Document bBKG7DpJ19Zg2VrDgyz6648n1

f. 54r-iu-?ftp Hous ton, Texas July 6, 1982 I SAF STUDIES, SURVEYS & REPORTS Texaco USA Eagle Point Plant Area Asbestos Sampling Mr.R. J. Fischbach Westville, New Jersey Please find attached a report of industrial hygiene sampling for asbestos fibers conducted at the Polymerization Unit and the Powerhouse, April 16-22, 1982, by Mr, J. E. Schlicht. No exposures, exceeded current regulatory or recommended standards. Recommendations concerning bagging of loose insulation and sealing exposed or broken insulation are discussed`herein. Please contact Mr. A. JD. Gillie of this office if you have any questions concerning this report. ADG/JES blhiZ/a, Signed: 0. W. RIGDON O. W. RIGDON WA-TEX 006315 WA-TEX006315 j INDUSTRIAL HYGIENE POLYMERIZATION UNIT AND POWERHOUSE AREA ASBESTOS SAMPLING EAGLE POINT PLANT APRIL 16-22, 1982 .Report by: A. D. Gillie Associate Industrial Hygienist RESD J. E. Schlicht Industrial Hygiene Technician Texaco USA Survey by: J. E. Schlicht Industrial Hygiene Technician Texaco USA R. A. Novak Safety Inspector Texaco USA I. I SUMMARY Area sampling was performed to characterize airborne asbestos fiber concentrations at the polymerization unit and the powerhouse. The locations were selected for sampling based upon the deteriorated condition of insulation in these areas'. The monitoring results show that no airborne levels exceeded current regulatory or recommended standards. Recommendations are discussed herein. XX* RESULTS AND DISCUSSION Area monitoring for asbestos fibers was conducted downwind of broken or exposed insulation in the polymerization unit and the powerhouse to determine areas of potential asbestos exposure- The results are listed in the attached Table I- The eight-hour time weighted average (TWA) determinations were performed using calibrated Bendix Super Sampler Pumps and mixed cellulose ester filter cassettes- Subsequent analysis WA-TEX 006316 WA-TEX006316 -2- was performed by NATLSCO's Environmental Sciences Laboratory, which is an accredited analytical facility. Seven of the eight determinations for airborne asbestos showed concentrations less than or equal to 0.01 fibers per cubic centimeter (f/cc). The eighth determination, collected at a stairway landing, showed an airborne asbestos concentration of 0.17 f/cc which may be due to the loose insulation and gusting winds in the vicinity of the collection device. The OSHA eight-hour TWA permissible exposure limit for airborne asbestos is 2 fibers per cubic centimeter (f/cc). Employes spend very little time in those areas; therefore, it appears that there is little potential for exposure. However, if loose insulation on piping or on the ground is disturbed and thereby dispersed into the atmosphere, employes' potential asbestos exposure may increase. III. RECOMMENDATIONS 1) Although the above sampling determinations do not indicate potential asbestos fiber exposures to employes, the loose asbestos insulation may become airborne if disturbed. Therefore, loose or broken insulation should be sealed with cement and/or metal jacketing, and insulation that has fallen to j / the ground should be removed to prevent employe / asbestos exposure. A vacuum can be employed to clean areas in order to prevent dispersion of asbestos fibers, and the debris should be placed in plastic bags displaying the appropriate warning labels. Employes performing the sealing or cleanup / operations should wear appropriate personal protective equipment, such as the 3-M 8710 disposable respirator, and coveralls to prevent asbestos exposure. Furthermore, insulation should be wetted before removal to reduce the generation of loose fibers. 2) Enclosed are extra copies of the monitoring results that may be posted in the polymerization unit and powerhouse to notify employes of airborne asbestos concentrations. WA-TEX 006317 WA-TEX006317 WA-TEX006318