Document NEgnwmMj8GM8DyR3bo9pMMD8R

^4i TURNER & NEWALL LIMITED MANCHESTER H.O.S. HARDIE TO aja* */adb/atb* 3'/v;ik/pmr/hcp* 5*/ir/ VL ft I w SG/CUN/BGH/DUH/RDNS FGC/KHO/RAU ALR 6th April 1981 CONFIDENTIAL ASBESTOS OUST LEVELS IN OVERSEAS COMPANIES At its meeting last month the Executive Coen Ittee considered the report which each of you have sent on the asbestos dust levels now obtaining in your plant and consenting on the possibilities of achieving a one fibre standard in those operations by 1st January 1985. Although progress has been made over the past few years, the Comittee considered that there was a great deal remaining to be done. The TAN Board must carry the ultimate responsibility for enviromiental conditions ir> its operations. It must be reason ably assured, therefore, that acceptable International standards are met in each establishment. This does not necessarily mean that UK standards become TAN standards world-wide but if, for example, the European Community adopted a Community standard for asbestos dust then from a moral point of view It would be difficult to defend significantly easier standards in manufacturing companies outside Europe. The Hines, of course, are in a different position and developments in the Canadian mines would be of greater significance than developments In the European Community. To enable TAN to discharge its obligations the Executive Comalttee decided that an annual check of overseas companies' dust counts should be made by Hr. Rickards, the Group Fibre Hygienist'. The check may Involve overseas visits by Hr. Rickards but, in the first place, he will undertake a desk exercise. This will involve receiving from you,by 30th September each year, a stetaaent which 1. lists each department in which dust counts are regularly . taken, . 2. shows the dust counts recorded at each sampling In each department, . 3. consents on progress being made towards the achievement of a 2 fibre standard in any department and on the per ceived obstacles to that achievement. V * jlVrV'i* I - 2- These reports should cover the experience of the twelve months to 30th June in earh year. In respect of the year to 30th June 1981, It may be that dust counts have not been taken tor the full twelve months in sume operations. In such cases, please start your report from the date from which you commenced regular sampling. As a separate Item, it would be helpful if, from time to time. Hr. Rickards could compare local counting of a sample with counting undertaken at Rochdale. I shall write about the protocol for this on a later occasion. In the meantime, I shall be grateful if you will let me know if you anticipate any difficulty in handling the report discussed in this letter. H.O.S. HARDIE