Document QJ3jZpbZbjdDOVy6Z4eq9G037

TURNER& NEWALLpic tUMCMUTII H.D.3. HARDIE TO DGC RJB/tV AB.GCC/B D/JBH/CEB RK D/JCTF/SNI/VN K/VL/MCP/ CJS/J RS/NV/AHW FLT/RDNS/DWH KHD/JMA 12th September H$3 > dkiariiuvi ^1. Cm , --...A CONFIDENTIAL ASBESTOS WARNING LABELS Although it is T4N policy to put warning labels on products containing asbestos, the wording used differs widely in different countries, partly because of tbe impact of local legislation. Moreover, local circumstances have resulted in the exclusion from labelling of soma products where the asbestos fibre is locked in (e.g. CAF and gaskets made therefrom). The differences in the practice of operating companies in the imple mentation of T4 N policy was considered at a Directors' meeting last week. After lengthy discussion it was decided that 1. all companies in the Group will label all products containing asbestos whether required by domestic legislation or not; 2. the words to be used win be based on the words of the Australian regulations, which are also used in Malaysia. Indonesia and New Zealand. namely: CAUTION Contains asbestos V>-k<v Breathing asbestos dust may cause serious damage to health including cancer Smoking greatly increases the risk Observe the safety instructions X the warning will have the "a* logo superimposed, but will not include the words Take care with asbestos*; 4. as the purpose of the label is to warn, the text should not be last in other written material. The example below is not an acceptable way of conveying a warning - the fact that the wrapper is re-usable is more prominent that the statement that breathing asbestos (hot can damage health; [ < j j | j j LJ L 2 Check that the edge ot the ^ t asbestos j liwrapper (through the coil centre) 1 is even with the outer wrapper -Wlul * S. warnings in sales documentation and other literature should be amended in the same way as in (2) above, and Safety Instructions must be included in such literature. I recognise that most companies will have stocks of labels. These should be used up as quickly as practicable, with the new wording incorporated when you re-order. By labelling those items not covered hitherto, your rate of usage may increase. The changeover to the new wording must be completed for all products not later that 31st March 1984. Where labels are not used, but the warning is stencilled or printed directly an to the product (as with asbestos-cement) the change can be effected almost immediately. I will advise the A1C in the UK about T4N policy, and shall be grateful if you will advise your asbestos information association also. Some competitors are likely to be upset, but we have to face that possibility. At least the words proposed ore slightly less stringent than those now in use by TAF and the Mines. You should note that the use of the T4 N wording may not relieve you from complying with local regulations covering hazardous substance warnings in some countries (c.g. OSHA in the USA). If you have doubts on interpretation, please write to Mr. Atkinson for guidance. Please advise me the date by which you expect to effect the changeover in your company. H.D.S. 1IARDIE