Document YrMQgqNbBXDL1J3GoaqQLaRmk

\jfe Shell Oil Company Interoffice Memorandum NOVEMBER 13, 1979 Ci-fi.z 6csr- Ufi&r* 48-72-79 FROM: CAROLYN F. PHILLIPS, STAFF INDUSTRIAL HYGIENIST, HS&E/S&IH - EASTERN REGION TO: MR. V. A. HARRIS, SAFETY AND ENVIRONMENTAL CONSERVATION MANAGER, COASTAL DIVISION, SOUTHERN E&P REGION SUBJECT: ASBESTOS - WEST LAKE VERRET PRODUCTION FACILITY During a benzene monitoring project at the West Lake Production Facility, a Mechanic expressed-concern over hazards from the use of an asbestos like material being used -to pack compressor mufflers. A bulk sample of the packing material (John Crane-Company) was sent to Westhollow Research Center (WRC) for analysis. It contains 80 percent asbestos, probably chrysotile, and a clay or mica filler (Attachment A).' During compressor operation, a black soot is emitted from the mufflers probably due to deterioration of the packing. A bulk sample of this blackened material was also sent for analysis. It contains <5 percent fibers including ncnasbestcs- fibers (asbestos <1-2 percent) and some graphite, carbon and organic material (Attachment B). This preliminary evaluation via bulk sampling indicates a potential release of asbestos into the work area. To prevent employee exposure to asbestos a nonasbestos packing should be substituted. If this cannot be accomplished we will need to follow the provision of the OSHA asbestos regulations (1910.1001) (Attachment C) which includes initial monitoring and the potential for regular monitoring, caution signs and medical surveillance. If a packing material change is not feasible, let us know and we will arrange for the initial asbestos monitoring. We also recommend evalua tion of other locations using muffler packing materials. If we can be of assistance in further evaluation, let me know. CFP:BWD Attachments Mr. H. J. McDermott, HS&E/S&IH, Head Office (w/o'^attachments) .-yy-i-y -trr'nTt:n it: LAWl 023515 ABS-002586 N 0 ; 3. 'i ' 1 ''ft; PROJECT TITLE: /? /; /.--P?r S UB J E ( FILE / /c LOCATION: ^_____________ ;___________________________________________________ CONTACTS: (LEAD) ______________ALLOCATION : P* 7t Cl- ORIGIN! HS&E_j^REQ.____ ESTIMATED COMPLETION DATE; / DATE: OPEN - REMARKS: 7// r/// ---C-------- --------4-----r-r--v--<--<------^--e--r--r-0---- ASR:"7 toilA- '7Z> PA&Ttr^-T I1f-l-^--F---tP/ri'hlsZ- '77?^;a !/ `70 P r /C CrrO Op*, 6pA<j -r?;^\ t <& s/in')i\,/?!') P+'/l. ffr^/ci -- ,5 r<D T /v C-Pp/EvTfr 'PPfeS'c-^TTrfO T79 pTrCL_ . lam 023516 --------------- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- ABS-002587