Document VGLb1bvkyqB1BxEkk5vDqyeNN

/l:;be;icM/w:; ! IMPORTANT 75-1 NEW PROPOSED OSI1A STANDARD On October 9, 1975 OSHA published a new proposed stan dard for occupational exposure to asbestos. The text of this surprise revision is contained in The Federal Register, Vol. 40, No. 197 -- Thursday, October 9, 1975. Basically the proposed standard would institute the following changes in the current regulations: Hqtiway Safely 1) Lower the permissible exposure level to 0.5 fibers/cc from the current level of 5 fibers/cc and the July 1, 1976 level of 2 fibers/cc. 2) Lower the permissible ceiling concentration to 5 fibers/cc from the current 10 fibers/cc. Extend the record retention period for medical and monitoring records to 40 years or the duration High Speed Brakes of employment plus 20 years whichever is longer. The current standard requires retention of medical records for 20 years and the monitoring records for 3 years. Require specific minimum data on medical and monitor Pnr.setxjef C*v S.iOMy ing records. 5)/ Revise the procedures for initial and subsequent monitoring. Revise and update the requirement's for respirators, warning signs and labels. f/hnvill A'iljr*' GAF 15904 (More) I'l.v.i fv-u-ri Coin PP?I7 MO iW 70 1000 . Tim proposed rules represent a j ibsttintial and significant chanyc from current regulations and should be thoroughly reviewed by anyone involved with the production or use of asbestos fiber. 9 WHAT SHOULD YOU DO As one of the major producers and users of asbestos, Johns-Manville has formed a task force to study the new proposal and develop medical, legal, and feasibility and economic impact information in order to pre pare our comments on the issues raised by these regulations. Obviously, it will not be possible for J-M to provide technical assistance on this subject to all of its customers. As an alternative we plan to provide the information we develop to the Asbestos Information Association/North America -- (A.I.A./N.A.). The A.I.A./N.A. was formed in December 1970 to coordinate the efforts of the asbestos industry in disseminating authoritative information concerning asbestos and the asbestos industry with emphasis on the safety, health, and environmental issues. Currently, it consists of twenty-two asbestos companies in the U.S. and Canada.' The objectives of the Association are: 1) To provide industry-wide information on asbestos and health, and on industry efforts to eliminate existing hazards. 2) To cooperate with governmental agencies in developing and imple menting industry-wide standards for worker protection and for the control of asbestos dust emissions into the community air and water. 3) To exchange information on methods anti techniques of asbestos dust control. 4) To correct misleading and uninformed repor'-nyo on asbestos/health problems. 5) To publicize the unique benefits and importance of asbestos products and otherwise represent the asbestos industry. (More) GAF 15905 The A.I.A./N.A. has within its organization various committees that will be studying and preparing comments on the issues raised by the new proposed regulations. A.I.a./N.A. has also retained a medical consultant, * Dr. Hans Weill, who will oversee the development and collation of perti nent medical information on asbestos. This information will be available for the benefit of its members. We strongly recommend that anyone involved with asbestos consider membership in the A.I.A./N.A. as a means of developing the necessary information to allow them to comment on the proposed regulations: Membership information is available by contacting: Robert H. Mereness, Executive Director Asbestos Information Association/North America 1660 L. Street, N.W. Washington, D.C. 20036 (202) 223-4885 WHAT IS TIIE TIMING? The OS1IA proposal requests written comments, data and arguments from interested persons on or before December 8, 1975. It also states that an informal hearing may be requested to provide further opportunity for discussion of the issues. Both J-M and the A.I.A./N.A. have requested an extension of 120 days from the December 8, 1975 date for filing objections in order to allow proper preparation of our comments. We also plan to request a hearing. WHO SHOULD COMMENT? EVERYONE concerned with the use of asbestos should be prepared and plan to comment on the issues raised by the proposed regulations. Your comments should address the issues of medical, feasibility and economic impact. The major users are preparing their comments on these issues. However, included in the proposed regulations is a concern regarding the affect they will have on those employers who have a relatively small (More) GAF 15906 number of employees. it is obvious that OSIIA is requesting that these users, especially, come forward and present their comments. Wo urge you to request a hearing in order to present your comments and arguments. Comments should be factual and representative of a sensible rather than emotional approach to the subject. GAF 15907