Document Vj403bNXYmyDoBa982vQ3gdzg

FILE NAME: Allied Signal Bendix (ASB) DATE: 0000 DOC#: ASB005 DOCUMENT DESCRIPTION: Bendix Statement RE Asbestos STATEMENT Bendix is well aware of the facts concerning asbestos. Based on our own experience with asbestos for the past 40 years, it is our feeling that the problem is primarily occupational and in no way represents any danger to the community itself. This is due to the efficiency of the dust collection systems in use at our Friction Materials Division plants. Our investment in dust control equipment now totals well over $ 650,000 and is the latest, most sophisticated equipment available to industry. As is the case with a'ny substance found to be potentially detri mental to health and safety -r and there are many such subst*r,ce in common use today -- the real key is prevention. This is accomplished through the safest possible working environment in the factory, and careful observance of safe work practices on the part of every employee. We are not only making every possible effort to follow industry recommendations for the safe handling of asbestos, but to also observe existing regulations and meet the new OSHA standard that will go into effect July 1, 1976. This problem has been approached at Friction Materials Division An .a. variety of ways. In addition to the installation of sophis ticated dust collection systems -- including new $i;29,000 dust pelletizing facilities believed to be a first for brake lining manufacturers -- employees in exposure areas are provided respi rators and wear protective clothing such as caps and shop coats. (more) STATEMENT CONT'D -- Page 2 Dust levels are monitored to determine the asbestos content of the air. An additional safeguard is an annual chest X-ray for all employee in high exposure areas. Despite the fact that a number of Eendix employees have experienced exposure to asbestos over a long period of time, there has been no indication of any asbestos re lated disease. This appears to support the belief that under properly"controlled conditions, when the asbestos content cf the air is kept within safe levels, the hazard is minimized.