Document gba6oVYYyeL8o23RwLBEyLMXJ

ing the nedical unction .pirator that of eparate certain of a that the s to the o areas sbestosos fiber tion, or nedical tions of d exams will be ire that: selected es or the NIOSH1; aster or ed from : wetted, asbestos ored. or missions duct: (4) in excess of the limits must be provided with local exhaust ventilation systems; (5) external work surfaces must be kept free of excessive accumulations of asbestos fiber; (6) waste must be collected in sealed impermeable bags or other closed, impermeable containers. The Asbestos Industry's Commitment The asbestos industry is firmly committed to the protection of its employees from health problems related to asbestos dust. This commitment is evidenced by three major factors: (1) Past and Present Research. The industry has spent millions of dollars to improve mining, milling and manufacturing methods during the past 30 years. Accompanying these advances have been increasingly safer working conditions in mines, factories and at job locations. This work continues unabated. The asbestos industry is working openly and enthusiastically with the Federal government and with independent medical researchers. (2) Cooperation in Setting Work-Safety Standards. The asbestos industry has participated without reserve on government committees, investigative panels and at public hearings to review and improve work-safety regulations and asbestos control standards. (3) Implementation of Controls. In the past decade, the industry has spent some $110 million to implement work-safety controls in its mines and plants. At least another $95 million will be spent during the next three or four years to upgrade facilities to meet the standards set by OSHA. Through its organizations - principally the ASBESTOS INFORMATION ASSOCIATION/ NORTH AMERICA - the industry shares information on new control technolog>' with its own members, its customers, and small producers and users not associated with its industry groups. The asbestos industry also is striving for better communication between all concerned parties -- workers and