Document M41aBRRYzaMNGLGJorj4JZbMy

r SEMIANNUAL REPORT TO THE MEMBERSHIP September 11, 1978 SGP 0010635 SGP 0010636 REPORT OF THE SECRETARY TO THE MEMBERSHIP September 11, 1978 These are unprecedented times for the gypsum industry, your Association in particular. The industry has never been more prominently in the public eye as in this past year. There have been Congressional hearings, financial studies by leading invest ment counseling concerns, feature articles written in national business magazines, and many presentations and forums within the construction industry directed at the state of the gypsum industry. Your Association staff has been at the forefront in most of this increased activity, playing, we think, a most successful role. Maintaining a low public profile, we have been called upon by our member companies to provide historical information as well as current data on production, manufacturing facilities, capacity and management/ownership of our industry. Member companies have relied on us as a source of information for interviews, presentations and seminars of importance to the entire construction industry as well as the investing public. The Gypsum Association staff members have themselves been on the firing line for most of this activity. We have been inter viewed by many organizations making financial studies of one kind or another on some aspect of the gypsum industry. We are continually sought out by both federal and state governmental legislators and SGP 0010637 2- - bureaus. Our interviews have resulted in articles of national importance in business periodicals. We believe our efforts have been successful and our posture correct. However, we invite the membership to discuss this area of Association activity at our semiannual meeting next month and comment on the extent and direction of our activities. If there has been any detrimental effect to any member company or any section of the construction industry, this should be corrected. CONGRESSIONAL HEARING On July 25, 1978, a Congressional Seminar was held by the Task Force on Home Ownership of the Housing and Community Develop ment Subcommittee of the Banking, Finance and Urban Affairs Com mittee of the U.S. House of Representatives. The task force is chaired by Representative Les AuCoin (D-Ore.) and the discussion was lead by Representative Gladys N. Spellman (D-Md.). The Association was not invited to appear; however, since this hearing was of vital interest to our membership, Association legal counsel did attend and his sum mary report was distributed to the membership. Also distributed was Congresswoman Spellman's summary of the high cost of housing. Con gressman AuCoin's summary of the hearing, and a news release by a member company which appeared at the hearing. GYPSUM DAY IN WASHINGTON, D.C. Last May, the Gypsum Association conducted a comprehensive full day orientation program in Washington, D.C. to familiarize member SGP 0010638 3- - company personnel with the current legislation affecting our in dustry. Following a full morning at the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, where each area of important concern to our industry was summarized by a legislative expert, we arranged for visits by our people with their legislators in the afternoon. Our reception was excellent in almost all cases. A total of 13 Senators and 37 Representatives were visited. We are certain that the success of subsequent legis lation in favor of our industry was more than a coincidence. We are pleased with the flexibility of our program. De signed originally so that member company plant managers could call on their Congressional representatives, only one member company followed that format on this occasion. Each of six companies had different plans, and this is as it should be: One company sent an officer from the manufacturing area; three companies sent a market ing or merchandising executive; one company sent an administrative officer plus several representatives from marketing and manufacturing; and two companies sent their Washington legislative representatives. Our point is that the Association was able to provide the appro priate structure for each member company's prime legislative objectives at that time. More recently, the Traffic Committee held its own gypsum day at the nation's capitol. In this case, the Traffic Committee had a Chamber of Commerce briefing on transportation matters and spent the remainder of the day with appropriate contacts such as the National SGP 0010639 k- - Industrial Traffic League, Association of American Railroads, and American Trucking Association. This was all in addition to conduct ing their normal committee meeting. We encourage other committees to follow this procedure in the future. WASHINGTON, D.C. OFFICE All of the above activities have taken place since the Association membership directed us to open a Washington, D.C. office and revise our staff assignments to devote more time on legislative matters at the federal level. We feel we have been successful to date; but we are still learning. We are particularly anxious to revise our structure and procedures where necessary, to fulfill each and every member company's needs to increase their legislative and federal government liaison and communications. Our present posture, we think, of being a communications center in Washington, D.C. for federal government activity - rather than a lobbying entity, is most adequate and provides flexibility to the degree that our member companies may call on us for their singular purposes. NEW LOOK WITHIN THE GYPSUM INDUSTRY The gypsum industry has undergone dramatic changes recently. The number of gypsum building material manufacturers in the United States has increased almost 50% in the last two years, and the possi bility of several more new producers is imminent. We are very happy SGP 0010640 -5- that several of these new producers have joined the Association, and reservations received thus far indicate several others will attend the semiannual meeting in October. We welcome both the new members and the non-members to our meetings and feel sure that their attendance will be rewarded. The number of gypsum manufacturers expected to be present at this next meeting will be the largest in many, many years. STANDING COMMITTEES it has been most gratifying to attend the recent round of committee meetings. Without exception, each committee has on its agenda items of vital interest to each and every member company, as well as the progress of our total industry. We continually observe our committee work to be sure there is no duplication with similar activity within the member companies. In other words, the Association work is regarded singularly as that which should, and is, industry oriented. Almost without exception, such activity would cost each member company in excess of Association dues for each committee should a member company undertake the project separately. We wish to extend our compliments and gratitude to our Committee Chairmen and members. The several new chairmen have accepted their assignments willingly and most successfully. The depth of expertise in each committee has been shown by highly com petent people waiting in the wings to take over when a change of chairmanship has been necessary. The Association could not function SGP 0010641 6- - as it has for many years without the unselfish attitude of member company management and the people assigned to Association repre sentation. FINANCIAL HATTERS The Association is operating under the budget approved at the annual meeting in April, 1978. In addition, there will be several requests for funds made at the semiannual meeting in October by several committees. A complete review by the Board of Directors will be conducted at that time. To provide funds for the operation of the Association for the second half of the fiscal year 1978-79, it is recommended that the membership assess itself 2~3/4<j per ton, based on 1977 tonnage, to become due and payable October 15, 1978. The present financial position of the Association is in cluded in the Directors' copies of this report. An additional and more detailed report will be given by the Treasurer at the semiannual meeting. Respectful 1 Sec retary SGP 0010642 SAFETY COMMITTEE SGP 0010643 REPORT OF THE SAFETY COMMITTEE TO THE MEMBERSHIP September 11, 1978 The Safety Committee last met on August 3* 1978 in Portland, Oregon. A safety seminar was held that same week on Tuesday, August 1, in Billings, Montana for area plant supervisors and managers. The following will highlight current concerns, activities and programs of the Safety Committee: INDUSTRY ACCIDENT EXPERIENCE The Association Safety Contest continues to utilize the OSHA recordkeeping system as a basis for industry statistics. The incidence rate for the first six months of 1978 based on recordable cases, has not yet been received. These figures and a statistical breakdown will be distributed at the semiannual meeting. The Harris Trust and Savings Bank, Chicago, Illinois, will continue to collect industry safety statistics under the contest rules, thereby insuring the accuracy and legitimacy of this important industry program. FEDERAL SAFETY LEGISLATION In the legislative area, MSHA regulations on assessment of civil penalties for violation of the Act were adopted without public hearing May 26, 1978. Basically, MSHA has adopted the 1969 Coal Act penalty system with some modifications. Six criteria are to be used in assessing penalties, namely: size of business, history of viola- SGP 0010644 2 tions, negligence, gravity, good faith, and the operation's financial condition. Penalty points are assigned under each criterion and a dollar value given to point totals. Special assessments not using this formula may be made in certain types of cases covering fatalities, serious injuries, un warrantable failure to comply, operating in face of closure order, re fusing entry for inspection, discrimination, failure to abate, and violations by individuals and independent contractors. Feedback from member companies who have been assessed penalties for violations reveals a variety of methods employed by inspectors in establishing the assessment base. The HSHA regulations for establishing the assessment base include in the formula operational injury statistics and herein lies the problem. The injury statistics and number of employees used by MSHA in the formula range from local operational statistics to the total number of company employees and injury experience within a particular MSHA district, to total corporate safety statistics and the total number of corporate employees as the basis for penalty assessment. In an effort to assure accurate and consistent penalty assessment practices throughout gypsum industry operations, and to control other erroneous use of safety statistical data by MSHA, a motion was made and carried by the committee as follows: that MSHA assessments should only cover the cited plant on a per MSHA mine identification number basis and not be computed on MSHA district or corporate safety statistics. The SGP 0010645 -3- Association was requested to convey this committee recommendation to MSHA wherever and whenever possible. Public hearings were held on August 18, 1978 in Phoenix, Arizona on MSHA Proposed Standards for Training and Retraining of Miners. Secretary Rogers and J. D. Cornell from United States Gypsum Company appeared and presented industry testimony on behalf of the Association at this hearing. It is expected that the final standards will appear in the Federal Register by September 8, 1978, at which time mining operations will have a specified time in which to develop and submit to MSHA for approval training plans for compliance with Part 48, Subparts A and B of the standards. The committee reviewed the nine major MSHA training areas as outlined in the mine safety law. It was the consensus of the group that an industry training model be developed to assist the plants in the development of training programs for filing with MSHA under the mandatory training standards. The training model will be developed through individual committee member topic assignments. Compilation and dissemination of the training model will be coordinated through the Association staff and made available to industry operations as quickly as possible following publication of the training standards in the Federal Register. Proposed standards covering mine rescue teams are expected to be scheduled for public hearing in October, 1978. Member companies with underground mining operations were requested to review Part 49, SGP 0010646 4- - Subpart A of the proposed standards and submit comments to Secretary Rogers by the end of September for inclusion in an industry position paper to be submitted to MSHA by the Association. Association testimony was presented at the July 13, 1978 MSHA hearings held in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania covering the proposed respir able dust regulations. Additional testimony is being prepared for future MSHA hearings to be scheduled on the air contaminant section of these proposed regulations covering nitrogen dioxide and carbon monoxide limits for underground diesel operations. Final OSHA noise standards are not now expected to be completed for release prior to January 1, 1979- Proposed silica standards are not expected to be published until the second quarter of 1979- OSHA is currently attempting to determine if amorphous silica needs to be covered separately, or if it can be included in the final proposal covering all silicas. The National Workmen's Compensation Act of 1978, Senate Bill 2060 as proposed by Senators Javits and Williams, is currently before the Senate Human Resources Committee. No hearings have been scheduled to date. Various state Workmen's Compensation legislation is also being watched. These items, plus other legislative matters involving the gypsum industry, will continue to be monitored and reported on by the Association. SGP 0010647 SAFETY TRAINING PROGRAMS 5- - The Safety Committee is continuing the development work on Volume III, "Exemplary Plant Safety Program." Production of this program is now scheduled for the budget year 1979- Volumes I and II of the Plant Safety Training Program have received over-all good response and use by gypsum plants throughout the industry. These two volumes, which deal with hazards recognition, could be effectively used by plants in their MSHA training activities and are endorsed by the committee as excellent training devices. Six hundred and fifteen Safety Reference Digests have been sold since publication. This digest is also recommended by the com mittee as an excellent source of material for short plant safety training sessions. A new orientation program was produced for the purpose of educating industry operations concerned with the Federal Mine Safety and Health Act of 1977- Forty-six of these slide cassette programs have been sold to date, and feedback on its value as a training tool indicates that more plants should consider taking advantage of this worthwhile program. The Gypsum Association conducted a cooperative training program with MSHA for mine safety instructor certification. Fiftyone representatives from 39 industry plants received training and instructor's certificates in first aid and electrical hazards. SGP 0010648 6- - Fifteen other people received instructor's certificates in mine emergency procedures. Because we still have quite a few industry operations that do not have required MSHA certified instructors, the Association was requested to contact MSHA to set up additional training courses. The Safety Committee established a 100% industry objective of MSHA certified instructors since plant personnel will be required to possess such credentials to conduct any programs under the mandatory training regulations. The Safety Seminar Program continues to be successful. Modi fications will be considered to the one-day program for supervisors to include MSHA training activities which can be effectively incorporated into the seminar once the new MSHA training requirements have been finalized. INDUSTRIAL SAFETY FILM The new safety film script has now been approved, and the Board has approved the production budget of $23,925, with the request that these funds be temporarily held pending the outcome of the Associa tion's federal grant request. OSHA FEDERAL GRANT PROGRAM The Association made application for participation in the federal grant program under the OSHA "New Directions in Training and Education" program. The Association has requested $250,000 as an initial figure for the development of various audio-visual programs and publications directed at hazards awareness programs in the gypsum SGP 0010649 7- - industry. Secretary Rogers advised the committee that announcements relative to the federal grant funds would be made by mid-September, 1978. If approved, these funds will produce much needed additions to the safety training materials available to our industry. SAFETY POSTERS AND DECALS The Safety Committee has approved the 1979 Safety Poster series and has requested Secretary Rogers to proceed with the publi cation and distribution of these posters. The 1979 Safety Poster series continues the photographic concept and traditional safety hazards identification theme. The new Watchful Wally safety decal has been produced and promoted, and more than 7,800 decals have been sold to date. The committee has developed a second news release announcing the success of this new safety decal and encouraging even wider distribution of this excellent safety promotion. FUTURE COMMITTEE ACTIVITIES AND OBJECTIVES The Safety Committee plans to study two specific committee activities for future development: 1. Develop an "Accident Cost Relation Program." This program would relate industrial accident costs to some other identifiable material or object. This data could then be used to express the importance of accident reduction in dollars and cents. SGP 0010650 8- - 2. Study the feasibility of utilizing video tape cassette programs for future industry safety program develop ment. Additional items of concern and interest will be discussed and an update on this report will be presented at the semiannual membership meeting. Respectfully submitted, . R. Hurd, Chairman SGP 0010651 TECHNICAL COMMITTEE SGP 0010652 REPORT OF THE TECHNICAL COMMITTEE TO THE MEMBERSHIP September 11, 1978 The one-hundred-and-first regular meeting of the Technical Committee was held August 15_17 1978, in Cambridge, Massachusetts. In attendance were ten representatives from seven member companies, four staff members and legal counsel. During the meeting, representatives from Technology and Economics Inc., a Cambridge consulting firm, met with the committee to discuss their contract with HUD to evaluate the economics of use of various mobile home interior finishes. Their evaluation will be integrated with those of the National Bureau of Standards on mobile home fire safety and of Southwest Research Institute on mobile home transport. Also, two National Fire Protection Association staff members met with the committee to discuss items of mutual interest, including their mobile home and fire door standards. SECTION 1 - PRODUCTS As recommended by the Technical Committee, the title and scope of ASTM Committee on Ceilings and Walls is being broadened to include standards for gypsum in other than ceilings and walls, such as gypsum concrete and industrial gypsum products. SGP 0010653 2 The Association staff is making an excellent effort to gain recognition of GA 216 Recommended Specifications for the Appli cation and Finishing of Gypsum Board by building regulatory bodies, governmental agencies and contractor groups. ASTM Committee C-ll's proposed application standard for gypsum board, C-840, is closer to approval due to the fruitful meeting of a Technical Committee special task group with iaWCC/GDCI representatives to iron out differences in the proposed C-840 and GA 216 regarding thicknesses and support spacing for gypsum wallboard ceilings to receive spray textures. As a result, ASTM Committee C--11 is voting on C-840 being identical to GA 216 in this respect. If approved, the long-standing differences between ASTM C-ll producer and user representatives regarding this problem will be resolved. At the request of the Metric Committee, the Technical Com mittee will develop supporting technical rationale for the metric equivalents for board widths, lengths and thicknesses recommended for industry use by the Metric Committee. To answer questions being raised concerning the ability of gypsum sheathing produced today to provide the racking values deter mined many years ago, the Technical Committee recommends that a dry check test program be conducted at the NAHB Research Foundation on 1/2" - 2` and V wide gypsum sheathing to determine whether existing test data is applicable to current production. We respectfully request SGP 0010654 -3- Board approval of an expenditure of $1,000 for this program. If successful, we will again promote 1/2" gypsum sheathing as meeting HUD racking requirements. This currently is not being done in the Association's gypsum sheathing brochure. SECTION 2 - SYSTEMS There are varying code requirements for control joints in gypsum walls and ceilings. The Technical Committee is developing a much needed industry recommendation for control joints and perimeter re 1 i e f. On August 1, 1978, the Gypsum Association staff completed a survey on use of gypsum board in mobile homes. Response from 77 mobile home manufacturers to the well-prepared questionnaire was much greater than anticipated. Information covers the extent of use of gypsum board and associated problems reported by the manufacturers, dealers and homeowners. This survey provides answers to questions concerning gypsum board performance in mobile homes which, in general, was good. The greatest reported use was for ceiling panels and the most frequently reported problem was cracking during transport. The Technical Committee voted, with one negative, to add a statement in GA 216 that 3/8" single layer gypsum wallboard ceilings should not support thermal insulation. This restriction is also in the proposed ASTM application standard C-840. SGP 0010655 The six-month shower stall tests sponsored jointly by the Tile Council of America and the Gypsum Association have been completed. The purpose of these tests was to evaluate performance of portland cement and thin set mortars for ceramic tile applica tion over water-resistant gypsum backing board and to determine performance of taped joints under tile. Final results will be available for the semiannual meeting. After two years of unsuccessful consideration of a pro gram to develop generic shaftwall systems, the Technical Committee recommends this item be dropped from its agenda. SECTION 3 ~ TESTING A full-scale mobile home ceiling shear test program has been completed at Underwriters Laboratories. We now have industry shear values for 5/16" ceiling panels perimeter attached with staples and field attached with screws and rosettes. The ultimate shear re sistance is 367 pounds per lineal foot and the 12 hour resistance is 250. Both are excellent values for hurricane areas. An Underwriters Laboratories test on a 7` high elevator hoistway entrance door and frame in a 3~3/V thick gypsum cavity shaftwall with the gypsum and steel components described generically is scheduled for test before the October semiannual meeting. A successful test is expected to provide sufficient data to gain SGP 0010656 5- - approval for use of most gypsum shaftwalls for elevator entrance walls when the doors do not exceed 7' in height. Testing of the door and frame in the wall in which it is installed is required by the National Elevator Safety Code. The permanent testing task group has recommended, and the Technical Committee requests, Board of Directors' approval of expenditures for the following fire tests: 1. A two-hour 50 STC wood frame gypsum wallboard shear wall for seismic areas. The Board, at the April, 1978 annual meeting requested clarification of the design, which is: 2x4 studs 16" o.c., 3" glass fiber sound insulation in the stud cavity with a 5/8" type X gypsum wallboard base layer applied vertically each side, nailed 4" o.c. A 5/8" type X face layer one side applied vertically and nailed directly over the base layer and on the opposite side, the same applied vertically to furring channels 24" o.c. This assembly will be sound tested first to verify 50 STC before conducting the more expensive fire test. Sound test - $ 900 Fire test - $7,000 SGP 0010657 6- - 2. A steel roof deck on steel joists with built-up roofing over A" of plastic foam insulation over 5/8" type X gypsum board applied directly to the top of the roof deck. A suspended ceiling consisting of two layers of 5/8" type X gypsum wallboard, with 20 gauge hexagonal wire mesh between the layers, screw attached to an interconnected steel furring channel grid suspended from the steel joists. There currently is no 2-hour highly insulated steel roof deck assembly in. the Design Manual. All have one-hour or 1-1/2 hour ratings. Fire test - $16,000 A third fire test assembly recommended by the testing task group is the testing of a 2-hour floor-ceiling design previously tested by the Gypsum Association, namely U.L. Design G-503, with 6" of glass fiber insulation laid directly over the furred gypsum wallboard ceiling. The purpose of this test is to determine the extent of reduction of a fire rating by this means of insulating an assembly. Although this is a frequently asked question today, to our knowledge no one has tested such an assembly to find the answer. We wish to advise the Board of Directors that this test is under study and member company experience in adding such insulation is being sought as well SGP 0010658 7- - as the availability of a suitable small scale test facility in which the probable performance could be evaluated prior to request ing funding for a more costly full-scale test which is estimated to cost $15,000. SECTION 4 - GENERAL ITEMS Due to increased use of insulation for energy conservation with reported and potential problems related thereto, we have initiated a program to investigate the performance of gypsum board with various insulations and vapor barriers in both new construction and retrofit. From time-to-time, Gypsum Association and Underwriters Lab oratories representatives have met to discuss items and resolve problems of mutual interest. Another meeting is appropriate due to recent changes in U.L. management, particularly the advancement of Jack Bono to fill the position of president vacated by Baron Whitaker. Gypsum Association sponsorship of a Research Associate at the National Bureau of Standards has proven to be important to the Technical Committee. We recommend this program be continued. Respectfully submitted, /Vj. H. Crumbaugh u SGP 0010659 SGP 0010660 REPORT OF THE BUILDING CODE COMMITTEE TO THE MEMBERSHIP September 11, 1978 The Building Code Committee met on August 14 and 15, 1978 in Cambridge, Massachusetts with seven member companies represented. Staff and legal counsel were also present. During the meeting, invited representatives of Technology and Economics, Inc., a Cambridge based firm, discussed their HUD contract to evaluate the cost-benefit ratio of various mobile home interior finishes including 5/16 in.MH gypsum board. Although their findings are restricted to disclosure by HUD, they were able to state that gypsum board interiors were found highly acceptable in comparison to other materials. Other contractors, such as the National Bureau of Standards studying fire resistance, and Southwest Research Insti tute studying effects of over-the-road hauling, have not completed their work and that, in turn, has delayed a full economic evaluation by TE. It is expected these contracts should be completed in the fall of 1978. The contracts were let by HUD as part of their program to establish national standards for the manufacture of mobile homes which pre viously had been manufactured under the National Fire Protection Association's MFPA 501B standard and adopted, often with modification, by individual states. The regulation of building construction is carried out by the use of building codes. Of major importance are the model codes published SGP 0010661 2- - by Building Officials and Code Administrators, International (BOCA), International Conference of Building Officials (ICBO), and Southern Building Code Congress International (SBCCI). These organizations publish the BOCA Basic Building Code, the ICBO Uniform Building Code and the Southern Standard Code. A fourth, the American Insurance Association (AI A) National Building Code, is recognized by some cities but is generally regarded as an insurance industry code. As the BOCA, ICBO, and SBCCI Codes are generally used in the United States, much of the interest of the Building Code Committee is directed at the model codes activity. A relatively new organization, The Council of American Building Officials (CABO) has been formed with a central purpose of unifying the three major model codes into one national building code. Although the model codes support the CABO organization in their attempts to gain a uniformity in application of the model codes, the attempt to consolidate the model codes into one has thus far been rejected. The model codes meet regularly in a CABO sponsored Model Codes Standardization Council (MCSC) to compare code provisions in an effort to clear up code differences and possible misinterpretations. The efforts by CABO to consolidate the model codes will require con tinual monitoring by the committee and staff. The committee has gone on record in the past to encourage the adoption of one of the model codes by any jurisdiction contemplating SGP 0010662 3- - a new building code or rewrite of existing codes. The tradition of support for the model code concept becomes even more important now, since there are stirrings within the federal government to propose a federal building code administered by one of the federal agencies. This action would eliminate the democratic code change process now available to the public and industry through the model code process. Recent activities within the various code jurisdictions were as follows: NATIONAL BUILDING CODE (AIA) Gypsum products have been classified in the past as "non combustible." The American Insurance Association was instrumental in changing terminology from non-combustible to "limited combustible" through a revision of a test method for potential heat, NFPA 259. This new terminology is used in the National Building Code and in several NFPA standards. However, it has not caused any undue hardship in the use of gypsum products, thus far. The committee is watching the effects of this change throughout the building industry. It has been noted the National Code has contradictory sections relating to the definition and use of fire separation walls. Currently, these requirements allow only masonry construction in low rise multi family buildings and the committee is actively working to clarify the code so that gypsum can be used without penalty in such construction. SGP 0010663 BASIC BUILDING CODE (BOCA) BOCA has been operating on a three year cycle for code changes. The next code changes meeting will be in June 1979 in Norfolk, Virginia. BOCA has been encouraged to change their cycle to an annual basis as this would facilitate updating of the popular code. A number of revisions have been forwarded for consideration in the June meeting and it appears these will receive favorable treat ment. The current Association's Gypsum Board Application Specifica tion, GA 216, has been approved for reference in the Basic Code. STANDARD BUILDING CODE (SBCCl) The Association's Gypsum Board Application Specification, GA 216, has been approved as a code reference. Clarifying code language to identify the fire exposure side of fire tested unsymmetrical exterior wall assemblies has been approved. This would indicate the interior finishing material is fire exposed unless otherwise noted. The Southern Standard Code group continues to react favorably to Association code changes when they are well supported by documentation. No changes of an adverse nature to gypsum have been noted. UNIFORM BUILDING CODE (ICBO) At its recent meeting, the Building Code Committee reviewed a request from the American Iron and Steel Institute to actively support their code submission for approval of gypsum protected structural steel members. Since this would be in the form of technical publications, SGP 0010664 5- - the committee felt they could support AISI's desire to submit publications for approval by ICBO, but offer no comment on the validity of the supporting technical test data as this was considered a matter between AISI and ICBO. This would be the first code sub mission for approval of an organization's reference document in the Uniform Building Code since approval was granted for the Association's Fire Resistance Design Manual. The AISI publications had been pre sented at an earlier time and did not receive approval. At that time the Gypsum Association did not take any position for or against the approval request. ICBO Research Report 1628 and 1632 for plaster and wallboard respectively have been combined into Report 1632. This has resulted in monetary savings for our membership in that a duplication of listings has been eliminated for gypsum assemblies. ASTM veneer plaster standards, C 8^3 and C 8kk, originating in ASTM Committee C-ll on Ceilings and Walls, have been approved by ICBO as reference standards for this gypsum system. The Association activity with the California based code group is very active. ICBO, of the model codes, is considered the most progressive in modern code practice. NATIONAL FIRE PROTECTION ASSOCIATION (NFPA) This old-line organization has become more active in the promulgation of standards relating to fire safe building construction. SGP 0010665 6- - At the request of the committee, the staff has now achieved membership in sectional committees of NFPA's Safety to Life Committee which has responsibility for the Life Safety Code NFPA 101. Staff representation now covers NFPA Committee on Building Construction, Fire Tests, Mobile Homes and Life Safety. The committee feels the NFPA technical committees should be generally reviewed to determine if the Association could be gaining greater standardization advantages through NFPA as we are relying mostly on the ASTM system for this activity. FEDERAL PROGRAMS At the last meeting of the Association, membership approval was requested for participation in a study to determine if the changes which have occurred in building codes to allow trade-offs in behalf of fire suppression systems at the expense of fire resistive construction are valid and cost effective. The National Institute of Building Sciences (NIBS) and the National Fire Protection and Control Adminis tration (NFPCA) have shown an interest in this topic, but are lacking federal funds to carry out the study. A budget of $2500 was approved for our participation in an approved program of this type, but it has not yet been determined what agency or group would prepare the study. This topic is continued on the committee agenda and discussions are taking place with other organizations on how to best proceed. The committee wishes to reiterate their support of the Na tional Bureau of Standards Research Associate program. It is felt that the program has been beneficial and the committee has been asked SGP 0010666 7- - to stay alert for potential research candidates for this assignment within their companies. STATE AND MUNICIPAL GOVERNMENTS A recent survey of 50 major U.S. cities disclosed that 36 were referencing the Fire Resistance Design Manual as part of their codes. Since that survey, the States of Connecticut and Massachusetts have adopted the BOCA Basic Code as the state code. This has the effect of including Boston, Hartford and Springfield among large cities now referencing the manual. Kentucky has redesigned their state fire code system as a result of a disastrous night club fire. They will be reviewing the model codes as a potential state building code for Kentucky. Ohio is still attempting to select a state code from either BOCA or 1CB0. A hearing on this matter is expected in the fall. The Association has gone on record favoring adoption of a model code rather than creation of a specialized state code. Currently, activity is well under way to have the manual accepted by Pennsylvania. Necessary fire and sound tests have been submitted for their review. The committee and staff have kept alert to the development of building codes within these major jurisdictions and have prepared statements or made appearances at hearings as necessary. SGP 0010667 8- - TESTING PROGRAMS It was determined a number of years ago that a testing task group should be formed to include members of the Building Code and Technical Committees for the purpose of reviewing fire, sound and structural test designs contemplated for the benefit of the in dustry. This group has been active and meet regularly to analyze suggested test designs to determine their potential cost, design validity, current need and promotional potential for the industry. Very often the need for new tests stems from a building code problem or opportunity discovered in the field. A number of fire, sound and structural tests have been completed under this program and have found wide acceptance in practice. The Building Code Committee there fore supports the series of tests and requests for funding being pro posed by the Technical Committee as a result of this selection process. I feel privileged to have been appointed to chair this very active and experienced committee. On behalf of the committee, I wish to extend our thanks to the member companies for their continued in terest and support of code related activities and express our sincere appreciation for the dedicated work of the staff in this field. Respectfully submitted, SGP 0010668 TRAFFIC COMMITTEE SGP 0010669 REPORT OF THE TRAFFIC COMMITTEE TO THE MEMBERSHIP September 11, 1978 The Traffic Committee met in Washington, D.C. on August 17. 1978 with four member companies represented. The committee attended an orientation at the United States Chamber of Commerce before the business meeting. Members of the Chamber staff and the National Industrial Traffic League staff briefed the committee on transportation legislation and the legislative process. The com mittee covered an extensive list of transportation subjects. Several of these subjects are of considerable importance, and are reported here in some detai 1. A. Reduction in Motor Carrier Productivity. There are two very important items that could have a serious effect on motor carrier productivity. The first is a Department of Transportation proposal, FHA Docket MC-70-1, Notice 78-11, which proposes changes in the hours of service regulations for truck drivers. For many years, the Interstate Commerce Commission, and later the Department of Transportation, have maintained regulations governing the number of hours that a driver may drive, as well as the number of hours that he may be on duty but not driving, and the length of rest periods. Motor carrier operations, both for-hire and private, have been based on those rules for a good many years. SGP 0010670 2- The Federal Highway Administration of the Department of Transportation has now proposed some very drastic changes in those regulations. The proposed regulations would include longer off-duty periods between driving, mandatory rest periods during long driving assignments, elimination of numerous exemptions now contained in the present regulations, and new methods of recording the hours worked. The proposed regulations would apply to single drivers as well as team drivers. Preliminary estimates indicate that motor carrier freight rates for for-hire carriers and costs for private carriers could rise as much as 20 to 35%. Obviously, such a drastic increase would have a major impact on the distribution methods of most companies. The Department of Transportation has set public hearings at various locations throughout the country during September, October, and November. The Traffic Committee expects to express the Associa tion's opposition to the proposed regulations at a hearing now scheduled for early November in Atlanta. The second item that would have a serious effect on motor carrier productivity is the Kennedy Truck Length Bill. Late in August during the floor debate on the Federal Aid Highway Bill, (S.3073)> Senator Kennedy introduced an amendment that would have the effect of restricting the length of highway trailers. The amendment was not adopted, and Senator Kennedy introduced his proposal as a separate SGP 0010671 -3- bill which has been designated S-3^31 - The bill would restrict the length of both regular trailers as well as twin trailer combina tions and would reduce maximum vehicle weights to 73,280 pounds. It has been estimated that the effect of the bill would be to increase motor carrier transportation costs by about 10%. We believe that the bill has little chance of passage in the current Congress, but in all probability will be introduced again in the next Congress. The Traffic Committee wi11 watch this legislative proposal very closely. B. Easing of Motor Carrier Entry Requirements. In recent years, there has been considerable agitation within the Federal govern ment to deregulate transportation. Some of this activity has taken the form of legislation as it relates to air transportation, while the relaxing of the regulation of motor carriers has been in the form of action by the Interstate Commerce Commission. As an example, a staff task force of the Interstate Commerce Commission conducted a study last year that resulted in 39 recommendations to ease motor carrier entry. Those recommendations have now resulted in proceedings before the Commission to establish rules and policy that will, if approved, con siderably relax the requirements for entry into the motor carrier field and speed up the processing of applications. Another step in reducing regulation is developing as a result of the recent Toto case decision in which the Interstate Com merce Commission granted for-hire motor operating authority to a private carrier for a return movement. As a result of that case, SGP 0010672 -li the Commission has nay instituted a proceeding (Ex Parte MC 118) that may lead to a policy which would allow private carriers to enter the for-hire carriage field. A less publicized but equally significant step toward deregulation was revealed recently when Commissioner Stafford announced that 98% of all motor carrier cases considered during July were granted. This figure contrasts the claims of ICC critics who view rigid entry requirements as a means of unfairly restricting the motor carrier business to established operators. C. Changes in Interstate Commerce Commission Rate Policy. During the past 30 years, the railroad industry has asked for, and the Interstate Commerce Commission has generally granted, across-the-board percentage increases that affected nearly every commodity. Recently, the Interstate Commerce Commission expressed dissatisfaction with this method of meeting increased costs, and has told the railroads to seek increases on a selective basis. The railroads have now begun to move in this direction with the publication of proposals to increase rates on some 25 commodities. Most railroads are opposed to the selective rate increase concept favored by the ICC. The railroads would prefer to continue relying upon general rate increases to derive additional revenue. However, the railroads have indicated they will file for a general rate increase prior to the end of the year. Increasing rates on a commodity by commodity basis means that an industry must fight the proposed increase alone without the SGP 0010673 5- - help of hundreds of other shippers as is the case with a general freight rate increase. At the same time, commodities that the rail roads believe are profitable for them probably will escape increases for a time. D. Legislative Activity. The Traffic Committee has followed a large number of bills that are under consideration by the Congress. Three of these bills are of particular importance. Cargo Claims Adjustment Act (S.1188). This bill would give the claimant the option of arbitration, settlement by the Interstate Commerce Commission, or the courts if a claim is not settled directly by the carrier. Where court action is required, this bill would permit the recovery of attorney fees when the claimant prevailed. The Traffic Committee expressed its support and suggested some modifications in a letter to Senator Warren Hagnuson, Chairman of the Senate Commerce Committee. Several of our suggestions were advanced by the National Industrial Traffic League and accepted as amendments to this bill. The bill is still pending before Congress. Federal Transportation Improvement Act of 1977 (S.1870). This bill proposes the abolishment of the highway trust fund and would establish a gross vehicle weight limit of 73,280 pounds on federal highways. The Traffic Committee opposes both of these pro posals, and expressed its opposition in letters to Congress. SGP 0010674 6- - Highway and Public Transportation Improvement Act of 1978 (S.2953) This bill would allow the diversion of highway trust funds for the acquisition and operation of commuter-type transportation systems, permit the imposition of tolls on highways to discourage their use under certain conditions. The bill also would prohibit replacement or rehabilitation of a bridge that exceeded the traffic carrying capacity of the roads serving the bridge. Also included would be a provision permitting the use of highway traffic funds to construct or improve bicycle lanes. Finally, S.2953 would close out the highway trust fund and transfer the proceeds to the general fund. A letter was sent to Senators Long and Bentsen opposing this bill, which is not expected to pass. The Washington office of the Association has been especially helpful in alerting us to significant transportation legislation and securing copies of bills. We are certain the Traffic Committee will continue to make use of the Association office. E. Other items of Interest. The Traffic Committee has been involved in a wide variety of activities relating to transporta tion. Some of these activities are listed below to illustrate the scope of these activities. 1. Flatcar loading slide program for company personnel. 2. Cooperation with the Association of American Railroads and the Southern Railway System in SGP 0010675 -7distributing posters and brochures on car utiliza tion. 3. Cooperation with the National Industrial Traffic League, the Association of American Railroads, the American Trucking Association, and the National Lumber and Building Material Dealers Association on legislative matters and issues before the Interstate Commerce Commission. The committee has made valuable contributions to the Associa tion and the gypsum industry, and we look forward to even greater con tributions in the future. Respectfully submitted. SGP 0010676 SGP 0010677 REPORT OF THE PROMOTIONAL COMMITTEE TO THE MEMBERSHIP September 11, 1978 The next meeting of the Promotional Committee will be held October 12, 1978, the day before the semiannual meeting, in Litchfield Park, Arizona. A report of action taken at that committee meeting plus a full report on all committee activities will be made to the membership by the committee Chairman. Highlights of committee activity follow: MOBILE HOME PROGRAM The Association is maintaining a highly visible position with mobile home manufacturers, both through personal visits and in print. Our mobile home exhibit, which features continuous showings of our new film, TIME TO LIVE, was on display at the Indiana Manufactured Housing Association show in South Bend, August 8-13, 1978. This is the largest * show of its kind in the world, and by far the most important regional mobile home show. Gypsum Association mobile home marketing kits were distributed to 247 interested dealers and manufacturers. The exhibit is also scheduled to be on display at the Manufactured Housing Institute Annual Suppliers Show, September 26-2&, 1978 in St. Louis, Missouri. A report on this show will be presented at the semiannual meeting. To date, more than 2000 of our marketing kits have been distributed to mobile home dealers and manufacturers through our exhibit, regular mailings, as a result of our advertisements in trade magazines, and publicity in trade publications. Secretary MacQueen has reported that, in the July issue, PROFESSIONAL BUILDER magazine ran a two-page picture story on our mobile home program featuring our marketing kit. SGP 0010678 2- PROFESSIONAL BUILDER has a circulation of 105,000, and cost of a two-page ad would be more than $7,000. Our current two-color ad in which, at the decision of the Promotional Committee, we shifted our emphasis to stress the fact that mobile homes which use gypsum board walls and ceilings have the conventional look of site-built homes, ran for six months, February through July, in DEALER and MERCHANDISER magazines. The committee intends to review our advertising program at its upcoming meeting and have a report for the membership at the semiannual meeting. At present, the Association has produced four manufactured housing recommendations. The most recent, RECOMMENDATIONS FOR THE USE OF GYPSUM BOARD IN MOBILE HOME DESIGN AND CONSTRUCTION, has this month been distributed to our mailing list of some 400 key mobile home manufacturers under cover of our 11th newsletter. Also included in this mailing was a copy of our two-page feature story in PROFESSIONAL BUILDER. The staff continues to offer its services to mobile home manufacturers who request informational or promotional assistance con cerning the use of gypsum board. In this regard, staff members have attended regional dealer meetings in recent weeks in McAllen, Texas and McAfee, New Jersey at the request of one manufacturer. The Sec retary also, at the request of a large dealer in Texas, attended the West Texas Mobile Home Show where a demonstration of the fire re sistance of gypsum was presented to the public and approximately 2,000 of our brochures were distributed. We emphasize in our newsletters to mobile home manufacturers that the Association is ready and willing to assist them and their dealers in any way we can. SGP 0010679 -3- PUBLIC RELATIONS In my last message to the membership, I reported that the Executive Vice President, with the approval of the Board of Directors, had accepted invitations to address three regional meetings of the National Lumber and Building Materials Dealers Association and answer their questions concerning the shortages of gypsum board. Response to these appearances was both favorable and encouraging. We are con tinuing with this public relations policy of having the Association serve as spokesman for the industry on those occasions when it is desirable to present the generic facts in response to questioning. The Association is becoming increasingly well known as such a spokes man. In recent weeks, both BUSINESS WEEK and FORBES magazines have printed articles on the gypsum industry which used positive informa tion supplied by the Association and, in fact, quoted the Associa tion in their text. We intend to pursue this positive public rela tions program as long as it is deemed appropriate by the Board of Directors. LITERATURE The emphasis in this area has been on promoting distribution of our present inventory of publications rather than printing new works. This year has seen a record number of individual requests for our publications as a result of publicity stories in the trade press. So far, some 9,000 such requests have been answered this year. Schools, colleges and universities utilizing USING GYPSUM BOARD FOR WALLS AND CEILINGS as a text number 1^*3- More than 20,000 copies of this book SGP 0010680 -A- have been distributed this year. A very important two-part program concerning promotion of our most important book, the FIRE RESISTANCE MANUAL, has been completed: two special orientation programs -- one for member company sales personnel and the other for building officials -- have been completed and are now ready for distribution. Each of these programs has been put on an audio tape and has instructions for a group leader to hold a short meeting using the tape to familiarize his group with the importance of the manual and its proper use. The building official phase of this program is new. The member company orientation program is an update of the very successful program introduced with the previous edition of the Fire Resistance Manual. Copies of this program have been distributed to all member companies through their Promotional Committee repre sentatives, and we hope each will make full use of it. Another new element being added to our library is a series of four ASTM specifications on plaster. The Association has obtained reprint rights from ASTM on INSTALLATION OF INTERIOR LATHING AND FURRING (ASTM C 841-76), APPLICATION OF INTERIOR GYPSUM PLASTER (ASTM C 842-76), APPLICATION OF GYPSUM VENEER PLASTER (ASTM C 843~76), and APPLICATION OF GYPSUM BASE TO RECEIVE GYPSUM VENEER PLASTER (ASTM C 844-78). By printing these specifications in large volume, we can offer them to member companies at great savings over what it would cost to order them from ASTM directly in smaller quantities. SGP 0010681 -5- As an additional benefit, the Association will print these specifications at 8-1/2" by 11", making them compatible with the rest of our literature and thus much easier to handle and file. A mailing of "More News from the Gypsum Association," con taining copies of new Association literature and recent reprints of existing literature, is being made prior to the semiannual meeting. This will allow the entire membership to review our latest publica tions prior to the semiannual meeting and offer comments at the meeting should they desire. TRADE RELATIONS , The three regional seminars presented to the Ceiling and Interior Systems Contractors Association earlier this year have proven so popular that CISCA has asked us to repeat them in two more regions. The first three were held in Toronto, St. Louis, and Las Vegas. The two additional programs are scheduled for Atlanta, September 1**, and Vancouver, Canada, September 21. A report on these two seminars will be made at the upcoming membership meeting. The Association staff also presented a program highlighting the most recent Gypsum Associa tion literature at CISCA's annual meeting in Dallas this past spring. Although the Association is not officially presenting a formal program at the current round of iaWCC/GDCI regional meetings, Association staff members are attending these meetings and partici pating in discussions generated by the Ames Company's presentation SGP 0010682 6- - on taping and finishing of gypsum board. The Association will also be represented at the iaWCC/GDCI Board of Directors meeting later this month in Durango, Colorado. The Association has funds budgeted for a reception at this group's annual meeting this winter in Atlanta. Tentative plans for this reception will be discussed at the next Promotional Committee meeting and a report made to the membership. Association staff members continue the policy of accepting as many speaking engagements as time permits with contractor and builder groups, fire and building officials, and other groups im portant to the marketing and use of our products. EXPANDED SLIDE PROGRAM Production work continues on this most important educational and training project, "Study and Use of Gypsum," and a final script for the first unit on sound plus slides will be reviewed by the com mittee at the October 12, 1978 meeting. A report on this project will be made at the semiannual membership meeting. "TIME TO LIVE" Modern Talking Pictures is currently in the process of dis tributing this, our newest film, to television stations around the country and this topic will also be reviewed at the next Promotional Committee meeting and a report made to the membership. Prints are also on hand at Association headquarters in Evanston, Illinois for sale and distribution through our lending SGP 0010683 -7- library. We are currently receiving some 230 requests a year from schools and other organizations to show our films. FIRE TEST FILM A work print of our silent film on fire testing has been completed and is being worked on at this writing. The objective of this film is to show the rigorous fire tests to which gypsum products are subjected before attaining their fire ratings. It is designed for staff and member company use with building officials and other key groups with the narrator explaining the film in an informal "offthe-cuff" manner. A general script is being prepared as the film reaches its final stages of preparation, but it was felt by the Technical, Building Code and Promotional Committees that a silent film would give greater flexibility to the person making the presentation. This film is part of the continuing Association thrust at educating building officials, architects, designers, and others in the fire resistive qualities of gypsum products. Further comments and recommendations resulting from the committee meeting on October 12 will be presented in my oral report at the semiannual meeting. Respectfully submitted, SGP 0010684 MANUFACTURING-MINING COMMITTEE . SGP 0010685 REPORT OF THE MANUFACTURING S MINING COMMITTEE TO THE MEMBERSHIP September 11, 1978 The Manufacturing and Mining Committee will hold its next meeting in Litchfield Park, Arizona on October 12, 1978. That meeting is subsequent to the preparation of this report, but prior to the semiannual meeting where my supplemental oral report will be presented. The Association continues to provide the membership with legislative and regulatory coverage in those areas of importance to the industry. Under the able direction of F. J. Rogers, our committee Secretary, supported by an expanded Association Washington, D.C. office, Association legislative activity has grown to include legis lative summaries, briefings and industry Congressional action programs. These provide the basis by which our industry's concerns can be con veyed to our elected officials. The Association staff deserves the membership's compliments for the speed in which they have developed an effective legislative activity to meet the ever-increasing needs of the industry. The following will highlight the activities of the committee and will be further reported in my oral report at the semiannual meeti ng. LAND PRESERVATION AND RECLAMATION The Federal Surface Mining Control and Reclamation Act of SGP 0010686 2 1977, as previously reported, covers only non-coal mining operations. The National Academy of Science (NAS) is currently studying the appli cation of this law to the metal and non-metal lie mining industry and their study is scheduled for completion by January 1979- Initial reports indicate that regulations covering non-coal surface operations will be promulgated shortly, following completion of the NAS study. The committee continues to monitor the developments under the surface mining law, including court actions which have rescinded several interim regulations issued by the Interior Department under regulatory authority. The U.S. District Court has ordered the Department of In terior to file a report by October 2k, 1978 concerning its reconsidera tion of the following: . The "historical use clause" portion of the definition of prime farmlands is overly broad and lacking in record support, and therefore the Office of Surface Mining is enjoined from using the clause; . Portions of the regulations regarding construction of waste dams were not supported by the record and were therefore enjoined; . Interior must reconsider the requirements prohibiting operators from disturbing land within 100 feet of in termittent or perennial streams, and SGP 0010687 3- - . Design and construction criteria for valley and headof-hollow fills require reconsideration by Interior because of a March, 1978 report by the consulting firm of Skelly and Loy. The U.S. District Court Judge would not accept industry arguments concerning restrictions on terracing, cover or treatment of toxic materials, restoration of disturbed lands, effluent limita tions, road gradients, explosives, enforcement, and applicability to mining on Indian lands. In a related matter, the State of Indiana, the Indiana Coal Association, AMAX Coal Company, Peabody Coal Company and Meadowlark Farms filed suit August 2] in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Indiana, charging that the Federal Surface Mining Control and Reclamation Act of 1977 is unconstitutional. Although the state and coal mining companies filed separate suits, they asked that the complaints be consolidated into a single case. The suits argue that the federal law deprives coal mine operators of their property and rights without due process of law and without just compensation, contrary to the Fifth Amendment; and that the federal law violates states' rights under the Tenth Amend ment . The committee also plans to closely follow EPA regulatory developments under the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act covering SGP 0010688 - J, - state solid waste management programs. As previously reported, an earlier EPA study of our industry's mineral mining and processing operations showed that no harmful liquid or solid wastes are associated with gypsum mining. Similar studies of our board production opera tions can be expected in the near future. ENVIRONMENTAL MATTERS Control of runoff from disturbed areas is still unresolved by the EPA and is currently being handled under state best land manage ment programs. The committee plans to analyze regulations under the Water Pollution Control Act amendments covering limits for dissolved metals since this is a major area of industry concern under this law. A recent EPA study covering discharge of sulphates into receiving streams could result in an EPA mandate to remove dissolved sulphates from discharge waters. Since such possible EPA action would create far-reaching economic and technical difficulties in our industry, it is most important that the committee and membership closely watch developments in this area. The Manufacturing & Mining Committee continues to monitor regulatory developments under the new Clean Air Act Amendments and EPA proposals for guidelines on prevention of significant deteriora tion of air quality. Air emission regulations have been proposed by EPA for twenty-one non-metallic minerals, including gypsum, antici pated to endanger public health or welfare.- The proposed regulations, covering mineral mining and processing, were the subject of EPA SGP 0010689 -5- hearings at which the Association testified. Future hearings are to be scheduled covering the economic impact of the proposed reg ulations and the Association plans to testify. I plan to cover this subject further in my oral report. ENERGY The Gypsum Association continues to participate in the voluntary/mandatory industrial energy reporting programs under the Department of Energy (DOE). Second quarter 1978 industry energy data reported 2.6280 BTU's per MSF with k,150,635 MSF of board produced during the quarter. The figure breaks down by fuel source as follows: Source Percent Natural Gas Bk.h5% Electric 6.87 Propane 70 Oi 1 #2 k.kk Oil k l .60 Oil #6 73 Coal 1.21 The first half of 1978 energy data as compared to the same period in the 1972 base year, resulted in a 15-6% energy im provement for the industry. Beginning with the first quarter 1978 energy report, all ten Association members and two non-members were included in the DOE reporting program. Domtar Gypsum America, Inc., and Norwest Gypsum, Inc., non-member companies, have elected to report through the Association program. SGP 0010690 6- - Congress continues to debate energy, and final energy legislation is expected to be approved before the current Congres sional session adjourns. New energy developments can be expected following Congressional approval of the energy package. SEVERANCE TAX The Association continues to monitor severance tax activity both at the state and national level. No severance tax legislation has been introduced since the annual meeting, but as always, the membership and especially plant personnel are encouraged to maintain a vigil for such taxing activities in the individual states. SAFETY COMMITTEE LIAISON The Manufacturing and Mining Committee continues to review the Safety Committee programs and recommendations coordinating pro duction related programs of mutual interest. The Safety Committee has spent a good deal of time, since the March 9, 1978 effective date of the "Federal Mine Safety and Health Act," attempting to chart a course for our operations that will expedite full compliance with the new mine safety law. Some of the Safety Committee activities which have provided effective instruc tional and informational programs for plant personnel include: MSHA audio-visual program, briefing sessions, MSHA instructor certification, in addition to monitoring reams of government drafts and publications covering the mandatory requirements of the law. Association partici- SGP 0010691 -7- pation at advisory committee sessions, public hearings and meetings over the past six months are too numerous to mention, but all im portant to the future of our gypsum operations under this labor oriented law. The Safety Committee and Association staff are to be commended for the excellent job they are doing in this and other areas in our industry and the M&M Committee endorses their programs. The Safety Committee Chairman will cover further partic ulars relative to the mine safety law and other active programs of his committee, both at our October 12, 1978 meeting and at the semi annual meeting. INDUSTRY HEALTH SURVEILLANCE PROGRAM Following the April 12, 1978 annual meeting and subsequent Board approval of the first two steps, of Dr. Clark Cooper's proposed industry mortality feasibility study, a committee task group met and approved a data collection health record survey questionnaire. The questionnaire is currently being completed by three member company selected plant sites and it is expected that this activity will be accomplished prior to our October meetings. I plan to brief the membership on the status of this program, including any recommenda tions forthcoming from our meeting, in my oral report. TECHNICAL AND BUILDING CODE COMMITTEE LIAISON As in the past, the Manufacturing & Mining Committee plans to review matters of mutual interest with representatives of both SGP 0010692 8- - Technical and Building Code Committees at our October 12, 1978 meeting. A review of this activity will be included in my oral report. METRIC PROGRAM The industry metric conversion program and the actions of the task force assigned to this project will continue to be of primary interest to the future activities of the Manufacturing S Mining Committee. This subject will be further reviewed at our forthcoming meeting. Additional items resulting from our October 12, 1978 meet ing will be contained in my oral report to the membership. Respectfully submitted, SGP 0010693 M ETR IC SGP 0010694 REPORT OF THE METRIC COMMITTEE TO THE MEMBERSHIP September 11, 1978 At its second meeting in April 1978, the committee developed recommended soft (SI) conversion units for length, width, and thickness of gypsum board products. The units were developed for use by the Association in literature and in discussions with other groups concerned with establishing metric conversions. Since these units were based on ASTM's Metric Practice Guide E-38O, it was thought this activity would be further beneficial to the in dustry as a guide to uniformity in the metric labeling of manufac tured products. The next meeting of the committee is scheduled in conjunc tion with the Association's semiannual meeting on October 12. At that time committee members will discuss their corporate experiences in applying these metric equivalents. The Building Code, Manufacturing and Mining, and Technical Committees were requested to develop rationales within their areas of specialization that would support the Metric Committee's recommended soft conversion units. This request has been placed on the committee agendas and is being actively considered by each. SGP 0010695 2 The Association staff has been attending meetings of the American National Metric Council and ASTM's Metric Committee E-43. Reports on activity in these organizations will also be reviewed. It has become apparent that several major corporations who manufacture competitive building products have become individual members of these metric organizations and are serving on their subcommittees and task groups where metric policy and dimensions are being established. The posture of Association members in this regard may be a topic for discussion. The United States Metric Board has been approved by Congress and is beginning to develop procedures for their activity to manage the voluntary metric law. It is too early to determine at this time the directions they will take to administer the federal Metric Law. The committee will continue to monitor this activity in behalf of the Association. Some member companies have been developing corporate metric guidelines. Committee members may wish to consider if such plans should be discussed within the committee in light of establishing any further Association plan or direction with respect to metrication. A committee report will be presented to the membership following the October 12 committee meeting. Respectfully submitted. SGP 0010696 THICKNESS 1/4" 5/16" 3/8" 4/10" 1/2" 5/8" 3/4" 1" ' WfDTH 12" 16" 2V 30" 32" 48" LENGTH 8' 9' 10' 11' 12' 13' 14' 15' 16' -3- S1 (mm) ASTM AVERAGE TOLERANCE 6.350 7.938 9.525 10.160 12.700 +1/64" (+0.396 9 mm) 15.875 19.050 25.400 APPROVED ROUNDING 6.4 7.9 9.5 10.2 12.7 15.9 19.0 25.A SI (mm) 304,8 406.4 609.6 762.0 812.8 1 219.2 S1 (mm) 2 438.4 2 7**3.2 3 048.0 3 352.8 3 657.6 3 962.4 4 267.2 4 572.0 4 876.8 ASTM AVERAGE TOLERANCE -3/32" (-2.381 3 mm) ASTM AVERAGE TOLERANCE + 1/4" (+6.350 0 mm) APPROVED ROUNDING 305 406 610 762 813 1220 APPROVED ROUNDING 2440 2745 3050 3355 3660 3965 4270 4575 4880 SGP 0010697 SGP 0010698