Document dnevkOZZg04abyMD80D6Q5z9q

GRACE Construction Products Division January 5, 1984 TO: FROM: SPBJ: R. J. Bettacchi R. A. Merther/G. T. Anderson December, 1983 Monthly Report Fireproofing Products cc: D. M. Hilton L. S. Shu A. Major Project Status Report 1. MK-5SGM Introduction Thera were no field reports of SGM product perforaance problems during December as we continue along in this "monitoring" phase. We had an excellent meeting late in December with Western Region management concerning SGM introduction in the Phoenix market in early January. Ralph Burnham Indicated that while Phoenix was mostly a MR-4 market (and therefore represented a difficult "double-jump") he was receptive to product introduction in Vegas (job schedules permitting). Plans were made to bring L. Schilling to San Francisco In early January for field training. 2. PL Fire Testing The enclosed Table B provides sn update of current PL fire test programs. After discussions with Western Region* the iaportance of our promptly addressing the ASC Pacific test was made clear. As you know at one time we actively considered not spreylng this assembly. The Region has made it dear that.this is not a viable option. We met with ASC Pacific representatives in late December to plan a strategy for their test. We discussed with them the possibility of a bonding agent or pins in order to pass.. Presented as a "short term" solution, neither concept seemed to greatly disturb them. We have also planned to meet with PL in early January to go over a test schedule and establish tast thicknesses. 0433278 -2- Over $4,000 worth of deck has been ordered froa Mac-Fab In order to construct twenty (20) fire tests at TR. This material should be available in mid January. We have been approached by Stopper's representatives concerning running a joint roof-ceiling fire test with them using their rigid phenolic foam. Some preliminary market information will be necessary prior to pursuing su^h a test. 3. SB0 Vermiculite Due to low winter demand (and therefore full silos) the Trenton introduction of SBO vermiculite has been delayed until January. 4. Vermiculite-Asbestos a. During December there was only one reported incident of Monokote and asbestos. This was regards replacement fireproofing on the Mobile County Health Department Building ans was raised by the fireproofing subcontractor who wanted to use Spraydon. We were able to hold this job to Monokote. b. As separately reported we did visit the 6SA in December to discuss their fireproofing spec which contained the clause "Ho material containing asbestos is permitted". They had reported receiving information from Cafco and Spraydon on Monokote*s "asbestos content". We gave them our now "standard" response and a brief history of the Convention Center, etc. which lead to the four teat reports. We believe they were satisfied with regards the safe use of Monokote and our conclusion that Monokote was in full compliance with this spec. We did discuss with them the possibility of revising this spec wording to ban fireproofing materials containing hazardous and toxic materials (including asbestos). We have internally suggested wording and will get back to them with our suggeatlon in January. c. Hone of the labs (Smith Emery, New York Testing or Consulting Health Service Dae.) contacted in November/December concerning their erroneous lsb reports of Monokote's asbestos content, have agreed to retract/withdrawn their reports. As discussed legal action is to be considered since tile approach of "gentle" technical persuasion has not proven effective to date. 33279 -3- 5. Research Project! We have had several meetings with Research personnel to review past fire test performance In order to establish work plans to resolve our current problems. Most other activity (L #3 quality and product uniformity studies) have been delayed because of the fire testing situation. B. Market Conditions Dodge's Construction Potential for 1984 predicts a 28Z drop in the office building floor area (1983-252 million square feet. 1984-182 million square feet). As they have been "shouting" for over a year the office building market is overbuilt. They feel that this is made even more true because of the strong O&B market in 1983 (almost even with 1982 results). They now predict a further decline in this market in 1985 to the 125-150 million square foot level. Engineering New Record reports contract awards for the O&B sector to be within 3Z of 1982 results. These reports echo the previous consents by Dodge on the strength of this market in 1983. C. Competitive Activity Cafco has started advertising (in ENR) touting themselves as the "riskfree choice for asbestos free fireproofing". Their ad does call attention to their use on the World Trade Center and Sears Tower. We believe both were sprayed with Cafco containing asbestos (pre 1972). We will check out our facts on this issue before doing anything further. D. Other Activities 1. We had an excellent session with the Regional Product Managers. My thanks to them for their time and thoughtful comments which made this meeting a success; 2. Material was produced for BS.476 testing and shipped to Hawkins for application. Also, in the export area 1984 transfer prices mere prepared for PID. 3. We have achieved 85Z of our goal on UL approval for revising the Topkrete fonula. No further work is planned. 4. Several drafts of an agenda for the AMCI Academy were prepared. This shapes up as a good session. We will verbally advise Cafco representatives not to raise the asbestos Issue during this pro gram. If they do we will have a special showing of the NYC video tape. WS should be prepared for anything from them. o ->33^80 -4- E. January Activities 1. Bulletin on primed steel. 2. Navy Fireproofing Spec - meeting on asbestos. 3. AWCI Academy - January 13-15, 1984. 4. Preparation for National Sales Meeting. R. A. Merther RAM/GTA:mg