Document OznZ4LQzkDyRgR5Kxr3Q4vvkv

FILE NAME: Garlock (GAR) DATE: 1968 Mar 12 DOC#: GAR090 DOCUMENT DESCRIPTION: Field Visit Report r r r I. / j ONTARIO DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH PLAINTIFF'S ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH BRANCH EXHIBIT 614- F I E U VISIT RETORT i Part -I Membrkhdum to: Dr. E* Mastromtteo, 'Chief, Occupational.Health Service Date: From: March 12, 1968 H.M. Nelson Plant: Address : Ga'rlock of Canada Ltd.,. TORONTO, Ontario. % Contacts:- Mr. P. Rostas, Plant Engineer. Requested by: Accompanied by: Date of Visit: Copies.to: Industrial Safety Branch, Mr. A. Cotgreave, I.S.B. Mr. J. Runciman, I.S.B. March 5, 1968. Mr. R. Turtori (3) Mr H.E.M. King Dr. J.E. Cowle Dr. V.L. Tidey (2) Abstract: The-above mentioned company uses asbestos at several operations. Directions were suggested in June 1966 for improving conditions. There has been no apparent change in operations since they were issued. The directions were reissued in-December 1967 and now a time limit to May 15, 1968 has been placed on'them. One of exposures in question is to South African Blue Blue (crocidili.te) asbestos and is considered extremely serious. -iHBBBf- The above mentioned company was visited first on June 13, 1966. Several .directions were suggested involving lead handling, spraying, and use of asbestos. Since that time a new addition . has been added to the plant, and both the manager and plant engineer have been changed. The plant was visited by the writer late fall 1967 (not.reported) and it was found equipment was just being moved into the new addition. Mr. Rostas, at this time professed ignorance of any previous requirements made by us through the Department of Labour. A copy of my rport dated June 21, 1966 was left with Mr. Rostas, and directions were reissued in December 1967 by Mr. Cotgreave. # 2 GAR 013 r r -2Garlock of Canada Ltd Mr. Rostas has stated several times that the use of South African Blue asbestos represents a very small proportion of their production in'the braiding department. He also states they are going to provide respirators for the operators when blue asbestos is used. Also he further states the blue asbestos is always used after soaking in oil. The writer has now visited the plant three times. During two of the visits blue asbestos was being braided. 'During the other visit the machines were all idle, in.the process of being moved. However, blue asbestos was on at least one machine indicating it had -been used. During the last two visits large quantities of blue asbestos were in storage. In the braiding operation 4 to 8 strands of asbestos are used as a core. These strands are definitely not treated before braiding. While they do not receive the same violent handling the outer strands receive' they can produce some dust. Some visible dust'was noted in the area of the braiding machines. In the asbestos sheet.plant, there has been no change in the.handling of chrysote asbestos since that reported in 1966. Any comments made about the dust exposure at that time still apply. Comments 1. The directions regarding ventilation have been reissued with a time limit of May 15, 1968 for the company to show some progress towards completion of directions or changing of processes. 2. Respirators have been ordered for use of operators when braiding blue asbestos. .It was pointed out that even if-operators wore' air supplied masks, other employees would still be exposed. Thus efficient local exhaust is required at the braiding machines, plus respiratory protection for the operators. 3. The possibility of different methods of-handling of asbestos and substitution of blue fibres were discussed: a. The plant manager thought it should be possible to feed the hammer mill in the sheet room with chunks of asbestos fibre' rather than breaking them up with a pitchfork. ...3 GAR 014 r r -3-, Garlock of Canada Ltd Comments (Cont,d) b. Because of the difficulty of supply of blue asbestos, it was thought its use might be discontinued, especially in view of our very strict requirements. Directions to be Issued 1. Adequate local exhaust' shall be applied to all braiding machines where blue asbestos may be used. 2. Adequate respiratory protection shall be provided for all employees where blue asbestos is being used. Adequate protection would be considered as air supplied masks, but this could be modified depending on efficiency of local exhaust. 3. Adequate local exhaust and/or improved handling procedures shall be applied at the hammer mill in the asbestos sheet room. 4. Adequate local exhaust shall be applied to the blender dumping operation. HMN:jej H.M-. Nelson, Occupational Health Service, Environmental Health Branch. 9 GAR 015