Document bO9jQYV1DZwNnGzyxNYn97O93

FILE NAME: ALCOA (ALC) DATE: 1983 June 15 DOC#: ALC021 * life DOCUMENT DESCRIPTION: Memo * E. E. RUMBERGER PITTSBURGH OFFICE TO 1983 June 15 RE: ASBESTOS EXPOSURE AND POTENTIAL HEALTH HAZARD Ref: I.H. Technical Bulletin No. 83-3 (Attached)__________________ The need for greater control over potential exposures to asbestos is becoming more apparent. The attached Technical Bulletin, prepared by Joan Sander, outlines Alcoa's new policy on exposure levels and industrial hygiene precautions, and reiterates the Medical Department's program for medical surveillance. Specific requirements are triggered by the Action Level, defined as 0.1 fiber/cc, and the new Alcoa Permissible Limit of 0.5 fibers/cc. At these relatively low concentration levels, the analytical method (PfiCAM 239-asbestos fiber count) lacks a high level of precision due to inherent inaccuracies associated with the method. Therefore, a sampling strategy based on several samples should provide a characterization of job tasks, rather than basing decisions on a single sample. Likewise, professional judgment is advised for interpretation of results. Please call upon the Corporate Industrial Hygiene staff for assistance in this area. Due to the serious health concerns associated with asbestos exposures, all potential exposures to asbestos fibers must be eliminated or controlled to the Alcoa Permissible Limit. Employee training, medical surveillance, routine air monitoring, and personal protective equipment are essential elements of such a control program. Please let us know if we can provide assistance with any aspect of asbestos replacement or control. E. E. RUMBERGER EER/eds Attachment Distribution: I.H. Mailing List - I.H. Plant Contacts Industrial Hygienists - International I.H. Division - Pittsburgh & ATC I.H. Technicians Pittsburgh & ATC - General ALCOA PLAINTIFF'S EXHIBIT frie_ ARCH 010792