Document XRQadE3OKyd6q2R70raKvNQ0x

PLAINTIFF'S EXHIBIT *! DOW CHEMICAL U.S.A. LOCATION - CHLOR-AlKAt.T.JifiOl BlITT.nTin LOUISIANA DIVISION PLAQUEMINE. LOUISIANA 707S4 BOA 887-4321 ASBESTOS SURVEY CHLOR-ALKALI II FILE NO. 107-78-7 DATE February 24. 1975 AUTHOR Dannie Kennedy CHECKED__ rharli'p Walphon DATE February 22. 1975 SUMMARY Monitored operator exposure to asbestos while making rounds and pulping cells. The results were all well below the OSHA Standard of 5 fibers per cubic centimeter greater than 5 microns in length and Dow's goal of 2 fibers per cubic centimeter. The two samples recorded while making the rounds were.07 and .01 fibers per cc greater than 5 microns in length. The two samples collected while pulping cells registered .06 and .40 fibers per cubic centimeter. The operators must be informed of the monitoring, results and the hazards involved in handling asbestos. The need for wearing and maintaining proper respiratory equipment must be reemphasized. The importance of safe work procedures and continued good housekeeping should also be recognized. DISTRIBUTION J. W. Bristol e. W. Daigre E. D. Campbell E. P. Edwards P. C. Robert L. G. Witty T. C. Howard B. 2304 B.' 2501 B. 2601 B. 3701 B. 3601 B. 3601 B. 3601 H. R. Hoyle - 1707 Bldg. - Midland F. D. Axe - Pittsburg C. E. Caldwell - 0CD R. R. Langner - 607 Bldg . - Midland C. L. Sercu - Cleveland R. L. Daniel - 3. 101 - Freeport File (2) AN OPERATING UNIT OF THE DOW CHEMICAL COMPANY CO CD CO CO CO FILE NO. 107-28-2 2- - INTRODUCTION Made required six month asbestos survey to update status of asbestos levels in the block. METHODOLOGY Caught four samples using the Bendix pump (Model C-115) and the millipone filter mounted in an open face filter holder. The sampler was attached to the operators lapel so that the area sampled would be in the breathing zone of the operator. Two samples were caught as the operators were making their routine rounds through the plant (These two samples were of thirty-five and eighty-five minutes duration.) The other two samples were collected while the operators were pulping cells. (To pulp a cell the operators make up an asbestos-water slurry and pour it into the cells to plug leaks.) These samples were of eighty and forty minutes duration. RESULTS The two samples monitoring the operators making their rounds measured .07 and .01 fibers per cubic centimeter greater than 5 microns in length. The two samples which monitored the operators pulping cells measured .06 and .40 fibers per cubic centimeter. GO --' GZ) CONCLUSIONS These levels of asbestos remain well within the 0SHA time weighted average of 5 fibers per cubic centimeter greater than 5 microns in length and Dow's goal of 2 fibers per cubic centimeter. Sampling will continue on a six month basis. ..-.J RECOMMENDATIONS Since the operators must handle dry asbestos to form the pulping slurry there are several precautions that must be followed. The operators are required to wear the MSA Comfo Respirator (type 3M 2301) with the asbestos dust cover (type BM 2301), rubber gloves and paper suits. The asbestos should always be handled wet (the sack should be wet down even before cutting open). Practice good handling techniques to avoid spilling, asbestos. All efforts should be made to prevent asbestos from becoming airborne when handling. Wet asbestos on tools and clothing should not be allowed to dry and eventually become airborne. After the job is completed asbestos waste and empty asbestos sacks should be sealed and labeled in impermeable bags and containers. The asbestos should never be blown or shook off the contaminated suits. It should be vacuumed and placed in the proper designated containers. Always wash hands after handling asbestos and never carry cigarettes or candy in pockets while working with asbestos. The last point is to always be on the alert for problem areas, report them to supervision and have the area monitored if it is suspect.