Document YDO1YbxbYjkvZwodX0rOoQ9j8

FILE NAME: Ford (FD) DATE: 1983 July 18 DOC#: FD194 DOCUMENT DESCRIPTION: Memo - Utilization of Contractors to Effect the Removal of Asbestos Associated with Renovation or Demolition ' nlr Office Transmission and Chassis Division General OHice July 18, 1983 To: cc: Subject: Engineering Managers Industrial Relations Managers Safety Engineers Plant Physicians Plant Managers Mr. P. G. Gross Mr. M. B. Leyda Mr. E. M. Nelson Mr. J. M. Poe Mr. R. S. Pomarolli Mr. R. L. Smith ` Utilization of Contractors to Effect the Removal of Asbestos Associated with Renovation or Demolition Whether the health risks associated with friable asbestos be real or Per^eived, no fabrication or construction material has the employe health hazard awareness as does asbestos. In recognition of the possible health risks and in to public concern, the various regulatory agencies, i.e., OSHA, have placed very severe restrictions on work practices associated with intrusion into asbestos bearing materials. It makes little difference whether or not you accept the premise that one significant exposure is sufficient to start the incubation of disease or believe that the event is more directly associated with individual susceptibility, we Jo know that the health'conmunity unquestionably accepts linkage between the of asbestos fibers and such lung disorders as asbestosis (pneumoconiosis) ana mesothelioma (tumor). Two recent T&C asbestos work situations demonstrated to_our satisfaction that * * are not equipped physically or emotionally to perform significant ^ "tos intrusion on an occasional basis. The cost and/or inconvenience h the utilization of specialized contractor is more than justif e J f nation of apparent employe health risks. According^, it shall be TJC Division's safety policy to utilize a contractor to effect the asbestos associatd with rennovation or demolition. CfNl 0674 - 2The policy envisions the exercise of local judgment on a task to task basis for example: It would not be practical to assume a contractor will be utilized to perform such tasks as removing the asbestos from a valve bonnet to effect an emergency gasket repair. All such decision should be based upon the understanding that all material suspected as containing asbestos shall be treated as it if were asbestos until proven otherwise. All asbestos removal shall be performed in accordance with the attached industrial hygiene instructions. Medical sur veillance and record keeping on an employe work life basis is required. Continue to search for and discontinue the use of any maintenance or construc tion materials containing friable asbestos. Included with this communication is a copy of seminar hand-out entitled "Asbestos Removal" prepared by the American Association of General Contractors in conjunction with the Michigan Department of Health. Although it is slanted towards the utilization of contractors, even a casual review provides a good understanding of the scope of the problem, the health risks and the detail o the control required in the planning and conduct of asbestos removal. R. D. Byrom Attachments EI47-99-1 CflNl 0675