Document eroGm7q0odZ1emek0Do3QJ5y

50983 / ____________________ V- PLAINTIFF'S EXHIBIT DOW CHEMICAL U.S.A. DOW-795 0 ** \ On_____________________ TEXAS DIVISION FREEPORT, TEXAS 77541 ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH REPORT AIRBORNE ASBESTOS SURVEY B-1020 (REMOVAL OF ASBESTOS TANK COVERING) file no--BIO-322 purr March 22, 1974 author H. N. Edwards r-HFrxFn ^ )! y/*7/T4 Summary A survey for airborne asbestos was made in the B-1020 area during the removal of coverings from two tanks. Results indicate that levels were below the Threshold Limit Values (TLV) based on a time-weighted average (TWA) established by the Occupational Safety and Health Act (OSHA). c/> CD CD cn 10 Distribution _P.- B. Jacobsen B-3501 * C. L. Sercu- Cleveland J. E. Capps B-1022. * R. G. Vaughn - Plaquemine *W. H. Fletcher B-101 kFile (2) R. E. Flake B-101 H. R. Hoyle 1707 Bldg.-Midland *F. D. Axe - Pittsburg *C. E. Caldwell - OCD *R. R. Langner - 607 Bldg.-Midland AN OPERATING UNIT COF THE OOW CHEMICAL COMPANY ST00I5I2O File No. BIO-322 -3- METHODOLOGY (continued) This was the entire work time required for removal and clean-up. All analyses were done by Lee Martin B-1218. RESULTS Table I shows the levels obtained for each hour at each location sampled. The time-weighted average (TWA) is also shown. Although there were times when the concentration exceeded 5 fibers per cubic centimeter, none of the areas exceed the TLV based on the TWA. DISCUSSION Some of these high concentrations could have been avoided had the entire area been wetted before any work began. The outer layer could have been removed wet, placed in bags and then lowered to ground level. Another possible help would be to cover the second level grating around the removal area. This would keep the loose material from falling through the grating to the ground level. CONCLUSIONS Airborne asbestos levels during this operation did not exceed OSHA requirements based on the TWA of 8 hours. Even though these levels were within the limits, it is noted that proper protective clothing was worn. RECOMMENDATIONS Even though the concentrations of asbestos measured were below the TLV, care should always be used in handling the material. Attached is a list of OSHA requirements that may be of help to you. EHS HNE/bbs 3-22-74 1 ASBESTOS FIBERS GREATER THAN 5 MICROMETERS CO '-O rH ... oo o os V o aWs Wa g <-( OO vt o O. 1-t o fOwtS. ST00I5I2I 08*0 98*1 08*0 CO r-4 -(N LOCATION ooo MVV 1 aas* rTM4 3 1ST HOUR 2ND HOUR 4 .3 8 .4 0 .2 LUNCH HOUR 4TH HOUR 1 .9 4 .1 5 .6 TWA 1 OSHA REQUIREMENTS FOR HANDLING AIRBORNE ASBESTOS 2 10. Asbestos waste and scrap shall be collected and disposed of In sealed bags or other containers. 11. All clean up of asbestos dust shall be performed by vacuum cleaners or wet cleaning method. No dry sweeping shall be performed. ST00I5I22 EHS HNE/bbs 3-12-74