Document bBRKYn5z1XKXydx7RBDOagRko

FILE NAME: Asbestos Textile Product Use (ATPU) DATE: 1983 Dec 1 DOC#: ATPU019 DOCUMENT DESCRIPTION: Letter to Grace Ziem, Johns Hopkins, from US Steel Corp. RE Asbestos Substitutes for Molten Metal Exposure WILLIAM D. MILLER DIRECTOR-- SAFETY AND ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH U n ited C orporation 600 GRAN r SIREET PITTSBURGH. PENNSYLVANIA 16230 December 1, 1983 Dr. Grace Ziem Johns Hopkins University School of Public Health 615 W. Wolfe Street Baltimore, Maryland 21205 Dear Dr. Ziem: This is to confirm our telephone conversation of November 29, 1983 concerning asbestos substitutes for molten metal exposure. Approximately five years ago, we began working with various vendors to identify fabrics which, when aluminized, would provide acceptable protection in hot metal exposure applications. Comfort and durability criteria were also considered during our evaluation of available substitute fabrics. As a result of our studies, the following were approved for use in United States Steel facilities (samples enclosed). 1. 19 Oz. Aluminized PFR Rayon (Herringbone or Basket Weave) The rayon requires a permanent flame retardant treatment and is achieved while spinning the fiber being processed into yarn. It is then woven into a fabric and aluminized. 2. Norfab 400 Primarily made from high heat resistant Fiberglass and Aramid fibers such as Kevlar. Fiberglass is used as a core which provides high strength and the necessary insulation characteristics and stability at elevated temperatures. The Kevlar wrapper provides comfort, wear characteristics, and high heat resistance. 2 3. Norfab 900 This is a yarn which provides a unique combination of flame and high heat resistant non-melting stabilized semi-carbon fibers (Preox and Kevlar). It is durable, flexible and incorporates a high degree of abrasion resistance. 4. Aluminized Whipcord The whipcord fabric is 100% - 12 oz. cotton which has been subjected to an ammonia-cured, flame retardant treatment. The fabric then receives a double layer of aluminum film, laminated on each side of a high temperature film, which is then laminated to the whip cord with a heat stable adhesive. 4 Our suppliers for the garments manufactured of the above described materials are: A-Best Products Company 3865 West 150th Street Cleveland, Ohio 44111 Rubin Brothers, Inc. 2241 S. Halsted Street Chicago, Illinois 60608 Sager Glove Corporation 4030 N. Nashville Avenue Chicago, Illinois 60634 As existing asbestos protective garments are depleted, they are being replaced by non-asbestos bearing fabrics, as indicated above. By directive from our Safety and Environ mental Health group, no United States Steel Corporation location may now order any protective garment (coats, jackets, pants, aprons, spats, leggings, gloves, hoods, etc.) containing asbestos. I hope this information will prove useful to you. If we can be of further assistance, do not hesitate to call. WDM/js enclosures