Document gaEkvvJLVvjZOy1GkNR5bmz9Q

COPY FOR: MIL--HARRIS The Pacific Telephone and Telegraph Company 140 NEW MONTGOMERY STREET SAN FRANCISCO, CALIFORNIA >4105 C\ ^JR.. M O.CLYDE C. OREEN_ V, AREA CODE 415 MVRMt 542-4** ENERAl. it'ttUCTOfl February 7, 1974 William Mayer, M.D. Director of State Health 714 P Street, Room 1253 Sacramento, California 95814 Dear Dr. Mayer: We are concerned with a recent development in the Los Angeles area which we suspect may affect the safety and health of our employees, a* well as many others. Before we proceed further, it appears prudent for us to bring the matter to your attention. Century City, Inc. (Alcoa Corporation) has under construction two 45-story buildings, located at Century City in Los Angeles, in which space will be leased to various tenents. The contra-tor has obtained a variance (copy attached) permitting telephone cables to be laid within the return air plenum spaces. At present, the only cabie which will meet the condition of the variance is Vinyl Asbestos Smokeless (VAS) cable manufactured by the Continental Cable Company, an Anaconda subsidiary. We estimate it will require approximately 500, 000 feet of this cabie to provide both buildings with adequate telephone service. Our employees will be pulling multi-diameter cables through and over various obstructions which will subject the vinyl impregnated asbestos sheath to considerable friction. When the cables are in position, the sheath will be stripped back to permit the termination of the internal conductors. The termination of these conductors will take place in many locations throughout the buildings, including office spaces. Subsequent rearrangements after building occupancy will require similar work operations on a continuing basis. We are aware of the state and federal controls regardir g the maximum exposure of employees to asbestos fibers and have approached be th the Div.sion of Industrial Safety ar.d members of your organization in an effort to evaluate present ar.d long-rar.ge potential hazards. As a result cf these inquiries, we have come to believe that a decision, at your level may be ac-.-.sable in view of the sweeping implications this case confidfntal 00363 rn February 7, 1974 Page 2 suggests. If the Alcoa facility is permitted the use of asbestos cable, we foresee its widespread use in place of conventional protective conduit. Specifically, we are asking if the Department of Health will sanctioi the use of Vinyl Asbestos Smokeless cable in return air plenums and at all other locations throughout California buildings. Your early decision will be very much appreciated in view of the expected June 1974 completion date projected by the Alcoa Corporation. Sincerely Attachment cc: Mr. H. A. Gerrish Mr. W. Woods Mr. D. R. Pollard Mr. L. N. Hedberg Mr. L. P. Cornell, Jr. V4 00363*