts m an- *v4.*.7..o..*.r..r.~. .* ..--a#:* v .