Document RpmeBx4RrD8qRjrokpeanq5EV

ASBESTOS INFORMATION ASSOCIATION HOITTV AMERICA i860 L Street. N.W Wasnmgton. D.C. 2CC36 , (202) 222-1685 EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE MEETING July 29, 1975 Washington, D.C. This mss- ts called to order at 9:CC A.M., AIA/MA o -- ri -- a ce, F. J. Solon, Jr. George 3arge A. k! Fay Jcsapn G. Hail John K. .Marsh William C. Thurbsr R. H. Meraness Absent: Thomas A. Dougherty Others: Richard Davis C. Fred Workman Johns-Manville Corporation, President AIA/M Atlas Asbestos Company National Gypsum Company GAF Corporation Ravbestos-Manhattan, Incorporated Union Carbide Corporation AIA/MA Executive Director Certain-teed Products Corporation Partner, Frank C. Frantz & Co. Vice President, Nicclet Industries, Inc. Minutes Minutes of Executive Committee meeting, June 4, 1975, were approved as presented. Financial Report Mr. Davis of the Association's accounting firm, Frank C. Franz & Co. , was present for the financial report. As of June 30, 1975 the Association had a cash balance of 559,633 plus prepaid ex penses, insurance, accounts receivable and short term investments of 212,513 for a total of 572,151. Total liabilities were $29,637 for a net worth of $42,514. It was noted that the Association's expenditures for the half year were within budget. An office theft on July 3 resulted in a loss of $340.60 of which $213.44 was reclaimed from insurance resulting in a net loss of $12 7.16. It was agreed to continue the service of the Federal-State Reports, Inc. at an annual fee of $300 less 10% for early payment. It was PRODUCED JM - 83 Pace 2 roved, seconded and approved that a formal audit of the Associa tion's financial affairs would not be necessary at the end-'cf year 1ST-. This action was taken in consideration of costs involved in obtaining an independent audit as the Association's accounting firm performs dues billings and therefore can not be considered independent. Further, it was advised that it is not customary practice for an Association of the size of AIA/NA to conduct annual audits if good accounting procedures are maintained. The Committee agreed that me accounting firm would provide full financial statements only at the end cf each quarter. Monthly crmt-ou" of receipts and expenditures will be provided. This, action was considered prudent in order to permit a minimum accounting fee. IsviL ssci Sa',ic2ss ccsuS <rc.c ciccounti--s*r*7ic9s sc me half year amour.zed to S70G over annual fee of 35,000, due cc extra work involved ir. changing the dues structure. He stated that repcrcirg procedures (above) should permit a balancing out cf costs sc that che average could be absorbed within the 35,000 annual fee. Mr. Davis made a preliminary report cn pension plans for AIA/NA staff and stated he would develop a paper on subject for distribution to- the Executive Committee. ReDort of the Executive Director Federal-State Regulatory Activities OSH& - Amendments to standard are not expected to be published _n Federal Register before mid-September earliest. No petitions have been received by OSHA to change 2 fiber standard effective July 1, 197 6. A meeting with Harry Gilbert, project officer for asbestos standard, revealed an inter-government agency meeting was held mid-June on asbestos regulations to-assure common approach co problems, to discuss research programs and to avoid duplication of government efforts. A report of the meeting will not be pub lished but Gilbert said there was continuing concern about health ..mplications of asbestos fiber. He said medical community simply does not have enough data on shape,length, diameter of "injurious" fibers, that sub-microscopic fibers may be causative agents of cancer. He spoke of controversy over talc. Gilbert announced he will retire from OSHA after 29 years of government service. EPA - Promulgation of asbestos air emission standard is ex pected momentarily. Standard, now in inter-agency review, is expected to eliminate requirement for fencing and signs, unless disposal sites are active, and provide practical guidance for the disposal of small amounts of asbestos waste, among other consider ations aimed at reasonable and practicable procedure. produced *w _ Page 3 Desartr.er.-c of Agriculture - The Animal and Plant Inspection Service has issued a field memorandum stating asbestos is npcorsidered an acceptable material for product contact. Filters used in connection with hot oil for cooking products commonly contain an asbestos medium. Memorandum states meat and poultry plants may use asbestos containing filters until present supply is exhausted or until arrangements can be made to replace existing asbestos filtering systems. Association of Filter Manufacturers was informed of this action and is in consultation with Department. States - Majority of state legislatures have adjourned for summer. Most recent states to cancel their plans are New York, Illinois, New Jersey and Wisconsin. Concressicnal Activities - Repeal of 3yrd amendment to Arm id Forces Apcrccriaticn Act v'hich would halt imccrtation of Encdesiar fiber is not likely no reach House floor. Fenwick bill calling for release of government stockpiled asbestos will probably not cone to voce. OSEA oversight hearings and Workmen's Compensation legislation (Williams- Javitts bill S.231S) were briefly reviewed. Conference of International Asbestos Associations - Mr. Marsh -distributed a report on the first meeting of the Standing Committee of the International Asbestos Information Conference held week of July 7 in London. A discussion followed. The Executive Director stated he had received an invoice from Mr. Alex Cross for payment of second half calendar year 1975 contribution, a 738. Payment was directed. Meetings of Interest - Upcoming meetings of interest to members on asbestos and health were noted. Attendance of Association mem bers at meetings of interest to the asbestos industry was urged. Mr- Solon emphasized need for early notification of meetings. A letter from Robert Join in connection with U.S. representation at forthcoming medical conferences in Europe was read- Federal Regulations Booklet - It was reported that the Associa tion is moving forward with Government Research Corporation to produce a booklet containing federal regulations governing asbestos, hopefully to be ready for distribution at the annual meeting in Sec-ember. Industry-Government Conference - In the absence of Mr. Dougherty, the Executive Director reported on the Association's IndustryGovernment Conference scheduled Sept. 10-11. He said the program is reasonably complete with one or two speakers or panel members PRODUCED JM-83 ? ace 4 ye. to be confirmed. Letters of invitation to members and guests will be forwarded the first week of August. The Committee 'Was asked to comment on the prospective guest list and make recom mendations. It was agreed that a charge for meals (estimated $25.00) wa.ll be made for non-members attending the full Con ference and reception as was dene last year. Activitv Area Reoorts . Standards and Technical - Mr. Marsh reported that preparation of first five work practice booklets are proceeding to final draft and review before publication. It was stated that the booklets should proceed though amendments to the OSHA standard c_n net be expected in final form before the new year. Mr. Mereness said he would request CSEA to review the pamphlets before publication, and that he was considering incorporating illustrations such as used by the British ARC in their work place literature. Ir. discussing the need for practical up-to-date information on equipment in the work place to assist in compliance with the OSEA standard, such as vacuum systems, monitoring and measuring devices, bag openers, etc. Mr. ?av stated the Association might inquire as to availability of federal funds for studies into equipment, techniques and procedures, much as the government is investigating asbestos-health effects, to lead to simplifications , uniformity and reduction of costs to industry for research and development in these areas. Mr. Solon said that J-M's Research and Development. Center is prepared for this kind of' government contract work. . Public Relations and Communications - Mr. Thurber commented on corrections to the Association's employee information booklet originally prepared by J-M noting that minor corrections to text would provide for accuracy in the areas of signs and caution labels on produces. He said the pamphlet, "Asbestos in Water - A hazard tc health?" should be published as soon as possible. Mr. Thurber commented than consideration might be given to publishing the recommended work practices submitted to OSHA in pamphlet form. Legal and legislative - Mr. Hall stated he had no particular remarks on Legal and Legislative affairs but would like to call attention to the need for constant consideration of the small asbestos manufacturers' interests and concerns. He said the im portance of simple, direct communications to members for full appreciation of the problems associated with asbestos and health for top management understanding of the problems and the work of the Association is needed. In discussion, it was recommended that periodic brief reports to member chief executives should be prepared by the staff noting problem areas, actions and ac complishments of the Association. produced Page In.rer-Ir.~ra Association delations - Mr. Barrs said he had necking new to report over and above that presented by Mr. .Marsh concerning rhe Conference of International Asbestos Associations. Mr. Barge norec that there was no change in the Quebec strike situation, that many workers had found summer employment but efforts continue ro resolve the issues. Pinancial and Membership - In the absence of Mr. Dougherty, no report, order rhan that cf rhe Executive Director was made. Medical ? ogram - Plant Physicians Seminar - Mr. Solon reviewed ccrrespondenc ana discussions" concerning a medical consultant or advisor fc the Association. He said that Dr. George Wright, consultant to J-M and National Gypsum, had advised he could not - *5 \ -- ^ 2. 3 igniter, c dua to pressures on his rime. Mr. Solon Scic Dr. r has stared he rnought rhe description of the work as crssen3d y Mssrs. Marsh and Mereness would require a full-time ntar. whirr ecu. d be extensive and hard to find. Mr. C. Fred Workman cf Nicclec Industries was invited to sit-in or. the discussion. Mr. Workman reviewed the interests cf his company in rhe need for the Association to have a staff medical consultant. He said the need is now. He outlined his thoughts cn the "job description". A lengthy discussion followed. Mr. Hall said the Association needs a medical director or consultant that could provide guidance to plant physicians. He spoke of the "kid of information a plant physician should keep", frequency of health examinations, circumstances for removing a man from a given job, a health questionnaire for workers,guidance in reading x-rays,etc. , as areas where the medical consultant would be of immeasurable value. Mr. Marsh, in answer to questions raised by Mr. Solon as to how long the need for medical consulting would be needed, said the problems will continue indefinitely, than organized labor is becoming deeply - involved in the asbestos issue and that much has yet to be learned from medical science ana far implementation of procedures in the work place. Mr. Fay spoke of defining the consultant-advisors role in terms of his assistance to individual companies and the industry at large. He said in over-all considerations for medical expertise we must recognize law suits and compensation and the medical problems therein involved. He spoke on his agreement with the remarks of Mr. Hall, and the comments of Mssrs. Marsh and Mereness cn the functions of the consultant-advisor. Names of possible physicians for the position and remuneration were discussed. Mr. Solcn summed up the commentary and requested Mssrs. Marsh and Workman to serve with him to meet with Dr. Hans Weil and perhaps otters as seen as possible to find a solution to this order of business. He said the Committee would be kept fully informed of progress and that he hoped for completed arrangements for a resort at the annual meeting. It was noted that it would be most beneficial to all concerned if the prospective consultant could be ores ant to participate in the Industry-Government Conference. produced i?ll * 83 Mr. Scicn said that Dr. Paul Kotin of J-M had indicated le might be able to assist the Association in a plant physician seminar the week of November 3. Mr. Solon asked the Committee to consider the agenda for such a meeting and indicate to him -iow many pnysicians might attend at their company's expense. Next Meeting - The next meeting of the Committee was set for 4:00 ?.M. September 9 in Washington prior to the meeting of directors, annual meeting and Industry-Government Conference at a location to be advised. Adjournment - There being no further business, the meeting adjourned at 3:34 'll. H. Mereness Executive Director 4 August 1975 PRODUCED