Document N2QwELVa3Jg1xydxX15X95dob

Interoffice Communication To Keith Fogg From Tom Grumbles Date May 14, 1980 subject PLANT VISIT OF MAY 5 & 6 'HiZPt I would like to summarize our discussions and decisions on the items covered during my last visit. 1. The revised personal sampling program for benzene as outlined in my letter of April 2 and discussed with Joe and Kyle will be implemented. This is a minimum program and any additional sampling is certainly acceptable. 2. The area sampling being done by Joe will begin at the west end (chlo rination section) of the process area. If several engineering projects in the NAB reaction and distillation areas are completed as planned, this will allow for an evaluation of their effectiveness in reducing area concentrations of benzene. In evaluating the preliminary data taken by the trailer system it appears that 7.8 ppm may be the upper limit. This needs to be checked with Ponca City and corrected if possible. 3. It is evident that the process sewers are a major source of exposure for operators. The major emission sources to the sewers have been identified. As discussed, D-135 is probably the worst offender in the process area and priority will be placed on fixing this during the next product change. The hot well by W-14 is also a contributing source and, as discussed, further work will be done to eliminate this source. 4. The hoods in the wet section of the laboratory will be evaluated for face velocities. It appears they are not drawing the recomnended 125 fpm. This problem and general sample handling in the lab should be improved to help reduce the benzene exposures in this area. 5. No reduction in regulated areas will be done at this time. In the next few months the engineering projects underway, the updating of the respiratory protection and benzene education programs will allow us to do this in a more coordinated and effective way. 6. The local exhaust ventilation system in the welding shop is poorly designed and ineffective. Due to this it is used very little. This system should be evaluated and brought into good working order. Let me know if I can assist in this. CCR 000002715 Keith Fogg Page 2 May 14, 1980 There is alot of work still to be done at Baltimore to reduce benzene exposures, but we are certainly doing what is necessary in the most reasonable manner at this time. Please call if you need help or have questions on these items. Thomas G. Grumbles ajo cc R.T. Ferrell CCR 000002715