Document Zn22G25y7EBDeQnNjj0QNomnZ

S. P. Smith ca 32nd floor :s3 New York ia H. L. Robinson, S. Char. P. 0. BOX K. KING CITY, CALIFORNIA 93930 uah March 21, 1969 CrtstpolLiy Dt?l Aa.ivlzj ItUtr dot* ScS'oir Major Hazards Recognized major hazards at the King City location are as follows; 1. Breathing Asbestos Dust 2. Operation of Fork Trucks 3. Operation of Motor Vehicles A. Propane Fuel System 1. All employees are exposed in varying degrees to asbestos dust - which if breathed in sufficient quantities for long enough may result in Asbestosis, Mesothelioma, and Lung Cancer. Dr. Welsh stated that there is a synergistic effect on the probability of Lung Cancer, when a person who smokes also breathes asbestos dust. Each employee has been given the information cited above. Two or three quite smoking, but over half t^ie employees continue to smoke. The "Dry Area" (dust producing) of the plant is isolated by a wall, dry dust collection is in use, and a wet dust collection system is being installed. Bureau of Mines - approved dust masks are mandatory for personnel working in the dry area. Dust concentration in the yard and other non-dusty areas has been monitored periodically since the plant start up and has been at or below the present acceptable level of 5nan particles per cubic foot. The new maximum permissible concentration of asbestos dust, however, is at a level of 2mmpcf;compliance will be difficult. On most days, the air outside the plant will be 2-3 nsnpcf due to wind-borne soil, not asbestos. 2. Fork lift operation continues as a hazardous operation "because (a) driver's view is partially blocked, (b) operating the equipment on unsurfaced storage areas, (c) possibility of steering or brake failure while operating on loading docks, (d) using a low floor boxcar (in relation to the dock). Loading the last two pallets on the top tier in the railcar doorway puts the load A8" high with the truck aimed down-ramp. The center of gravity falls outside the wheelbase and lifts the rear of the fork lift. -2 (a) Mirrors are installed at various spots for better visibility (b) Keeping the storage area ground smoothed helps some, but slow speeds and caution are still required. (c) Removable 6X6 timbers are installed on the edges of all loading docks to help prevent fork trucks from running off. They are probably of some value for a truck moving lengthwise of the dock, but we know they will not stop a truck if it hits them at right angles. 3. At present, the public highway fronting the plant is two-lanes. We have experienced an accident with a company vehicle which resulted in two lost time injuries. The other vehicle attempted to pass with insufficient room and collided with our pickup. (a) State highway construction is underway to make the present road a local access road to a new 4-lane limited access freeway. This should reduce the number of incidents of improper passing and of vehicles passing employees attempting to turn left into the plant entrance. (b) All company cars and pickups are equipped with combination lap and shoulder belts in the front seat, so constructed that both must be used together. A. We have a 10,000 gallon propane storage tank which fulfills the state require ment that a standby fuel source be provided. Propane is used for fuel in some of our plant vehicles. A ruptured tank or line could lead to a serious explo sion and fire. (a) A concrete wall and guardrails prevent vehicles from running into the tank or piping. (b) Excess flow shutoff valves are installed on all liquid lines leading out of the tank. (c) The Installation complies with all applicable codes. Wo dangerous or reactive chemicals are used at this location. Other than earthquakes, natural hazards are minimal at King City. There is no adjacent manufacturing. The only major hazard listed which might benefit by further study is the Asbestos Dust problem. Mr. McDaniel has worked closely with us for 6 years and we propose that the study be conducted by local personnel with Mr. McDaniel's assistance. About one-fourth nan-year is estimated. Yours very truly. J. A. Riddle JAR/clg