Document bar2gyjrpnoJybjZMzX7xgykZ

50983 DOW CHEMICAL U.S.A. TEXAS DIVISION FREEPORT, TEXAS 7754 X ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH REPORT ASBESTOS SURVEY GLYCERINE I B-1900 file no. B19-1373 ntrc March 31, 1978 AUTHOR__R*__L. Colwell CHECKED DATE MX Summary Measurements were made at the Glycerine Finishing Plant B-1900 for airborne asbestos during a stripping operation. Maximum personnel exposure was .1 fibers/cc TWA. By fully complying with Dow's asbestos handling procedure, insulators were not overexposed to asbestos. The Glycerine Plant and Insulation Department should continue strict compliance with Dow's asbestos handling procedure to maintain minimum personnel exposure during stripping operations. CO --( o o (j-j -- co bbs Distribution L. D. Bacica B-6802 D. M. Bertelsman B-2615 C. P. Crocker B-1903 J. K. Grant B-1903 C. D. Hall B-108 C. A. Robinson B-1903 R. C. Walker B-108 File (2) R. R. Langner 1803 Midland Marlene SWank 1803 Midland Donna J. Roberts 2020 Midland * F. D. Axe - Pittsburg * C. E. Halphen - Plaquemine * J. B. Kaye - Strongsville * Neil Murray - Sarnia * R. D. Olson 607 Midland * C. H. VanMetre - OCD AN OPERATING UNIT OF THE DOW CHEMICAL COMPANY File 319-1373 -1 -2- March 31, 1978 ST00I5I38 INTRODUCTION An asbestos survey was made at Glycerine 1 to determine personnel exposure and area concentrations during stripping operations. STRIPPING PROCEDURE The area for asbestos stripping was roped off and signs posted for warning purposes. Insulators wore protective masks and disposable coveralls. The asbestos was soaked with water prior to stripping. SCOPE OF SURVEY Insulator personnel were monitored for asbestos exposure. Area samples were taken for baseline and downwind concentrations of asbestos. ANALYTICAL METHODOLOGY Millipore Aerosol Field Monitors were used to collect the asbestos fibers. Air samples were drawn thru the filters with both Bendix C-115 and Micronair II Permissible Air Sampling Pumps. Pumps were calibrated to draw from 1.5 to 2.0 1/min. The filters were analyzed by Central Lab using phase contrast microscopy. DISCUSSION The OSHA standard for asbestos exposure was 2 fibers/cc - 5 ju in length for a time weighted average (TWA) of 8 hours. As can be seen by Table 1, asbestos levels were low with personnel exposure of .1 fibers/cc TWA. Area monitors showed < .1 fibers/cc during asbestos stripping. Since insulators wore masks and disposable coveralls, exposure was probably less than .1 fibers/cc TWA. CONCLUSIONS By fully complying with asbestos handling procedures, insulator personnel were not overexposed to asbestos nor was the area filled with asbestos dust to potentially expose other employees. RECOMMENDATIONS The Glycerine Plant and Insulation Department should continue strict compliance with Dow's asbestos handling procedure to minimize personnel exposure. EHS RLC/bbs 3-31-78 TABLE I AREA ASBESTOS LEVELS STOO15 139 t/n/62 Ut l/Zo/7f X o 3U> Xx POINT NO LOCATION 1 Second floor of structure upwind 2 30' downwind of structure breathing zone height 3 20' upwind of structure 4' off ground 4 Structure downwind 41 off ground 5 30' downwind of structure 4' off ground *********** PERSONNEL JOB CLASSIFICATION Perales, G. Perales, G. Contractor Contractor FIBERS/CC -5 p. (LENGTH) < .1 < .1 < .1 < .1 < .1 DATE 1/17/78 1/20/78 JIBERS/CC -5ju (LENGTH) < .1 .1