Document k6xpXGvpvqbvX3VO0x9nDL3eV

SAFETY AND FIRE PROTECTION DIVISION OCCUPATIONAL HEALTH SURVEY NO. 9055-H BEAUMONT WORKS ELASTOMER CHEMICALS DEPARTMENT Field NotesJune 22. 1979R. C. Coolev (31 14. Power House Facilities - General a. A Drager detector tube pump was found stored in a Power House laboratory hardware bench where it reportedly had not been used for some time. To avoid eventual loss or damage, ft is recommended that it be returned to the sampling equipment pool, tested for proper operation, calibrated using the bubble column method and placed in service. b. Several observations involving contractor failure to follow the hearing protection program were noted. One contractor was in an "Ear Plug Required" area without wearing ear plugs. A second contractor entered the Power House with his EAR ear plugs Improperly inserted (almost falling out of the ear canal).. Increased attention is suggested to insure contractors in Du Pont generated high noise areas observe hearing protection-requirements. c. A laboratory beaker was noted in the Power House lunchroom. (See Field Note 5. c.). d. Asbestos gloves are still used routinely in the Power House even though Site policy recommends that substitutes such as "Kevlar" or "Noraex" gloves be used. (Two pairs of asbestos gloves were noted available for use.) It is recom mended that the use of asbestos gloves in the Power House be phased out in favor of non-asbestos substitutes. e. Escort personnel felt that 1 minute of eye flushing at the eye wash station would be adequate if an accidental splash of a chemical into an employee's eyes occurred. The duration of flushing should be based on medical advice but in only isolated cases is flushing of less than 15 minutes desirable. It is recommended that flushing policy be reviewed with the Site physician and dearly established and understood by all Site employees. 15. "Nordel" - General a. As a result of the survey, the welding fume exhausters In the Shop were found deficient; i.e., one needed to be extended to cover the welding fume release zone; the other system needed to have the fume collection funnel replaced. Prompt completion of this work is urged since galvanized metals art welded in this area: b. The efficiency of the Polymer run-line sampler box exhaust system is not checked annually to insure the continuing control of possibly high hexane exposures to personnel. It is recommended that this be done. c. An eye wash station bottle at the elevator shaft in Isolation is about 25X full. Thts station has been replaced by a piped eye wash station about 6' away. The bottle station should be removed or if retained, properly maintained. d. An employee was noted in a "Hearing Protection Area" without ear plugs. When the survey group was spotted by the employee, he quickly Inserted his plugs. (He had been working for some time without plugs.) DUP 0502314 DU 001958 T Field NotesJune 22, 1979 R. C. Coolev (3) 15. "Nordel" - General (Cont'd.) e. Hearing protection and posting of work areas has been based on 90 dBA exposure for an 8-hour work shift. However, employees work 12 hours. All 12-hour shift locations across the Site should be re-evaluated and area posting extended and hearing protection required (or administrative controls used) based on 87 dBA. High noise areas such as the Packaging Room should receive close attention. (Engineering Standard J4E.) f. A formal heat stress analysis program is planned in the near future for poten tial heat stress locations. The Drier Room, "Nordel," should receive close attention as planned. During the tour, several complaints were received from operators concerning the adequacy and operability of the lunchroom air condi tioner. These complaints should be investigated and if they are valid, appropriate corrective action should be taken to insure employee relief from hot work area conditions. g. The Isolation area lunchroom was very cluttered and scattered. Much attention is needed to basic housekeeping and is recommended. h. Product was overflowing the collection box at the "D" Drier, Isolation, and had collected several feet deep. Closer attention to housekeeping is urged. RCC/fh DUP 0502315 DU 001959