Document MGjXzNb405JN5Yrnp6z2D9ZR9

Oju Pittabnrgh Corning Corporation P.O.Box 37 Fort Allegany, Pennsylvania 16743 Area Code (814) 642-2662 20 August 1971 Mr. H. J. Suroviec Department of Environmental Resources 996 South Main Street Meadville, Pennsylvania 16335 Dear Sir: In reply to your letter of June 17, 1971, the following has been done in compliance with your recommendations: 1. A variance has been filed from the provisions of the WilliamsSteiger Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970 regarding the use of asbestos fibers. 2. The Corporation has been and is now engaged in development work on a substitute for asbestos fibers. This substitute is presently in production, three shifts per day. 3. The periodic medical chest x-ray examination program will be continued. In addition, arrangements are being made for employees who have been exposed to the asbestos situations to receive an extensive medical history, physical examination and pulmonary function tests. This is being done through the Port Allegany Community Hospital. / 4. The dust collection and ventilation system is V.ept in good repair and operating condition, and is cleaned once a week. 5. Every attempt is being made to maintain good housekeeping standards at the feeding and fluffing machines in the Forming Department. Industrial vacuum cleaners are being used more frequently in the entire plant. 6. An expiremental program has just been completed testing new respira tors for use with asbestos dust. These tests were satisfactory, and the use of the new type respirator will be a condition of employment when an adequate supply is obtained. pcT TSBURGH CORNING 001164 Hr. H. J. Suroviec -2- 20 August 1971 The objective of the Corporation is to develop a suitable substitute for asbestos fibers as soon as possible, and every effort is being made to accomplish this goal. Very truly yours, PITTSBURGH CORNING CORPORATION Jrm/w / 001165