Document dn9RZ52G38NVXMav1ZyxEa2ye

1N7.1 AT&T Ju:.e 17, 1974 Mr. G. M. Wilke rung, Head Environmental Safety and Health Department Bell Telephone Laboratories 600 Mountain Avenue Murray Hill, New Jersey 07974 American Telephone and Teleoraph Company 195 Broadway New York, N. Y. 10007 Phone(212)393-9000 Dear George: The Bell System Practices section covering the placement of fiber-cement (transite) conduit is due for revision. Since the material contains some asbestos, we would like to determine the appropriate precautions, if any, that should be followed when cutting the duct during work operations as per 0SHA 'standard on exposure to asbestos fiber. In order for us to determine if any precautions are necessary, we would appreciate your initiating a program to determine: 1. The level of airborne asbestos fibers that employees could be . exposed to when the duct is cut with a regular saw while it is dry; 2. if the level of asbestos is high in (1) above, (a) does wetting the duct significantly reduce this level? (b) what is the level of exposure when the duct is cut with a circular device like a pipe cutter? It is important tliat these tests be conducted in an open atmosphere, closely resembling the actual working environment. Mr. R. Callahan, who can be reached on 212-393-4753, will be glad to answer any questions you may have on this request. Very truly yours, Plant ce: C. Harmon - Practice Writer - Winctc lem Dr. R, W. Stone - Medical Director - .u&T G. R. CrLnp - Assistant Engineering Manager - AT&T 003662 Sarvle* Common Installation Engineering p 3pN t Western Electric 3800 Golf Hoad Rolling Meadows, lit. 60008 312 956-2000 JUN 05 1973 MR. W. PFERD, Head Telephone Buildings Planning Department Whippany Re: Transite Cable Hole Covers File: I.E. 30 This Ls in reference to a phone conversation on May 10, 1973 be tween Mr. C. Bendersky of your organization and Mr. A. Skirpstunas of CIE, concerning airborne concentrations of asbestos fibers in Central Offices generated from cutting of transite cable hole covers. In order to minimize any adverse affects upon the Installer when working with asbestos, installation practices require that the In staller handling asbestos, mineral wool or rock wool wear plastic safety goggles, leather palmed canvas gloves and a respirator to protect the nose and mouth. The airborne concentration in a Central Office of asbestos fibers generated from the transite cutting process is presently unknown. However, we have been advised that we may be in violation of 0SHA, when working with transite cable hole covers in new Central Offices or on additions. We have requested Western Electric Headquarters to clarify the cor porate stand in regard to a periodic physical examination for persons being exposed to airborne asbestos particles. We have also requested them to assist us in evaluating what the airborne asbestos particle concentration level is while the Installer cuts asbestos. In view of the fact that your organization is actively engaged in testing and evaluation of the present cable hole concept, we feel that this condition has an impact on your studies and requires im mediate attention. CONFIDENTIAL 003665_ f TransIte Cable Hole Cover Plates - Case 20233-3 ^ C Bell Laboratories Whippany Road Whippany, New Jersey 07981 Phone (201)386-3000 MAR 2 1 RECD March 18, 1974 Mr. J. Glowacki Assistant Manager Common Installation Engineering and Services WE - Rolling Meadows - . i` . ' Re: Letter of June 5i 1973* concerning use of transits cable hole covers . The health problems associated with the generation of asbestos particles in the field use of transite cable hole cover plates are fully understood by the Buildings and Power Laboratory. My department has completed a test program evaluating the fire resistance of cable holes packed v.ith KS-5048 bags and Is near ing completion of a similar evaluation program on the cable hole closure filled to 25 percent by volume with communication cable. A report is currently being issued on the first program, and the report on the second group of tests will be issued shortly thereafter. Based on the results from these two programs, it is our opinion that a steel cover plate, comparable to the present ceiling plate, should be used as an Interim measure to replace the transite cover plate. It should be cut and handled identically to the ceiling plate. Several alternative materials are being considered for possible future use but will require test evaluation to determine their compatibility with closure design requirements. We shall keep you informed as to progress in this area. W. Pf^rd Head Telephone Building Planning Department Copy to Messrs. R. J. Rinnor-y - AT&T - 195 Broadway CONFIDENTIAL 003664