Document MoR8ypx89GXgQN11D09w7rB7x

cdct 'fiuxbcZi a/ CiemuxcA- INTER-OFFICE MEMORANDUM Subject Data. 58 February 1974 VINYL CHLORIDE MONOMER PROTECTIVE MEASURES Tft T. L. carev___________________ Valley Forge {Location, Organization, or Departmant) From CC: H. L. Watson ______________________________ Valley Forge (Location, Organization, or Department) J. T. Barr R. Fleming (2) j. D. Kramer A, K. McMillan J. C. Novak H. W. Smith Earlier this week, John Novak and Howard Smith made a survey of the availability of approved respirators, suitable for use in vinyl chloride monomer vapors. On 27 February, John issued the results of that review in a note to each of you, a copy of which is attached. He also listed his recommendations as to how this respirator should be used. Prior to Issuing his letter, John and I checked with Phil Lawrence, the manager of the B. F. Goodrich plant in Louisville, Kentucky. Larry had asked me earlier to check with him on what steps they had taken so far; since we now had a respirator recommendation, this gave me an opportunity to compare plans with him, B. F. Goodrich has* adopted for their use the same respirator that is covered in John Novak*a letter. This respirator is the Willson Model 1200, dual cartridge unit. The cartridge recommended for use is the R21 which is good for exposure of up to 1000 ppm of organic vapors for a maximum of fifty minutes. They also are using the same R13 filter over the cartridge, which is recommended for dust, fumes and mist. In addition to the NIOSH approval for these units mentioned in John*a letter, the R13 carries the Bureau of Mines Approval #23-B-37 and the R21 cartridge for organic vapors carries the Bureau of Mines Approval #23-B-35- B. F. Goodrich is presently using this type respirator but in a slightly different manner than recommended in John*s letter. In dusty areas, they are insisting that the mask be used at all times with the R13 filter over the cartridge. In certain other areas of the plant, a mask with its cartridges are required at all times that people are in these areas. Everyone is supplied a mask and must wear it at all times around their neck but, except in the above mentioned areas, they are to use it only when exposure ex ceeds the standard. They also have Issued instructions that cartridges and filters are to be replaced at the end of any eighthour work period or immediately at any time that the wearer smells vinyl chloride monomer coming through the mask. laaal APOObl4124 T. L. Carey Page 2 28 February 1974 It la my recommendation that we stay with the procedure outlined In'Novak's letter of 27 February* With respect to the clothing situation, B F* Goodrich la now requiring all of their employees to wear a fresh set of coveralls each work day, which B. F. Goodrich supplies* They are requiring a shower at the end of each work shift* They discussed the necessity for supplying underwear, foot wear and socks with Vernon Rose of N10SH* It is their safety engi neer's opinion, following these discussions, that there will be no requirement to supply underwear, foot wear or socks and that indeed, in cold weather, the employees can wear their regular street clothes under their coveralls if they so desire* B. F. Goodrich is not proceeding with the use of personal moni tors, at least at this time* Phil indicated that further dis cussions with Dow people indicate that they use the personal monitors only on a monthly basis as a spot check. I feel that our own procedures of using the three personal monitors that we now have on random stations but routinely is a better procedure* The Louisville plant has still not received their Bendlx chromotograph. They presently have a man at Bendlx1 plant, in training to set up and maintain this unit* They hope that he will be able to bring the unit back in a station wagon that he drove up for that purpose. JP8 Attachment AP00014125 aru/ Cie*nuxi& n.TM g7 February 1974 INTER-OFFICE MEMORANDUM Subjact i'cj 7 (974. RESPIRATORS FOR________ VINYL CHLORIDE VAPORS Trt TT T. Wftfcann H. L WATSON------ Valley Porge________________ (Location, Organization, or Department) From J. C, Novak ________________________________ Valley Forge * (Location, Organization, or Department) CC; T. L. Carey J. T. Barr HJ.. W. D. Smith Kramer A. K, McMillan In following up the types of respirators which would be suitable for vinyl chloride containing atmosphere, it was found that the Willson Product's No. 122113 is mostly recommended. This respirator is NIOSH approved (TC-23C-52) for organic vapors having concentrations up to 1000 PPM, for 50 minutes. The test for approval was carried out with carbon tetrachloride. The respirator is equipped with a prefilter which was tested in lead fume atmosphere and approved by NIOSH for such use. I recommend that this respirator be provided to every employee who Is working or entering any area where vinyl chloride Is used and the likelihood exists that a spill of such could occur. These respirators should*be used strictly as a protection during evacu ation of the work area. They never should be used as a protection against exposure to vinyl chloride while working in a contaminated location. After each use, the cartridges should be immediately changed. Respirators should be periodically cleaned and Inspected for servicability, defects and proper fit. When not in use, respira tors should e stored in a clean place to avoid contamination. Retain on stack a sufficient number of replacement cartridges (Willson No.*2l) and prefilters (Willson No. 13) to have an adequate supply in case of an emergency. The Safety Department should maintain a supply of respirators to be used by visitors entering locations requiring the carrying of respirators. The cleaning and maintenance of these respirators should be the responsibility of the Safety Department. Please let me have your comments on the above points. J.' C. Novak (3801 JPg AP00014126