Document O1m6q6yBy9304Mm01kKD5zbwQ

HARVARD UNIVERSITY SCHOOL OF PUBLIC HEALTH HUTMENT OP INDUSTRIAL HyGIENI lattuck Strut ^Maujchsuats ,--... . Novec&er 10, 1&42 .11,^ - - */.* Bath Iron Work* Bath, Rhine Gentlement ~~ , Att'n; lar/j, Beweii Further investigation has boon made on tho health hazard in- - volvod in wort on asbestos pipe coverings to determine the extent of the health risk. Analysis of samples of the commonly used pipe covering materials shew sufficient quantities of asbestos present to warrant am in its handllnc. Since the asbestos found is not. easily respirable the control cf the hazard Is simplified. Tfetting before cutting or pounding into shape should give adequate control for most of the work. The pressed pieces which reouire cutting with a band saw, however, proscat much more of a problem, for this pi #c*s ctn only be affectively controlled by the installation of an exhaust system designed so as to capture all dust created in the cutting preesa. Where all other control methods fail, the dusty processes should t> segregated and the workmen required to wear dust respirators, : ' . - .. Of prim# importance is the examining by chest X-ray all employes exposed to thistoric. Parlodio examinations of chests should also be made every six months, .. Our engineers are available for chocking conditions in pipe Covering Shops If a request for their services is cde, We attach hereto the petrographic analyses of the samples of material you sent ns. The analyses are made by Dr. Charles R, Williams of this school. They indicate-elearly that it would be advisable to apply a reasonable amount of dust control In handling these materials. We attach also a copy of a lotter from the Union Asbestos and Rubber Company. Sincerely yours. . ~}X :i . i . 'K' L.,. tJl "; .' '/-f i f* f/y- a. w iv 4'. Philip Drinker / * -J .r.1. * ' V. ' 1 r.,': - . 1942 11-10 att. Mr. J. newell fr Bath Iron.max MR JOHNSON HOME EHG JAN.Id,1945 BATH IRON Ti'ORKS Maine / * ASBrSTOSIS HAZARD * , *16633 The following counts vrero obtained At the Bath Iron Works. In all cases ' ' ' ,i * * , * . '' V. these counts ore 'the average of not less than 2, and aonettnea of 4 in eaoh locality given* Shoo Cutting asbestos 38 million (Tho field reveals much long-fiborod material) General air ' ** . Mixing.cenent 52 million 50 niHion-t>lus Saw- without blower Saw- with blower 50 million-plus 42 alllion : '~l The following counts were taken cn board ship*' ' Jn quarters ' * ' 40 million In firo room : In forward quartors ., 34 r OHion 50 million-plus , in all counts except those taken in cutting asbestos, there appeared to be a great deal of material about 1 micron in diameter and of a very . uniform size. This did not appear to bo in tho least fibrous, and X suspect it cay be particles of cement which arc used in the mixture. . Certain of the bnsic materials usod'contain lar^o quantities of diatomlto. ftard Thompson iiH Iniuetrial Hygienist Home Office Div.,Eng.Dcpt. COPliS TO* Mr .Locke Prof .Drinker Dr.Williams 1 ` r' . ; (This was made at request of U.S.Uaritine Commission & Navy. This is * not to be node public or shown to any unauthorized persons. ----------- ;---------------------------------- :---------------- - --J---------- : Philip Drinker ,USMC "` Chief Health Consultant) 1942 11-10 att. Mr. J. newell fr Bath Iron.max C.S.tfavy-C.S.Uaritime Comaissio;yV/ar Shipping Administration Safety and Industrial Health Program . . Report on Investigation of - Aabeotosis from Amosita Pips Covering at Batu Iron Works Bath, Maine December 19,1944* Referencesifa) Report of Industrial Health survey of Sept,ZA,194l* "' (b) * * Re-Survey of April 9,10,1943. <c) * * " Sept,20-23,1944. (d) "Minimum Requirements for Safety and Induotrial Hod. th in Contract Shipyards* approved by U.S.Navy,0.C,Maritime Commission and War Shipping Administration, (This document contains Information affecting thu' national defense of the United States within the meaning of the Espionage Act 50 U.S.C.31 and 32. Its tranaianion or the revelation of its contents In any manner to an unauthorized person is prohibited by law.) BI " T/.C.Dreessen,Surgeon,0.S.Public Health Service, Betiiesda, Maryland W.S.Fleischcr^Lt.Comdr.MC^SKH, Houlth Consultant Office of tlie Regional Director of Construction U.S.Maritime Commission, Hast Coast 1942 11-10 att. Mr. J. newell fr Bath Iron.max Personnel interviewed! Dr. ,M.Fuller,Jr . . .In charge of Fre-omploymcnt and periodic .chcck-up piiysicul examinations ;* *, . / ,, This investigation was Bade at the direction of the Chief Health Consultant --. of the U.S.Maritime Conaisdnn, inasaanh as we had heard Hint tlire was concern aaoog the pipe covering crews who feared that the amosito was causing sone respiratory troubles. ,, Medical < , . *; There ore about 120 workers eugagoU in initialing aaboaioo in the pip* Coveror*8 Shop and on board ships under construction. Chest X-rays are being taken first on those with the longest exposure,l.e.over two years, of which it is estimated that * ,' . * ' ' ' *' there are about SO workers. In the near future all of the 120 will have a che9t ,, . .` , 'plate.taken. ' ; r; . . -. Of the 50 workers 38 have already been X-raycd and all of this group have been handling asbestos pipe covering frcry 2 to 9 years* It was interesting to note tint .the two individuals with the longest exposures of 5.and 10 years'were In the older ' '. * age group, being S9 and 6$ yao.ru of age respectively. HI of the 38 films wore reviewed and 12 of these patients showed significant X-ray changes consistent with exposure to dusty environment. History and physical examination ty Dr.Fuller Indicated that in all of the 38 patients respiratory symptoms and physical signs were minimal* On X-ray interpretation these 38 .ntionta could bo divided into four groups! 1. The two older workers referred to :~U>ve, the appe-u-anoe of vhoae cheat X-rays was consistent with the diagnosis of veil established aabcstosls. These plates also showed signs typical of udvanced ago, auoh kb cardio-vascular changes etc., 2. A group of lour workers whoso exposure was from two and a half V four years whose chest X-ray appearances v/ere consistent with a diagnosis of asbeatosis* * . `a 3. A group of six workers whose exposure was from two to two and a half years and . whose chest films showed minimal changes but not sufficient for a definite : diagnosis ofasbeatosls. . "' ~ ____ 4> A group of 26 workers whose exposure ".as fron two to two and a half years and whoso chost films woro couaidor-.d negative. 1942 11-10 att. Mr. J. newell fr Bath Iron.max It v/aj considered aignlfi.ca.tt that tiose workers wiLh the cost ear::eU X-ray changes worn those who presumably were exposed to the heavier concentrations of dust, such as operators of the band saw and small rotary power driven saws. 1 In thoso workers whose X-rays wore consistent with r. diagnosis cf asbestoslsy the changes consisted of bilatorally symmetrical Increased reticulation of the lung fields resembling a ground glass appoarsneo. Such lung,field markings are' *` ' m * * 1 ladlstingulshnble'fEOD those induced by ohrysotile asbestos. No evldenoe of " ' active tuberculosis was noted on etty of the filins. ` Description of Pine Coverer*s Shop This shop occupies about half of a loft and is partially segregated from V *' '* * " ?' sheet metal workers at the other end of, the loft. The more dusty.phases of the'... '> ' V " ' '1 '_ work such as band saw cutting-and the mixing trctghs are located at the far end * , '* ' _ of the loft. Local exhaust ventilation was installed on the band saw several months ago and removes some of the dust arising during the cutting of pipe insulat ' . -W ' v , .>*1- Respirators were being worn by several workers using the small rotszy saws. It , . v. ' ` ' '* ' is anticipated in the near future, that the Insurance currier, American Mutual ( Liability Insurance Co. of Boston,Mass, will take dust samples tlirougbout . . * /** ' the shop. Re know the personnel of the insurance carrier, have discussed the - problem with them and would have complete confidence in their appraisal of this job. Recona^ncV.tionsi 1. It Is recommended that all of the remaining asbestos workers be given a chest X-ray in the i:ear future. 2, Unless tho dust erjicouro is controlled as outlined below, the workers in ' . . groups 1 end 2 above, should be transferred to a non-dustry occupation. .* ' 3, Groups 1,2 and 3 should have a chest X-ray at yearly intervals. 4. If tlie du3t exposure is hoT controlled "all asbestos workec3_should have a chest X-ray at yearly intervals. 1942 11-10 att. Mr. J. newell fr Bath Iron.max cc -a It v;aj considervd significant that tnese workers v/ilh the most served X-ray Mt changes wore those who presumably were exposed to the heavier concentrations of dust, such as opor&tors of the band saw and small rotary power driven saws. 1 Vtf" v: Xn those workers whose X-rays worn consistent with n diagnosis ct ashentosis. the changes cons Istod of bilaterally symmetrical increased reticulation of the lung fluids rouoabling a ground glass appoartmeo. Such lung,field markings are * ," ` . ** . ' indistinguishable from those induced by chrysotlle asbestos. No evidenoe of * *j . . j..* ` ' 'active tuberculosis was noted on any of the films. Pescription of Pine Coverer*s Shop This shop occupies about half of a loft and is partially segregated from ' Sheet metal workers at the ether end of, the loft. The more duety phases of the ' . * ' ' U" ' * work s ch as bond saw cutting and the mixing troughs are located i t the far end "1 of the loft. Local exhaust ventilation was Installed on the bund fia.w several months ago. and removes some of the dust arising during the cutting of pipe lneulat. . * ' . i. * t .. *'v;. ' Respirators were being worn by several workers`using the small rotary saws. It t . ' V. ` ` . ' > * is anticipated in the near future, that the iiisurtu.se carrier, American Mutual ^ (t Liability Insurance Co. of Boston,Mass. will take dust samples tliroughout - ^ .*T " the Shop. We know the personnel of tlie insurance carrier, have discussed the :ur- problem with them and would have complete confidence in their appraisal of this Job* Reconaend-ttlonsi ` 1. It is recommended that all of the remaining &3b<j3to3 workers bo given a chest X-ray in the near future. '* f 2. Unlo-33 ti.o duct exposure io controlled ns outlined below, the workers in ' . . groups 1 and 2 above, should be transferred to a non-dustry occupation. ' "' * 3* Groups 1,2 and 3 should have a chest X-ray at yearly intervals. ' ` 4* If tiie dust exposure is noT controlled all asbestos workers should have a I*,! gT i chest X-ray at yearly intervals. 1942 11-10 att. Mr. J. newell fr Bath Iron.max 5. IJhlla tho local exhaust tho band snv/ removes a considerable propostion ^ of the dust, it is not considered adequate. This ventilation should be \. v * corrected so that the dust is restored. 6. Unless proporly ventilated the band San and nixing trough operations should be isolated ires: o-idi other and fro:.; the rest of tlia shop. All workers on these operations should wear either approved air line respirators or respirators approved for pneunoeoniosis-producing dusts., 7* If.the dust counts taken by tho insurance slum , that after isolation of the above operations, the aaount of asbestos dust in the general shop is sufficiently high to produce an asbestos is hazard, then tho general ventilation of 'the shop should he improved* ' " * ` * . Hotet Reference (a) recommended as follows: ' t .- * The conditions in this shop present a very real asbe^tosis hazard and immediate steps should be taken to segregate tho Boat dusty processes into ** a well ventilated area. Local exhaust systeas of proper design should be in stalled hjwevor, if conditions cannot be completely controlled' in this manner, then suitable dust respirators should bo worn by the workers. Periodic physical oxaainatiou3 of the chests of all workers should be Bade." \ v\ IV 1942 11-10 att. Mr. J. newell fr Bath Iron.max SUGGEST? j SAFSTI PROGRAM FOR ilAl.DLOG ASBESTOS & DIATJiiACZGUS EARTH PRODUCTS I' 1. provide adequate ventilation at all points whore dust is created in handling Asbestos Products and Diatooaceous Earth Products capable of producing Silicate Dust. 2. Require all employees to wear suitable approved respirator when engaged in any work where there could be exposure to Asbestos Dust* 3. Provide pre-omployment medical examination and X-ray examination of the chest area for those who are to be employed in work where there is exposure to Asbestos Dust* (T he purpose of the pre-employment examination ia to eliminate -prospective workers who have respiratory ailments or who are susceptible to respiratory ailments*) 4* provide periodic medical and chest X-ray examinations for all employees engaged in work whore there is an exposure to Asbestos Dust. It is suggested that such periodic medical and X-ray examinations be made at internals of at least ev-.iry six months* 1942 11-10 att. Mr. J. newell fr Bath Iron.max