Document MJ7z9D72J1V1wjOZKYJ0GqEaM

INTERNAL CORRESPONDENCE UC <49- I CHEMICALS AND PLASTICS P. O. BO to (name) company LOCATION copy to Mr. j. h. Barrett Mr. T. 0. Blum Mr. D. L. Engle Mr. J. S. Knight Mr. W. P. Nickles MMrr>. DF>. S. RPeroemvenzano Mr. R. Ritchie TEXAS CITY PLANT Copy to Dr. D. H. Glenn Mr. J. B. Leverton Mr. K. E. Martin Mr. R. A. Ream - 511 Mr. R. J. Taylor DATE October 9, 1979 subjec-i/^qshA Complaint Investigation on 10/3/79____________ Gentlemen: On October 3, 1979, Mr. Richard Miller, an OSHA Industrial Hygienist, arrived at the Texas City Plant to investigate an employee complaint alleging over exposure to ozone, argon, and metal fumes while welding inside van boxes at Bldg. 189. An opening conference was held with Messrs. Miller, Taylor, Martin, Munn - a union representative - and Schulz in attendance. The complaint was briefly reviewed. Mr. Miller was informed that we were aware of the situation, and though we did not consider it a significant health hazard. Union Carbide had been actively seeking to solve the problem for several months. The group proceeded to Bldg. 189, the Van Box Shop, where Mr. Miller was shown the operation. No welding was taking place on that day. Several auto mechanics were interviewed by Mr. Miller. Following the interviews we returned to Bldg. 1 for a closing conference. In the closing conference, Mr. Miller requested that he be informed prior to a day when welding would take place so that he might return and monitor for ozone and aluminum oxide. Ue agreed to do so. As an aside, Mr. Miller informed us that during his interviews with the mechanics, one complained of having to work on heavy equipment that was contaminated with chemicals from the OPDA, and that Carbide would not provide a washing facility to clean such equipment. Mr. Miller told us that the employee was threatening to formally complain to OSHA, and we might want to investigate prior to that time. The conference was terminated and Mr. Miller left the plant. uctcams Mr. J. H. Barrett, et al October 9, 1979 Page 2 The Industrial Hygiene group is preparing to do 8-hour TLV monitoring of the van box welding operation. Until such time as we can affirm or deny an overexposure to ozone, we have requested H. K. Decker, Shop Superintendent to require the auto mechanics to wear half-face piece, positive pressure, air supplied respirators while welding on aluminum van boxes. Should you have any questions regarding this report, please contact me at 5488. Yours truly HRS:ir UCTC 21176