Document Lwd9zb8wLk0DE001dryNZ9Oq

R. 0. Gorson (Cont'd.) Page 2 September 2, 1970 Similarly, methods can be devised for the protection of persons spraying asbestos-containing insulating material and other persons working on the site during the spraying. An example of a precedent for the development of satisfactory safety procedures is afforded by sandblasting of metal parts in foundries, metallurgical establishments, shipyards, scrap yards, etc. It can now be done safely by using air-supplied helmets, enclosures and ventilation systems that have been developed for the purpose. Similarly, procedures and regulations can be devised to coat the sprayed insulation material and thereby prevent ero sion into air supply ducts. V/ith respect to health protection during maintenance work, alteration of structures, or demoli tion of structures, the presence of sprayed-on asbestos- containing insulating material is only one part of the whole problem of dust dissemination of asbestos products. These products may be encountered as pipe insulation, as interior and exterior structural board, and in floor tiles. The elimina tion of sprayed-on asbestos-insulating material would not eliminate the need for an awareness of hazard and practice of safe procedures in maintenance, alteration and demolition. CONCERN FOR FIRE PROJECTION The use of sprayed-on asbestos-containing insulating material Is intended to protect structural members of buildings from melting during accidental fires. It is intended to prevent serious or fatal collapses during the fighting of fires in office buildings, schools, hospitals, and hotels. The Committee should offer no recommendation which would interfere with or hinder adequate protection of the structure from fire. A pro hibition of the use of asbestos-containing material at this time would leave as an alternative the use of a single material. Although this material was reported to the Committee to have been approved by the Underwriters' Laboratories following a series of laboratory tests of effectiveness, the fact remains that the building construction industry has1 not had an oppor tunity to U3e and to test it on a long-term basis with respect to its performance. This concern for adequate protection of structures in case of fire indicates that the construction industry should have some alternative in the event the sub stitute asbestos-free material should fail, either with respect to performance, or adequacy of supply. DUP 0901488