Document LgDwE5zMy5GMZRLmkNd7QYrdd

FILE NAME: Kaiser Gypsum (KG) DATE: 1974 June 12 DOC#: KG030 DOCUMENT DESCRIPTION: Memo RE Industrial Hygiene Inspection - Kaiser Gypsum, Delanco Plant O -**- O . y t>a=Docf INTER-O FFICE MEMORANDUM TO J. H. Walton AT 1586 KB C o a te s TO O. R. Canham - 2462 KB P. J. Franklin - 2453 KB J. F. Uodaff -- Delanco K. J. Singer - Delanco D a t e June 12- 1974 F r o m A, J^Trommers hausen At 2675 OB SU B JEC T Industrial Hygiene Inspection - Kaiser Gypsum, Delaaco Plant On June 6, 1974, an Industrial Hygiene Survey was made on the accessories line. A separate report will be issued in a few weeks on the results of the air sampling for as bestos; however, a few comments may be in order now. A. Troysan Since it has been found that Dowcil was not compatible with the special ingredients in the mortar, the use of Troysan has been re-established. The Troysan was being scooped out of a drum by workers without sleeves and gloves. The scoops were filled to overflowing which allowed Troysan to spill on the floor. Because Troysan is an organic mer cury compound; highly toxic; and corrosive to the skin, eyes, nose and throat, this practice is intolerable. Workmen should wear rubber gloves, masks, and steps should be taken to prevent spillage. B . Pre-Mix Hopper The platform around the pre-mix hopper is at an incon venient height. As a result, the workmen stack the bags 3 feet to 4 feet high on the hopper. This means that the material from the top bags falls 3 feet to 4 feet when the bags are dumped. This creatfs considerable airborne dust at this height since'the exhaust ventilation below has no affect. The asbestos bags, however, were always placed at the bottom nearest the slot exhaust ventilation, which is good practice. C. Asbestos The method of stowing empty asbestos bags should be changed to conform to the following: ( J. H. Walton c - 2- June 12, 1974 Carefully and slowly fold the empty bags, while still on top of the hopper, in such a manner that any airborne dust created is drawn into the exhaust system. The empty bags should then be placed into a plastic bag (or barrel! with a plastic liner) which is adjacent to the hopper. Empty Troysan drums are now being used, but these are in conveniently small. In order to comply with OSHA (and also good industrial hygiene practice), the following measures should be taken for the entire crew involved with asbestos: 1. Weekly change of coveralls. Other plants find a rental service convenient. 2. Double lockers for each man. 3. Preplacement and annual physical examinations, including: a) 14"xl7" chest x-ray; b) pulmonary function tests (vital capacity and one-second forced expiratory volume only) s c) respiratory history. This has been discussed with Dr. Jerome Warren. Res piratory history forms were left with him, and he will purchase a spirometer. When this arrives, he can begin the required examinations. The records should be kept at the office for 20 years. Doctor Warren will keep the x-ray film and send, the radiologists' report to the plant. D. Housekeeping The houskeeping* in the accessories department had de teriorated badly since my previous visit. Part of the reason was lack of space. There was evidence of leaks which were not promptly picked up. The housekeeping on the third floor above the mixer on the board line can only be described as unbelievably bad. This was considerably aggravated by a water leak which had bebn dammed up with dust, making a careful inspection some what undesirable. You may wish to look at this on your next visit. 11m Note: While this report is somewhat critical, it needs to be mentioned that essentially all the items recommended in my November 1972 report have been carried out.