Document QX9NqO6v9qo45nGOGNvyX1rK5

DOW CHEMICAL U.S.A LOUISIANA DIVISION P. O. BOX ISO PLAQUEMINE. LOUISIANA 70765-0150 504 389-8000 CHLORINE I PLANT INDUSTRIAL HYGIENE REPORT - 1986 DISTRIBUTION: Louisiana Division: *H. M. Bell - 4701T C. W.Brannan - 2601 **M. F. currier - 2302 *R. W.Gallant - 2306 *R. A. Gaska - 3701 7. E. Ledford - 3502E M. E. Nevill - 3502E R. D. Thornhill - 2601 Midland: *G. W. Engdahl - 1803 *S. M. Gorgacz - 474 *J. E. Labeau - 1803 *S. E. Norwood - 1803 *L. W. Rairpy - 1803 *A. W. Shaffer - 1803 M. G. Swank - 1803 Other Divisions: *F. D. Axe, Western Division, 471 *D. E. Crager, Texas Division, B-101 *G. L. Meir, Eastern Division, Strongsville, OH *00VER SHEET ONLY **C0VER SHEET AND DATA SUMMARY SHEETS ONLY AN OPERATING UNIT OF THE DOW CHEMICAt COMPANY DO 107 56-. coNnorNTi DOW CHEMICAL U.S.A. April 28, 1987 LOUISIANA DIVISION P. O. BOX 160 PLAOUEMINE. LOUISIANA 70766-0160 604 3B9-B000 Distribution List CHLORINE I PLANT 1986 INDUSTRIAL HYGIENE REPORT - EEIE CL2-86.01 SUMMARY/RECOMMENDATIONS: I. SUMMARY: The employees that had a likelihood for exposure in their jobs to caustic mist, chlorine, asbestos, and noise were monitored using approved sampling and analytical methods. A noise survey of the entire plant was also conducted. No data was collected on hydrochloric acid or sulfuric acid because historical data shows no exposure problems in these areas. II. CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS : Results show exposures are below current guidelines for asbestos, caustic mist, and noise. Initial monitoring for the new asbestos standard showed no potential problems. Chlorine data showed a few problems with instantaneous exposure. Procedural changes and the issuing of personal full-face masks should correct these problems. The noise survey showed one area with noise levels at 102 db (C-100A/B Recycle). Although inside a hearing protection area, it will be evaluated in 1987 with recommendations to follow. In 1987, asbestos, caustic, chlorine, and noise surveys will be conducted. K. C. Marks Chlorine I Plant Louisiana Division sn Enc D. p. Meyer Chlorine I Plant Louisiana Division AN OPERATING UNIT OF THE DOW CHEMICAL COMPANY 1986 INDUSTRIAL HYGIENE SURVEY SUMMARY It is the responsibility of employers to annually determine enployee exposure to potential health hazards in the work area and report on the results of all involved personnel. The enployee is also to be informed of the toxic and hazardous properties of these chemicals and physical agents, the limits they may be exposed to without danger, the symptoms of overexposure, and what they should do to prevent overexposure. ENVIRONMENTAL HAZARDS MONITORED IN CHLORINE I BLOCK ASBESTOS CAUSTIC MIST CHLORINE HYDROCHLORIC ACID NOISE SULFURIC ACID TLV OR IHG 0.2 fih/cc>5 microns 2 mg/m3 Ceiling 1 ppm Ceiling 7 mg/m3 Ceiling 85 db(A) 1 mg/m3 DO 107571 CONDIDENTTAL ASBESTOS EXPOSURE EVALUATION Explanation of Guidelines and Sampling Method The XHG for Asbestos is 0.2 fibers per cc greater than 5 microns in length. This guideline was changed in mid-1986 from 2.0 fibers per cc. Samples are collected using a Bendix high flow puirp calibrated at 2.0 1pm with a 25 mm, 0.8 micron pore size mixed cellulose filter and a 50 mm cowl. Analyses are performed by an outside lab using NIOSH method 7400A. All asbestos is handled wet within an enclosed portable pump tank at the Chlorine I Plant. Exposure Asbestos has very poor warning properties and effects from overex posure may appear after a latency period of 20 years of more. Asbestosis, mesothelioma and asbestos corns may result from overex posure. Personnel Monitoring Because of exposure guideline changes, this data will reflect monitoring from January through June (2.0 fib/cc) and July through December (0.2 fib/cc). Data Summary Sheets are attached. Curing January through June, twelve (12) 8-hour samples (reflecting routine jobs) were run. Results showed no problem areas nor any need to change procedures. Curing July through December, nine (9) 8-hour samples (reflecting routine pulping jobs) were run showing no significant change from previous data collected. Monitoring Date TVoe Sample Number Average Samples Reading Highest Reading Jan - Dec 8 hour 21 0.02 fib/cc 0.07 fib/cc Samolina Strateay Plan Historical data shows great improvements over the past four years due to better operating procedures and better techniques in our housekeeping. Sampling for 1987 will include monitoring of operators on a similar basis with more emphasis on craftsmen performing asbestos-related jobs. Dc 107572 CONFIDENTIA CAUSTIC EXPOSURE EVALUATION Explanation of Guidelines and Sampling Method There is a ceiling limit set a 2 mg/m3 for caustic dust and mist. Samples are collected useing a Bendix high flow pimp calibrated at 2 lpm. A 25 mm. 0.8 pore size, 3-piece cassette mixed cellulose filter is used. Analysis is done by atomic absorption analyzing for sodium. Exposure Contact with skin or eyes causes severe bums and must be washed off immediately. Inhalation causes coughing and painful nose and throat irritation. Personnel Monitoring As shown on the Data Summary Sheet, nine (9) excursion samples were caught with all results below the ceiling limit. These samples were taken during peak exposure times and agree with historical data. Area Monitoring One potentially high exposure area was monitored with the results being well below current exposure guidelines. Monitoring Number Samples Type Sample Average Reading Highest Reading 9 Personnel Excursion ND* 1 Area ND ND ND Sampling Strategy Plan Historical data shows improvements in area monitoring due to process changes. Excursion sampling during peak exposure times continues to show exposure levels well below acceptable limits. Sampling for 1987 will include the same basic strategy as previous years. *below .001 mg/m3 DO 107573 CONFIDENTIAL CHLORINE EXPOSURE EVALUATION Explanation of Guidelines and Sampling Method The exposure limit for chlorine is a 1 ppm ceiling limit. A ceiling limit is an exposure limit that should not be exceeded for any period of time. Operators are required to carry mouthbit respirators at all times. These are designed for escape purposes only. If required to work in a chlorine atmosphere, half-face or full-face respiratory protection must be utilized. Samples are collected using a microprocessor data logger with a "Wolcott" nafion membrane chlorine sensor. The data logger has the capability of storing highest instantaneous reading, highest 15-minute average concentration, concentration for the duration of the sairple, and elapsed time from start of sample. All probes are calibrated before and after each sairple by the Industrial Hygiene Department using metrosonic Dynacalibrator at various chlorine concentrations. Exposure Chlorine gas is irritating to the eyes, nose, throat, and lungs. At high concentrations there can be a burning sensation to the skin. Personnel Monitoring As shown on the attached Data Summary Sheet, 30 twelve-hour samples and 20 eight-hour samples were caught showing high exposure levels on eight (8) samples with highest 30-second concentrations. Usage of respiratory protection activates a switch which separates actual exposure from potential exposure. Operating procedures have been updated to specify respiratory protection where needed. Monitoring Number Samples Type Sample 30 12 hour 20 8 hour TWA Avg High Average/Potential 30 Sec Gone Pm________________ PtM .11/.23 .23/.25 1.15 0.84 Sampling Strategy Plan Sampling strategy will continue as in the past two years, collecting data from all job classifications. NOISE EXPOSURE EVAUJATION Explanation of Area Survey An area survey of the plant was conducted using a Bruel & Kjaer Model 2205 Sound Level Meter calibrated at 94 db(A) (1000Hz). Exposure Prolonged and repeated exposures to levels exceeding 90 db(A) may cause severe damage to the nerves in the inner ear, resulting in hearing loss. Area Survey There were no significant changes in noise levels throughout the plant. An evaluation will be done this year with recommendations to follow. All areas showed levels above 85 db(A). Area Monitoring - Reported on 85 db(A) @100 percent Area Sample Points Average Reading Highest Reading 121 84.4 102 Range 64 - 102 Sampling Strategy Plan Since all area monitoring agrees with historical data, no changes in monitoring will be made in 1987. It is imperative that hearing protection be required to be worn when in high level noise areas. DO 1075 CONDIDON