Document XR9BzvjJwLwRnYBkY0p7vN4wx

.* TO AT Cones TO SUBJKCT INTER-OFFICE MEMORANDUM J. H. Walton KCG, Permanente D. R. Canham J. P. Hughes, M.D. C. Kesterman C. 0. Scilacci J. E. Varco Noise Survey and Industrial Hygiene Inspection - Gypsum Plant, Seattle k A UU V/ OBFVcc/ Mlsck a*tts: June 28-- 1971 ,a "Ffroomm A. Jr>?rommershausen ATt 2675 OB On Wednesday, June 23, an Industrial Hygiene Survey was made at the Kaiser Gypsum plant in Seattle. The results of the survey were discussed with Conway Kesterman and Tony Helt at the plant. Noise The results of the noise survey follow, along with the maximum permissible daily exposures without ear protection as defined by the Occupational Safety and Health Standards. Location & Situation Maximum Exposure dBA Hours/Day Calcining Area Near burner Second floor Board Line At roll Board Breaker Bundler Area Normal operation When board breaker operating When end saws operating _ Knife Area Normal operation Double length sheets Boiler Room Specialties Pre-expander Bagger - air compressor operating 102 92 - 96 98 - 100 114 - 116 84 100 96 86 - 89 108 - 118 84 - 88 95 88 1* , 6-3$ 2-3/4 - 2 $-\ or less Over 8 2 3$ Over 8 3/4 - $ or less Over 8 4 Over 8 From my observations of the exposure times, ear protection should be mandatory for the operator in the calcining area, operators at the roll on the board line, and at the board breaker. J. H. Walton 2 June 28, 1971 The knife area presents a noise hazard only when the accelerator rolls are operating. The exposure times of these high noise levels are short and a hazard may not exist but, since the levels are extremely high, ear protection should be readily available. The plant has "Quiet-Down" Swedish wool ear protectors on hand; however, only a few workmen were wearing the material at the time of the visit. It is essential that the workmen be advised of the hazards and that an effective ear protection program be initiated This was discussed with Conway and Tony, and instructional material left with them* Other ear protective devices which the plant may wish to add in order to give the workmen a choice are: 1. Muff - American Optical; Model 1600 2. Plug - Willson "Sound Silencer"; Models EP100 and EP100S Model EP100 is the regular size and will fit about 90% of the ears. Model EP100S is a smaller size which will probably accomodate the remainder. Audiometric tests are presently being done for all new employees This should be continued and, in addition, audiometric tests should be done annually on all employees exposed to hazardous noise levels. The Northwest Industrial Medical Clinic, which is presently doing the pre-employment examinations, will do the periodic audio metric tests for $3.50 each. Audiometric tests should always be done at the beginning of the shift, before the workmen have been exposed to the plant noise. Dust The plant does not appear to have a dust problem. Good local ventilation has been provided in the specialties department. The plant management at all levels is aware of the hazards of asbestos and the fungicide "Troysan" which contains organic mercury. Their precautionary measures appear to be adequate. The objections to the use of the American Optical dust mask were noted and substitutes discussed. The problem seems to be associated with moisture which increases the breathing resistance, although this is the first complaint that has come to my attention. Miscellaneous First aid training in the plant appeared to be adequate. Housekeeping was generally good. The assistance of Conway Kesterman and Tony Helt during the survey was appreciated.