Document J3RgeDZ242pqqQZVGvbdBYXq2

4 Industrial Chemicals 14 October 1977 T-4..K RECEIVED OCT \ 7 1977 J0WBT SJLVS> Mr. Barry S. Sachkar Acting Area Director Occupational Safety & Health Adm. Suite 4256, Federal Building 600 Arch Street Philadelphia, PA 19106 RE: CITATION K9638, NO. 59, OCTOBER 14, 1975 Dear Mr. Sachkar: In order to resolve all aspects of the above - referenced citation, NL Industries respectfully requests a one year extension of the present abatement period for the Philadelphia Plant. Despite our efforts to resolve this matter, additional time is necessary to permit further work unforeseen at the time the citation was issued. The majority of the barton operator's noise exposure is, of course, a result of noise emitted from the barton pot itself. Reduction of this emission is an extremely difficult task. To date, engineering modifi cations have included: The complete re-design and re-building of the number one barton pot drive; complete isolation of drive belt guards; and use of a special high temperature lubricant in the stirrer shaft bearings. Also, we have experimented with varying barton feed rates and loadings. In addition to these steps, we are planning to rebuild the number two barton pot, investigate further engineering modifications to the barton itself, and study the possibility of enclosing the bartons with sound-proof barriers. Iterim steps to safeguard the employees involved have included the installation of sound-suppressing enclosures and providing the operators with ear protection. These steps are providing full protection. Industrial Chemicals Dlvlslon/NL Industries, Inc. 2545 Aramingo Avenue, Philadelphia,.Pa. 19125 Tel. (215) 426-0600 N 27295 ML 000041338 2- - While major progress is being made and much is being learned about controlling barton noise, full compliance is problematical. Our present exposure level averages 90.5 db as measured by a DuPont Audio Dosimeter, as compared to a 94 db average last year. The additional time requested is critical to continued effort to resolve this matter. Copies of this request will be posted in the appropriate working areas and Sent to the President of the Labor Union. Ci/ M: -yK.t-.~-> it THOMAS E. ANDERSON Plant Manager TEA/tle copy: G. Sittigo, President I.A.M.A.W. District No. 1, Local 2568 Plant Posting ML 000041339