Document ZB31XjQgz55awzmxeOgZg1Z2O

D.N.CO. C 1/ * Syn INTER-OFFICE MEMORANDUM TO J. H. Walton AT 1586 KB conn to George James, Santa Ana D. R. Canhatn 1 G. B. Kirk_____ date March 29/7^74 from A. J. Tx'ommershausen at 2675 OB subject Asbestos Sampling On March 14, 1974, air samples were taken at the Santa Ana plant, using personal air samplers, to determine the airborne concentrations of asbestos during the bag dumping operation. Samples were taken during the complete cycle of about 25 minutes. However, these sample were so heavily contaminated with whiting that it was suspected (and later confirmed) that the asbestos fibers could not be counted accurately. On the following day (March 14) samples were taken for four minutes, which was the actual time the asbestos was being dumped and the bag folded and placed in a plastic container. The results of the two samples taken (14.4 and 15.1 fibers/cc) calculated to a time weighted average of 2.3 and 2.4 fibers/cc. These values were higher than expected in view of the new venti lation system. The hoods would be more effective if the ducts were placed at the back rather than at the top. With the top location, dust is drawn upward past the workers' faces; if at the back, the ducts would draw the dust directly away. George James is going to install canvas at the upper portion of the hood,which will increase the efficiency of the hood somewhat, as this will increase the face velocity of the air entering the open portion. It might also be helpful if the air were turned off at a few of the hoods which are not being used. Recommendations - which were discussed with George and are underway or completed - are: 1. Obtain an asbestos warning sign. (I believe you have handled this.) 2. Purchase lockers. 3. Provide coveralls. 4. Fold up empty asbestos bags inside the hoods, and carefully and slowly place them in the plastic container. 5. Pursue the idea of obtaining various sizes of bags of asbestos to eliminate the use of split bags. KG-0026 * J. H. Walton 2 March 29, 1974 It now appears that the workers should have annual physical examinations of the asbestos type. George is going to send me information on an Industrial Clinic nearby, and I will make the arrangements with George and this clinic if appropriate. For the record, the workmen handling asbestos during the sampling were: Mario M. Villasenor and Antonio C. Angulo. The health hazards of asbestos inhalation were explained to these men, and the reasons were given for the safe handling procedures. gb