Document gbVNewrrgg3nQ734qyezvRvGa

ABDOOO19645 (conoco) Interoffice Communication To From Date subiect A. H. Sather J. V. Uptam December 20, 1978 CHEMICAL EXPOSURE MONITORING SUMMARY -FOURTH QUARTER, 1978 AJ I Spray Metalizing For some time we have utilized a crude "flame coating" process in the main tenance shop for building up metal parts, particularly shafts and similar round objects. The process consists of metering finely divided metal powders, made for the purpose, into a flame, which contacts the metal part to be built up. Some concern developed that workers m the area might, as a result, be overly exposed to heavy metals, since no controls for limiting the air borne concentration were present On 10/4/78, eleven (11) air samples were taken, while the various powders were used The results appear in Table I and clearly show that better controls are needed. Since generation of the fumes is confined to one place in the shop, the most efficient control appears to be an adequately designed, local ventilation/exhaust system This subject is under discussion at writing. II. Compound Line I Air Sampling The final results of the high volume air samples taken on Compound Line I appear m Table II. Although one antimony result (sample 78-102) and one barium result (sample 78-116) are disturbingly high, the most significant problem appears to be lead - especially m view of the new OSHA Lead Stand ard . Ill Color Weigh Room Final analysis results of color weigh room sampling done since connection of the weigh hood to the compound ventilation system appear in Table III. As can be seen, the concentrations of heavy metals are still too high and little, if any, improvement was realized by the hood change. At writing, plans are being cast for re-vamping of the entire operation, including the ventilation equipment. IV. 1978 Lead-in-Air Measurements In anticipation of the questions to be raised as the effective date of the new OSHA Lead Standard approaches, all of the 1978 lead-m-air measurements made with the high volume technique were summarized (see Table IV). r ABDOOO19646 A. H. Sather December 20, 1978 Chemical Exposure Monitoring Summary Fourth Quarter, 1978 Page 2 A IV. 1978 Lead-in-Air Measurements (Cont.) These measurements were all area-type in nature and, although they are no substitute for the dosimetry specified m the new standard, will be helpful during the ''initial determination" that will be required. V. Tnmellitic Anhydride During bag charging of tnmellitic anhydride to a plasticizer reactor, one sample was taken. The airborne concentration was found to be 13 milligrams per cubic meter, somewhat high. More samples are needed to better define the hazard. In the meantime, operators are required to wear respiratory protection during the task, which occurs only during the occasional pro duction of TOTM VI. Carbon Black Several samples were taken of worker breathing zone air while they were charging carbon into plasticizer reactors. All results were essentially zero, with no significant danger being apparent. VII. Hydroquinone Six air samples were taken m the PVC reactor areas to define airborne concentration of hydroquinone. All results were negative Jerald V. Uptain Attachments c. Plant Manager, Department Heads DSC, EDS, DAK, JJH, ODS Jf