Document gbjj3D75o5rRdYrKdMOGeKba3

Interoffice Communication to File From Tom Grumbles Date July 7, 1980 Subject PLANT VISIT - PILOT CHEMICAL Pilot Chemical is a toll processer for N-600 Alkylate, under contract to the WCO division. The N-600 is reacted with a C-10 to C-13 olefin to produce Baltimore Base Oil (BBO). During this process, benzene is produced as a reaction product. Concern has been expressed as to the potential benzene exposures at the plant and it was suggested that the plant be visited to discuss this problem. On June 30, Doug Micheals and myself, visited the plant and met with Dennis Swift, plant manager, and Ted Dodd, plant chemist. The following items were discussed: Exposure Standards - The current occupational exposure limit for benzene and other applicable standards relating to benzene exposures were discussed. Exposure Measurements - During the last product run, personal samoles were taken with 3M OVM's. Approximately thirty samples were taken and analyzed by the Baltimore plant. Unfortunately, these samples were taken for periods ranging from 16 to 40 hours and their validity, for quality control reasons, and usefulness for comparison to exposure standards is questionable. The plant plans to sample for benzene exposures again during the next product run. Sampling strategy was discussed and a strategy to obtain valid eight-hour samples was agreed upon. These samples will be analyzed by a contract laboratory. Exposure Sources - It appeared that there is only one operator task That-directly results in exposure to benzene. This is an operation where a benzene-water mixture must be drawn off into an ODenbucket. This normally is done twice a shift and takes about five minutes. It was recommended that respiratory protection be used during this operation. Suitable respirators are available at the plant. CC* 000002669 July 7, 1980 Page E After these discussions, a walk-through survey of the plant was conducted. The general appearance of the plant and overall housekeeping was good. At this time, it appears Pilot is handling the products and benzene by products in a safe manner that would preclude any overt exposures, particularly, to benzene. x/c'VV'---- Thomas G. Grumbles /yp cc: Doug Micheals Ed Adams CCS 000002670