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^ 1 HANDBOOK FOR HANDLING ASBESTOS HATE RIAL - ,, THE DON CHEMICAL COMPANY TEXAS DIVISION Maintenance Department Supporting Services July 1972 Rev. ST0002863 c HANDBOOK FOR HANDLING ASBESTOS MATERIALS Index 1. Purpose .2 Safety Pap,e (sV 2 3 3. "Use of Handbook n. Safe V/ork Procedures 2; Fabrication of Asbestos Materials 5 Mixing Cement Containing Asbestos 6 Handling and Storing Asbestos Materials Saviing and Cutting by Hand 7 8 Insulation Removal g 5. Insulator Safety Check List 6. Threshold Limit Value 10 11 ST000286I) 1- OTnnnio/' a c PURPOSE The purpose of this handbook; is to define safe handling procedures for asbestos materials used in the Texas Division. The intent is to control the exposure of employees to asbestos dust through the proper use of safe work procedures and by the sub stitution of non-asbestos containing materials. Asbestos is widely used as structural wall board, insulation, and roofing material. Asbestos fibers are used as a mechanical reinforcing matrix in in sulation, roofing paper, certain piping systems, etc. However, Dow Engineering Specifications were revised to exclude asbestos-containing insulation prior to installation of Federal regulations controlling the use and handling of asbestos. Eventually, the use of asbestos will be eliminated as the ultimate solu tion to the problem. The OSHA standards v.'hich. became, effective July 7, 1972, define the precautions required for asbestos handling and the allowable safe working limits. cn Should a hazard exist, and these procedures appear insufficient, contact the superintendent of the Plant A or B Functional groups for exceptions or variations. These procedures will be reissued prior to 7 December 72 to incorporate revisions dictated by results obtained from the Division Monitoring Program. ST000286 2 'C SAFETY c / The health of those who breathe asbestos dust may be seriously affected. Results can be similar but more serious than those caused by the more common ly known materials such as silica and coal dust. This phenomena has been observed for many centuries.- Current medical discoveries show that handling of asbestos by a confirmed cigarette smoker is espec ially hazardous in the area of potentially serious lung disorders. It is recommended that those persons handling asbestos not smoke cigarettes in any quantity. s10002866 When working with materials which contain asbestos fiber, care must be taken to eliminate as much loose dust as possible, \7etting, isolating the work area, or other suitable procedures to eliminate the dust hazard are absolutely necessary. The main problem areas will be in removal of old, deteriorated in sulation and the sawing of Transite. Respiratory protection, dust collectors, blowers, etc., will be mandatory where asbestos-containing *materials must be handled. The two "nose and mouth" dust respirators which have been approved by the Safety Department are: (l) msA /''*7 `' Dustfoe 77, Dow Stock Ho. 15-26005, Cartridge Mo. ** 15-23775, and (2) 17ilson Dust Respirator, Dovi Stock No. 15-25460, Cartridge Ho. 15-23790. zr b Disposal of asbestos will be in polyethylene bags, Dow Stock No. 15-050SO for large bag and 15-04170 through 15-04185 for small bags. As required, special protective clothing such as cover alls, head covering and gloves will be provided. Such requirements will be determined by the Division Moni toring Program. Two lockers will be provided, so separated or isolated os to prevent contamination of the employee's street clothes from his work cloth.es. Asbestos-contaminated clothing shall be placed in labeled, polyethylene bags for shipment to the laundry. 3- - ST0002867 'C c USE OP HANDBOOK FOR HANDLING ASBESTOS MATERIALS The Safe Uork Procedures outlined in this handbook are minimum requirements for working with asbestos containing materials. In some cases, job conditions may dictate more ' stringent requirements. These could include com pletely wetting down the area with viater when re moving old insulation, or completely isolating the work area with tarpaulins, etc. Specific require ments for each job will be detailed on the"Insulators Safety Check List." Because Dow's Engineering Specifications have been re vised to exclude use of asbest03-containing insulation, most cf the Safe Uork Procedures in this section of the Manual will seldom be referred to for nev: installations. These procedures are to be used in conjunction with Plant Safety Rules, Maintenance Standard Safe Uork Procedures for the Area, and Safety Standards. t. CTnnn'io^'t SAFE WORK PROCEDURE Subject: Shop Fabrication With Asbestos Materials Minimum Safety Equipment Requirements: 1. Side Shield Goggles must be worn. 2. Approved "Nose and Mouth" Dust Respirator must be worn at all times. (See Page 3; 3. There shall be a Dust Collecting System on Power Equipment adequate to remove large amounts of dust generated. 4. An Insulator Safety Check List is to be filled out prior to the job and properly approved. Turn in to supervisor at completion of job. 89820001S Special Precautions: 1. Do not breathe asbestos dust. 2. Do not operate equipment if provision cannot be made to eliminate dust in a safe manner. 3. Normal precautions must be taken for working with pov;er equipment. (See specific Safe Vfork Procedure for Operating Power Driven Tools if in doubt). 4. V/hen cleaning out the vacuum system of the machines, a respirator must be worn. Wet down dust prior to handling. Place the wet material in polyethylene bags, seal, label and notify Yard Department that asbestos waste is ready for prooer disposal at landfill. 5. Good housekeeping in the shop area is to be practiced. Asbestos dust must be vacuumed throughout the shop area if and when such conditions exist. 6. Keep all personnel not directly involved in the fabrication '"ration away from the area unless they observe mir -i safety requirements and have been apprised o. > hazards involved. I l 5- - ls 0002869 C SAFE WORK PROCEDURE Subject: Mixing Material Which Contains Asbestos Minimum Safety Equipment Requirements: 1. Side Shield Goggles must be worn. 2. Approved "Nose ar.d Mouth" Dust Respirator must be viorn at all tines. (See Page 3) 3. An Insulator Safety Check List is to be filled out prior to the job and properly approved. Turn in to supervisor at completion of Job. Special Precautions: 1. Do not breathe asbestos dust. 2. When mixing v;hole sacks, do not open sacks and dump into open mixing tray. Moisten asbestos by adding water through a small hole in sack until danger of cust is eliminated. Then the material can be removed if necessary to complete mixing operation to desired consistency. 3. Slipping or falling is a hazard to be considered v.'hen working around v/et asbestos mud. h. 'Back strains from handling containers of nixed mud are also a hazard. A means of handling this mixture may need to be provided, depending on the circumstances. 5, Keep all personnel not directly involved in the mixing operation away from the area unless they observe minimum safety requirements and have been apprised of the hazards involved. 6. All contaminated bags, boxes, v;aste, etc., shall be wetted, placed in labeled polyethylene bags and sent to landfill. _6 - S70002870 (c SAFE WORK PROCEDURE i r( Subject: Handling and Storing Asbestos Materials Minimum Safety Equipment Requirements: 1. Side Shield Goggles must be worn. 2. Approved "Nose and Mouth" Dust RecDirator must be worn at all times. (See Page 3) 3. An Insulator Safety Check List is to be filled out prior to the job and properly approved. Turn in to supervisor at completion of job. Special Precautions: 1. Do not breathe asbestos dust. 2. Handle materials in such a manner as to minimize exposure to dust. Moisten material with water spray before removing from container if material will not be damaged. 3. Areas used to store asbestos containing materials should be marked "Asbestos Material". A. Cartons, boxes, etc., that have contained asbestos materials should be wetted, broken and placed in labeled polyethylene bags for disposal. 5. Good housekeeping of shop areas is to be practiced. Clean up all loose dust on floor, machines, shelves, etc., by vacuuming. Wet down, place in labeled polyethylene bags and dispose of dust while damp. Notify the -Yord-Depsrfastent to dispose by landfill while material is still damp. */1 7 t -7 . CTnnn^o A SAFE Y/ORK PROCEDURE Subject: Sawing and Cutting by Hand Minimum Safety Equipment Requirements: 1. Hard Hat must be worn. 2. Side Shield Goggles must be worn. 3. Approved "Nose and Mouth" Dust Respirator must be worn at all times. (See Page 3; ST000287I 4. An Insulator Safety Check List is to be filled out prior to the job and properly approved. Turn in to supervisor at completion or job. //o t jy f Ht**?*. I Me*. ftme < I (/Z 2f)6tl0'-c re-^*** / - 5. All other safety equipment which is required by Job location must be used. (Read Area Safe Yiork Procedures.) Special Precautions: 1. Do not breathe asbestos dust. 2. Y/ear the "Nose and Mouth" Dust Respirator when removing asbestos material from package, installing, 'or cutting. 3. Keep all personnel not directly involved in the operation away from the area unless they observe minimum safety requirements and have been apprised of the hazards involved. 4. Special precautions shall be taken when using "Skil-Saw" for sawing asbestos materials. To eliminate dust hazards and protect all people in the area, an air operated saw shall be used and the material shall be flooded with water. 5. If v/ater will damage the material, a hand saw shall be used and sawdust collected with a portable vacuum whenever possible. If site work prohibits use of a vacuum pick-up, cuts should be made directly over a collection box or polyethylene bag. 6. All contaminated bags, boxes, waste, etc, shall be wetted, placed in labeled polyethylene bogs and sent to landfill. L v 8- - CTftnflio-ri S l0002872 SAFE WORK PROCEDURE Subject: Insulation Removal Minimum Safety Equipment Requirements: 1. Hard Hat must be worn. 2. Side Shield Goggles must be worn. 3. Approved "Nose and Mouth" Dust Respirator must be worn at all times. (See Page 3) 4. An Insulator Safety Check List is to be filled out prior to the Job and properly approved. Turn in to supervisor at completion of Job. tr>7 + / /VeSer-S'cei `(/l- $*) '*'** t 5. All other safety equipment which is required by Job location must be used. (Read Area Safe Work Procedure.) Special Precautions: 1. Do not breathe asbestos dust. 2. Hazards from asbestos dust that falls, blows or may be scattered throughout the area must be eliminated. 3. Keep all personnel not directly involved in the insulation removal operation away from the area unless they observe minimum safety requirements and have been apprised of the hazards Involved. 4. Use water to wet down the Insulation before and during removal. 5. Seal all material in labeled polyethylene bags as removed. Tire^yord--Depar-tmeat is to be notified for disposal at landfill. use j'/r d` f/7 -9- isuva CTnftnio'm 3b' DESCRIPTION: OCATION ________ AREA Safe Work Permit Received Area Safe YJork Procedure Known YES a Nearest Phone Nearest Eycbath and Safetv Shower Job Site in Safe Condition - 1__! i__l Is Pipe or Equipment Safe to Work On? IZj dl Are Corrosive Chemicals Involved? j_j j___ [ *a. Can lines or ] I [ ~j equipment be drained? ~J ' Is Adjacent Piping and Equipment Safe i1 j I *-- '---------- 1 Red Tags Needed? |~ ) | .0. Burn Hazards Present? j jj j :_1. Craftsmen Lined Up With Check List? f |j -------- J l Special Hazards ; rnfptv Precautions Iheckcd and Approved By: ^un t Foreman Cn-ileadcr (f CluTtsman DATE: r DATE asbestos work YES 1. Handbook for Handling Asbestos Materials Used 2. Signs and/or Barricades^-- Up to Warn Others ? 3. Has Disposal of Debris I-----1 Been Arranged ? b. Is Water Needed to Control Dust ? t--J 5. Stencil on Job to DenotE----1 Materials Used ? 6. Have all Involved i----- 1 Personnel Been Informed ? III. Special Safety Equipment. Require r~~| Coveralls __l Chemical Goggles __I Face Shield j1 Acid Hood S? L_ Air Mask __ Dust Respirator ^ __ Rubber Gloves __Poibber Boots __ Slicker Coat co __ Slicker Pants __ Safety Belt __ Hearing Protection _J Other: Specify IV. Personnel on Job (Name) Exposur Time-Hr 1. 2. 3. h. 5. 6. 1c THRESHOLD LIMIT VALUE No employee shall be exposed at any time to air borne concentrations of asbestos fibers in excess of 10 fibers, longer than 5 micrometers, per cubic centimeter of air. The eight hour tlme-v/eighted average shall not exceed five {$) fibers per cubic centimeter.* ^ In order to assure compliance with these limits, the Environmental Health Group will make random samples. When special field testing is desired, call Environmental Health at 238-2T2T7 7 2.$ ) In order to keep asbestos dust concentration within the proper limits,.any dusty conditions connected with the handling of asbestos materials must be kept' to an absolute minimum. This must be done as out lined in the previous Safe V/ork Procedures by wetting down the area, pre-soaklng the material, or vacuuming the material as it is cut. Each individual job should be planned with this uppermost in mind. '/rr. I ST0002874 * Effective 1 July 1976, this limited is reduced from five (5) to tvio (2) fibers per cubic centimeter. - 11 - ST0002875 _______ I c Latest word on asbestos represents a whopping 177. of all cancers detected annually in the U.S. won't be the last The joint study's figures on expo sure for workers are taken from HEW estimates (the department believes that 1.5 to 2.5 million U.S. workers are Scientific evidence against asbestos continues to still being exposed to asbestos), while the fatality percentages are borrowed accumulate, and OSHA's much-delayed exposure standard directly from a World Health Organi zation (WHO) position paper issued in goes on bringing criticism from all concerned parties. Meanwhile, millions of workers remain exposed to early 1977. This link with the WHO document is confirmed by Joseph Wagoner, special assistant for carcino asbestos dust in plants throughout the world.' genesis with the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHa), who was a member of the group of health experts that authored the WHO [~~] Bad news about asbestos continues study estimates that between 8 and 11 study. to make headlines. In September, for million U.S. workers have been Meanwhile, a spokesman for instance, Joseph A. Califano, Secre exposed to asbestos since the beginning NCl /NIEHS says that the joint report is tary of Health, Education, and Wel of World War II. Or these, about 4 basically an update of epidemiological fare (HEW), drew attention to an million have been "heavily ex data on asbestos, in the light of new alarming statistic in a new study by the posed,"--I.e., worked directly with the information uncovered in the past National Cancer Institute (NCl) and material most of the time -- and 4 to 7 year. the National Institute of Environmen million have received "peripheral" Whatever its origin, the NC1/NIEHS tal 1 lealtlt Sciences (NIEHS): An aston exposure-- eg., of the son that a work is attracting its share of criticism ishing 177 of all cancer deaths in the maintenance worker would get in a by way of an attack on Califano's U.S. over the next few decades will be plant where asbestos was being recent statement. Some claim that the linked to some previous exposure to installed. HEW secretary ts unnecessarily alarm asbestos. The NC1/N1EHS report assumes that ing the public. Asbestos no longer Speaking at the AFL-CIO National 20 to 257* of those in the first group causes widespread sickness because Conference on Occupational Safety will die of lung cancer, 7 to 107* of working conditions have changed, they and Health, Califano said that the pleural or peritoneal mesothelioma (a say. NCt/NIEKS report definitely rejects the particularly lethal'cancer), and B to Dr. Irving J. SelikofT, a well-known conventional estimate that I to 5% of 97 of gastrointestinal cancer. Assum authority on asbestos, and director of all U.S. cancer incidence is related to ing that the risk to the second group is Mt. Sinai Medical Center's Environ occupational exposure to carcinogenic 257. that of the first one, the report mental Health Laboratory (New York agents. Estimates of 207* to as high as concludes that a total of 2.15 million City), notes that "Califano's remarks 387* are not unreasonable, he added. workers will die over the next 30 to 35 are projections based on limited data, EXPOSURE THAT KJLLS --The joint years, or about 07,000 per year. This and probably represent an upper limit." Bui he warns that even if Cnli- fano's figures are ofT by a factor of two, the problem is enormous. However, a spokesman for the American Cancer Soc. (acs). New York City, feels that the NCl/MF.Ki report does overstate the problem. INDUSTRY Rr.srONSL-The Asbestos Information Assn. (aIa), Arlington, Va,, an organization of asbestos processors, says that the NCI/niehs data are being analyzed by the group's scientific advisors, and that a statement will be issued when the study is complete. Meanwhile, an aia press release calls the report "simply anoth er extrapolation in statistical terms from the same data which have been available to the international scientific community for some time." Another aia press release, issued in Fiberglass insulation, an alternative to asbestos, is considered safer response to a Califano statement (made in April) regarding a Urge 76 Oil WlCAL I StalMlhlNC SOVlMhlfc 4. |t>l ST0002876 ~ '( c______________________________ !l U.S. firms still use it, despite its checkered career 8-h, time-wcighied ba^is, with a 15min reding of 5 fibers/cm*. All limits The term "asbestos" comprises a group of impure magnesium silicate minerals --e.g., chrysotilc, amosite -- that occur in fibrous form. Reports of the toxic properties of asbestos date back to the 1920s in the U.S. However, it wasn't until the war broke out, when millions of workers were employed in shipyards insulating warships, that mass exposure to asbestos dust occurred in this country. The material enjoyed vvide popularity as an insulator in plants and buildings until 1970, when, in response to mounting evidence of its apply only to fibers longer than 5 pm, (NlOSH, which serves in an advisory capacity, has recommended a limit of 0.1 fiber/cm'.) OSHA is currently evaluating the economic impact of the proposed stan dard, which is bound to affect both processing and use of the material. Predictably, industry reponsc to the toxic properties, manufacturers stopped producing insulation made of idea has not been favorable, aia calls loosely bound asbestos fiber. The Asbestos Information Assn, says that the 3,000 asbestos products made today in the U.S. contain chemically and physically the 0.5-fiber/cm' limit "not technical ly feasible," and recommends instead the adoption of 2 fibers/cm' as a bound fibers that do not flake off. Current end-use breakdown: asbestos cement products (pipe, sheets), 22.4%; roofing products, 34.9%; asbestos paper, 4.3%; flooring products, 15.6%; packing and permanent standard--one that can be realized at a reasonable cost for dust control. gaskets, 2.8%, thermal and electrical insulation, 1.2%; friction products (brake linings), 8,8%; coatings and compounds, 2.7%; On the other side of the spectrum, Roy Steinfurth, the asbestos workers' plastics, 3.0%; textiles, 1.0%; and miscellaneous, 3.3%, spokesman, feels that the only accept able level is no asbestos exposure at all. The union official says that, even if the outbreak of asbestos-related diseases leading maker of asbestos products): exposure level is reduced to 0.5 among World War II shipyard work- "Clinical evidence shows that lung fiber/cm', a worker would breathe in era, explains that such a heavy expo sure to asbestos existed before medical information revealed the dangers in cancer in asbestos workers is virtually limited to those who smoke cigarettes, and that for practical purposes, lung 4 million fibers in an 8-h workday. He estimates that as many as 50% of the members of his organization will even volved. Since then, millions of dollars cancer as an asbestos-related disease tually die of asbestos-related diseases. have been spent in dust-control equip would not be a problem were it not for In Europe, there is also a move to ment by miners, millers, processors cigarette smokers." cut down on the exposure level, which and manufacturers of asbestos. At\ is currently on a vigorous has been 2 fibers/cmJ in the past few In addition, note other asbestos- campaign to persuade industry work years. Italy, which lacks asbestos industry spokesmen, the type of prod ers to slop smoking. deposits, is attempting to phase out the uos made in the past--e.g., asbestos "There is no doubt that exposure material completely. Sweden moved to thermal insulation --are no longer and cigarette smoking have a synergis a 1 -fiber/cm' standard a year ago, produced. They were phased out in tic effect," says an ACS spokesman, and U.K. authorities are clamoring for the early 1970s, when the inherent "but since so many workers included a reduction of the present limit. hazards became apparent (see box). in past studies were smokers or ex- Critics who complain that the osha Nevertheless, asbestos is still used as smokera, it's difficult to assess the risk proposal docs not go far enough in an insulator or fire retardant in more to non-smokers." protecting workers also question why than 3,000 products ranging from The synergism is acknowledged in the standard should apply only to water pipes to brake linings. And an the who document. "Both cigarette fibers longer than 5 pm. Both SelikofT estimated 500 million tons of the mate rial are still around in plants and Iriir.gs throughout the U.S., accord- smoking and exposure to asbestos independently cause lung cancer. However, when present together, they and Wagoner, for example, believe that the smaller .fibers are even more active in producing lung tumors. And, 1.1 tv Roy Stcinfurth, administrator of act in a multiplicative fashion." The according to SdikofT, "For each fiber the insulation health-hazards pro NCI/ME1IS study agrees, and admits longer than 5 pm, there may be at grams for the International Assn, of that it would be an error to attempt to many as 100 shorter ones.'1 }{cat and Frost Insulators and Asbes blame each type of cancer mentioned OSIIA's Health Standards Project tos Workers (Washington). Workers in the report on an exclusive cause. Officer William Warren says that the still exposed to asbestos are not A NEW standard? -- The current 5-pm length was the most practical adequately protected, charges SrlikofT. fhreup of the asbestos controversy is of alternative because detection equip OCARf.TTE JJN'K --Industry spokes more than marginal interest to OSIIA, ment does not pick up anything small men also point out that exposure to which has been trying to modify pres er. Warren notes that available moni- asbestos alone may not be enough to ent rules governing exposure to the toring units detect only "from a few cause lung cancer --the disease most maierial (the agency is studying the percent to 50%" of the actual number commonly associated with the breath NC1/N1KHS report). of fibers in a sample. I ing of asbestos fibers --and that the For more than three years, OSIIA iNSUi.vnoN DANorn--Spot checks I connection between exposure and ciga has been pushing a proposal to reduce with a number of U.S. insulation rette smoking has rot been stressed the jtcrmissible level of airlxarnc fibers manufacturers turned up no one still enough. Says John A. McKinney, in the workplace from a present value making the asbestos-containing ver president of Johns-Manvillc Corp. (a of 2 fibers/cm' to 0.5 fiber/cm' on an sion. However, there are still tons of it 78 UIIAUCM. ivr.lvl LIU VC NULLVim Il.-a CTfiftMO'TC CZ3 c installed in chemical plants nil mcr the International Chemical Workers April 1977, X lost l said: "Fibrous glass world. Since the asbestos is loosely Union (icwu), Washington, and car seems to be considerably less hazard bound, the culling, handling and tear ried out by the Mi. .Sinai Medical ous than asbestos . . . and, until more ing down of such insulation poses a Center, identifies the risks fated by health hazard. maintenance workers (other titan insu "If ihe insulation is intact, there's no lation installers) when working in the problem," says an engineer with Brit vicinity of an insulation job. ain's IC.l, Ltd., "Whenever mainte According to Larry Ahern, director nance requires stripping down and | of health and safety for tesvu, the removal, we replace with a substitute results show that 44% of ail workers, information is available, the recom mended standard can also be applied to other manmade mineral fibers." The XIOSH paper suggests a standard of 3 fibcrs/cnt3 for fibers of less than 3.5-nm dia. Larger fibers are not thought to be respirable. material." He adds that the firm does regardless of job function, had some Ralph Zumwaldc, an industrial not specify asbestos for any new form of asbestos-related lung abnor hygienist at MOSH, points out that plants. mality. One group of workers exposed most of the exposure to fiberglass "We stopped using asbestos for for less than one month experienced a involves fibers with diameters greater insulation about seven or right years significant increase in the incidence of than 3.5 nn, even though some special ago," claims the safety manager of a lung disease. products contain thinner ones. U.S. refinery. "Although il is cheaper Worse, the researchers discovered "Fiberglass is an irritant, and can and easier to apply, the health risks that many of the workers' relatives, cause skin irritation or upper respira persuaded us to switch to fiberglass i who had not been in direct contact tory irritation," says Dr. Donald J. and calcium carbide." He further with the material, were affected. Billmaicr, assistant medical director of notes that although some asbestos is "About 123 wives were sick," says Owens-Corning Fiberglas Corp. (To still used, it is of the bonded type, Steinfurth. ledo, Ohio, "but our studies show that which does not present a potential dust HOW ABOUT SUBSTITUTES? -- Such 1 there are no chronic adverse healfikD hazard. popular asbcsios replacements as fi effects from using the material." "H The indirect risks of asbestos insula berglass, mineral wool and calcium Calcium silicate is classified as G3 tion were highlighted in a recent study silicate may have health hazards of nuisance dust, not a fiber. The osKXD of maintenance workers at American their own, but these have yet to be standard is 15 particles/cm* Tor iKE3 Cyanamid's facility in Bound Brook, identified. respirable fraction. TO N.J. The survey, commissioned by the In a criteria document issued in Vincent CavascQS) '-J Gulf Coast buildup plant at Norco. The company is build ing a 1,5-hillion-lb/yr ethylene plant there, which is expected to go may ease olefin glut onstream in 1981. Says A. R. Flora, Shell's olefns business manager, "The pipeline will help to eliminate spet shortages to Texas and Louisiana complexes, which are the heart of the [~] A more hopeful outlook for ethyl sions svill consume a total of just under petrochemical industry." ene derivatives is triggering major 500 million Ib/yr of ethylene. USI executises now speak more expansions in the Gulf Coast area, and Shell has marked the tenth anniver optimistically about the future of these may help alleviate, at least local- sary of its complex at Ceismar, La., by downstream products, and predict a 'he ethylene surplus that is predict inaugurating ethylene oxide and ethyl better supply/demand balance, .v- ed through the early 1980s (C/u-m. ene glycol trains, now about G0% cording to George Kappas, vice-presi i Eng., Mar. 27, p. 80). completed About a year ago, the dent of National f'cirochemicals Corp Consider, for example, the current company began work to intreasc oxide (jointly owned by National Distillers buildup at ihe Raportc, Tex., complex production from 300 to 700 million and Owens-Illinois), "DPF. is currently of the USI Div. of National Distillers lb/yr, and glycol output from 150 to moving away from ovcrsupply. and Chemical Corp. The company, 350 million )b/yr, "This expansion "At present," says Kappas, "there is which last year increased its high- svill be ready for startup in early a slight surplus of Hdpe. However, density polyethylene (IIDPF.) capacity 1979," says plant manager Fred producers are not building up year- I to 500 million Ib/yr, Itoostcd its low- Foster. The ethylene oxide boost svill end inventories, and demand is grow density jmlyethylene (LI>Ft) capacity by 200 million Ib/yr this spring. Another ethylene-consuming addition is under way-- L'Sl will complete require 340 million lb/yr of ethylene raw material. Shell will also add flexibility to the Gulf Coast ctlqlciie distribution sys ing steadily. Consequently, in 1980 and 1981, supply and demand will be somewhat lighter than they are today." Kappas notes ihat domestic need for early nest year a \inyl nictate mono tem with a new 251-mi ethylene pipe the resin has grown at an average mer expansion.This will raise monomer line that will run from Mont Belvicu annual rate of more than 11% since rapacity from 375 million !b/yr to (just east of Houston) to Napoleon- 1971. l.ui'E "ill he in balance by COO million Ib/yr. The three expan- villc, 1-a., near Shell's petrochemical 1900, according to USI estimates. 80 cut Mil. SC IM.IM I IlINU Nut | MSI t. lilt lauiM -/ c c GUIDELINES FOR HANDLING OF SILICA DUST ii 00 i' o o o no co -u CO INTRODUCTION These guidelines *'t provided to further alert our customers to the potentially harmful health effects and the increase of risk 0* serious disease caused by the inhalation of silica dust. The developing medical and scientific evidence strongly suggests that as the amount and/or duiation of silica dust inhalation increases. the risk of serious and possibly fatal respiratory and other diseases also in creases. Even a minimal inhalation of silica dust may pose a health hatard. While C E is not in a position to agree or disagree with all the various scientific and medical studies, C-E does believe that various precautions could minimize whatever risk is associated with silica dust inhalation. These guidelines also provide information which may assist you in inplemeniing, monitoring and evaluating your own industrial hygiene and dust control programs to minimize potentially harmful personnel exposures. While C E cannot assure that these procedures will eliminate risk, they should tend to reduce the risk. CLASSIFICATION OF SILICA DUST Free silica is uncombined silicon dioxide fSiO2 I. Silicates contain silicon and oxygen combined with other elements in a more comolex molecule. With the exception of asbestos and some talcs, silicate dusts should not ordinarily cause disaolmg lung conditions such is is produced by free silica. It is uncombined or free silica that is most important in industrial dust exposure. So that an exposure can be properly evaluated, the percentage of uncombined silica must be determined by petrographic analysis, preferably by x-ray diffraction or infra-red teenniqurs. HARMFUL EFFECTS OF DUST It has been generally stated that the size of the offending dust particles is of extreme importance in determining the concentration of particles that may be suspended in the air. The sue of particles also determines the depth to which these particles penetrate into the along with the quantity that may become deposited and setained. .e particulates less than 10 microns in size are potentially the most harmful. Generally, when airborne panicles are substantially larger than 10 microns in diameter, they are not ci great concern because they are unable to penetrate into the lung wnere they could be damaging. Instead, they are removed, and collected, by the nasal passages or upper respiratory system. Also, it has been generally staled that the duration of dust inhalation is of extreme importance. Persons who for many years have continuously inhaled Irce silica dust have a great likelihood of contracting a silica related or caused disease. Those who only inter mittently inhale the dust have less risk of injury. In addition, those persons who smoke will increase the risk which otherwise exists. INSTALLATION AND TEAR-OUT ft is important to be aware that exposure to silica dust can occur during installation of products that contain free silica as well as during tear-out and repair of facilities where products containing free silica have previously been installed. Protective measures should be takers during both installation and tear-out and repair operations. SILICOSIS Inhalation of progressively excessive amounts of silica dust can produce rapidly-developing (acute) or chronic silicosis -- a disabling lung disease. Typically, the lung tissue reacts to the presence of silica panicles by forming fibrous matter around the particle. Evidence suggests that particles below one micron (one millionth of a meter) in size may be the most dangerous lince they may penetrate deeper into the lungs in high concentrations. In rapidly-developing silicosis, symptoms appear 8 to IB months after the first exposure. Chronic silicosis, the type usually encountered in industry, generally is produced 5-20 years after the chronic silica inhalation. Silicosis is generally classified in three separate stages by medical authorities. The first stage of the disease produces no disability. The affected man can carry on his work as well as ever. Frequently, ih* in dividual is not aware that anything is wrong, and the disease is revealed only by opaque nodular shadows on a chest x-ray coupled with a known exposure 10 crystalline free silica. In the second stage, respiration may be affected in tome persons but not m all by any means. Labored breathing, on heavy exertion usually is noted first, and a dry cough alto may be present. T*ie third stage can develop after the second stage even though the individual has been removed from exposure to silica dust. Howhe progress of the disease will be slower without continued dust exposure. Breathing may become severely labored. The worker -... Tr-low nomial physically ai.d is susceptible to respnatoiy diseases. Chest x-ray may show an enlarged heart as a result of the body's attempts to overro.r.e the n.-sittanee of restricted blood vessels in the lungs. Pulmonary tuberculosis and emphysema are frequent complications. .. r," to I'l'on to causing silicosis, the mnalauon of silica dust c:.n othp-w.jc weaken tftc lungs and their natural cleansing proct'.S, As a lejult. the inhalation of silica dust may LJ contribution factor leading to other respir.-ym v diseases. Medical and scientific analysis it continuing, ind the total effect of silica u\^ anon is not known. What is known sirongi^ Jicatcs that silica inhalation Is huardous to health. THRESHOLD LIMIT VALUE ITLV) 1'LV's or Threshold Limit Values of mineral dusts are time weighted average concentrations considered permissible for exposures of eight hours per day, five days per week that are published by the American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists (ACGIH) and have been promulgated as standards of OSHA. These values have been obtained from the experience of many groups in Industry and from laboratory studies on animals. They are revitwed annually and changed as necessary on the basis of experience. Copies of TLV's may be obtained by writing to: American Conference of Industrial Governmental Hygienists U.S. Public Health Service P.O. Box 1937 Cincinnati, OH 45201 For maximum safety, C-E does not recommend the inhalation of any silica dust. MEDICAL REQUIREMENTS An effective mecical control program for exposed personnel will help prevent occupational diseases. Such a program can also serve as a check on engineering controls because symptoms of exposure in a group of workers could indicate inadequate controls. Examinations should be performed by, or under the supervision of a licensed physician and should be given to all personnel prior to their assignments to areas in which airborne concentrations cf dust may exceed the permissabie exposure limits. These examinations should include as a minimum the following: 1. Medical and occupational history 2. Chest x-ray 3. Pulmonary function studies 4. Physical including body weight, height and age INDUSTRIAL HYGIENE MEASUREMENTS rsonnel dust exposures should be evaluated by dust measurements and a step-by-step analysis should be made to determine the cu..ditions under which personnel are exposed to silica material, A standard procedure using personal sampling pumps should be employed in silica cust sampling. Sampling Data Sheet =S3!5 lound in the "NIOSH* Manual of Sampling Data Sheets'1 may be used to sample respirable silica dust. ABATEMENT OF PERSONNEL EXPOSURES VENTILATION The primary means ol controlling airborne dust is through use of proper ventilation. For detailed information refer to the ACGIH publication, "Industrial Ventilation, a Manual of Fiecommended Practices". PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT Respiratory protection should be used by personnel working in dust environments where the ventilation system is inadequate or non operational. A combination of both proper ventilation and respiratory protection would lend to eliminate most risks. For details on use of respirators refer to the ANSI standard. Z88.2-19G9 "Practices for Respiratory Protection". National Imtiiuic for Occupational Safety and Health U.S. Dtpt. ot HrMh, EdociliOrt a<J WtIUrt ST0002879 c <rASBESTOS WORK INSULATOR CHECK LIST if , DESCRIPTION: LOCATION: _____ I. AREA VES MO 1. Safe Work Permit Received ---------i -- ____ _______ 2. Area Save Work Procedure Known ---------i` -- ______ ______ 3. Nearest Phone _______________ 4. Nearest Eyebath and Safety Shower ______________ 5. 'Job Site in Safe Condition 6. Is Pipe or Equipment Safe to Work On? 7. Are Corrosive Chemicals Involved? a. Can lines or equip ment be drained? 8. Is Adjacent Piping and Equipment Safe? a. Red Tags Needed? 10. Burn Hazard Present? 11. Craftsmen Lined Up With Check List? SPECIAL HAZARDS SPECIAL SAFETY PRECAUTIONS II. ASBESTOS WORK YES NO 1. Handbook for Handling i Asbestos Materials Used | II_J 2 Type of Material to be i Removed Known | izin5 Signs and/or Barricades Up to Warn Others A Has Disposal of Debris Been Arranged 5. Is Water Needed to Control Dust A Stencil on Job to Denote Materials Used 7. Have A11 Involved Personnel Been Informed 8. Other Special Safety Equipment 1. Chemical Goggles 2. Face Shield - 3. Acid Hood 4. Air Mask 5. Dust Respirator 6. Rubber Gloves 7. Rubber Boots 8. Slicker Coat 9. SIicker Pants 10. Safety Bel t 11. Hearing Protection 12. Other. Specify __ _j <--3 o o ro CO CO O ISSUED BY: Supt. _____ Foreman __ Crcwleader Craftsman Date: vgm:3-l9-81 ;ahea ;no .Work ?cr.ti1t <Locc:ived 'Area- Safe Work . Tro redure Known Phnnp ITcarast Eyebath and S'-'i'of.j Shower Job Sits in Safe Condition X;; Pipe or Equipment SaiVc to Work On? Are Corrosive Chemicals Involved? .a. Can lines or. equipment be drained? Is Adjacent Piping and Equipment Safe ..ad Tags Heeded? . Burn Hazards Present? Craftsmen Lined Up With Check List? A cial Safety Precautions , vec.1 By tm ^ YES HO w ncj i : \ ** 1 .! eulj * TZl 11 1 ! oil! on .oo on ... . - \ Date 1 II. ASBESTOS WORK. . YE 1. Handbook for Handling . ' L_ Asbestos Materials Used .. c2. Type of Material to Be Removed Knov;n v c3. Signs and/or Earricad.es Up to Warn Others .- 4. Has Disposal of Debris Been Arranged n 5- Is Water Heeded to ,c Control East *. A, 6. Stencil on Job to Denote c Materials Used 7- Have All Involved Personnel Eeen Informed 8. Other wa f i* #. , 1 Spe cial Safety. Equipment . 1. ' Chemical `Goggles 2. Face Shield . 3. Acid Hood 4. A.fr Mask..' . 5- East Respirator 6. Rubber Gloves 7. Rubber Boots *' 8. Slicker'Coat '' 9. Slicker Pants 10. Safefcy Belt '. ' ii. Hearing Protection 12. Other. .Specify- . . ' .V . . ' oo : \ CD ,W : V'po . co"' CO ' . *--' * * ' . * " en.an