Document KzBwZ9vk9ywYxjLDQx5Y21BwQ

FILE NAME: Reichhold (REI) DATE: 1972 Sept 15 DOC#: REI026 DOCUMENT DESCRIPTION: Memo-Use of Asbestos as an RCI Raw Material Reichhold Chemicals, Inc, Initr-Office Communication R. K. Stensrud - Tacoma G. H. Hicks R. fi Mel Inat G. L. Arnette J. E. Jared S. E. Reich 6. Rizzo 0. L. Wasson V. Zelter T. R. Madden E . E t Shea H; H. Reichhold Pi J* Pass T. V. Morrow C. S. Stryker A. L. Wooten Azusa - it - h - it - u - ii M - It * Ftoa; White Plains Date* September 15, 1972 Subject: use of Asbestos as an RCI Raw Material . # * f b # I : 1 ! !. ! 1 : 1!j i\ Dear Bud; You. sent me a copy of the fetter dated August 7 , 1972, written by George Hicks to Sheldon Reich stating that "...until, further notice Azusa .wifi continue to use CALIDRIA asbestos (Union .Carbide) in resin formulations.where asbestos is required". You asked me if there is a corporate safety attitude toward asbestos or the Calidrla grade. Yes, there is an established corporate policy on the use of asbestos as a raw material. Also; there is an RCI attitude onCalldrfa in- particular. My Safety Bulletin No. 40-17 dated December 22,' 1971, stated RCI corporate policy on the use of. asbestos. At that time air emergency standard was released as part of Federal OSHA require ments .and effective immediately. Since that time OSHA has been working to establish a complete asbestos standard in the Fe'deral regulations; and the research arm of OSHA, the National Institute for Occupational Health and Safety {NIOSH),.has recommended a final .asbestos standard-. The threshold, limit remains at 5 fibers per milinitei- for eight hour exposure until 1976; arid at that time, It will be reduced to 2 fibers per mill{liter. RI-00135 Mr. R. K. Stensrud 2 September 15, 1972 Unfon Carbide's CALiDRlA asbestos' is derived from the mineral chrysotlie which is believed to be less prone to causing asbestosis and cancerous tumors than other mineral forms of -asbestos derived from crocldolfte. In any event CALiDRlA produces somewhat less asbestos dust in the atmosphere because of its physical form, and It makes good sense to continue'using' ft in our operations as George Hicks has stated. Its properties are better in our manu facture, and It saves money. However', the federal OSHA standard as stated in my bulletin, Or In .Its more recently recommended final form, does, not make any distinction of'asbestos, from chrysotlie versus asbestos from a n y other mineral; and therefore, the RCI plant must-control the asbestos dust In the atmosphere where workmen are exposed in such . a way that the threshold limit Is not exceeded. Proper respirators must be worn in any momentary situations where a workman is exposed to dust in excess of.the threshold limit. If .the RCI Azusa plant wishes to obtain an actual sampling and '.analysis of dust in the working atmosphere when using CALiDRlA In the normal manner, it can obtain assistance and possibly a testing of the atmosphere by contacting. Mr.. John Myers; sales of asbestos at Union Carbide Corporation; Niagara Palis, New York. If anyone ts in need of the new- final asbestos standard as recom mended by NIOSH,- p Iease-contact my office. Very truly yours C. J. Windsor /cb RI-00I36