Document k938NKqxqgdOyDBXZY0rapa1E

H-10 **CC 950*3* Monsanto < |nam aOm lOCAflONt D. D. Kos - 0-11 September 6, 1983 HSC Safety Concerns - NSI MMUnCI TO :D. Campbell W. Crowson C. Mata R. Querry M. Riddle CC: A. H. Conrad J. M. Gatewood R. T. Hammann R. L. Hammond J. G. Trafton Attached is a list of NSI concerns which have surfaced in hourly safety meetings of recent months. I asked Harry Conrad to provide this list be cause new and different twists keep coming up. As you know, several months ago we met and resolved the issue related to how much NSI skin discoloration is necessary to require reporting to the dispensary. In addition, we devised an action plan for re-educating operations and maintenance personnel on the hazards of NSI and procedures for handling. It is obvious that whether these concerns are real or perceived, action must be taken. I have committed to speak on this subject at the next HSC meeting. Prior to this meeting, I want us to agree on each of these issues, and establish a new action plan. We will be meeting in the cafeteria conference room at 12:30, September 8. Please invorm me of any scheduling difficulties, and come prepared to discuss each issue as it relates to your area of responsibility. Attachment D. D. Kos SC 12400 LAM013594 Monsanto ft** INAMC 1 LOCATION) A. H. Conrad - Texas City September 6, 1983 Concerns for NSI Safety TO : Dennis Kos cc R. L. Hammond M. Riddle J. G. Trafton At your request, I have summarized the specific concerns about NSI which have been brought up by various committeemen during the last three Hourly Safety Committee Meetings. These concerns are attached. My feeling is that the concerns for the most part are sincere, and not just labor rela tions matters. I believe that the two statements made under "General" concerns summarize the problem. We did an excellent job initially in getting people's attention with regard to NSI safety. Apparently, there is less concern now on our part about handling NSI, but we have not adequately communicated this. I am willing to help you in any way that I can to resolve this problem. As I previously mentioned in conversation, this matter along with asbestos concerns, are dominating our HSC meetings. /jP ----Attmt SHAC Chairman sc 12401 LAM013595 sc NSI CONCERNS BROUGHT UP BY THE HOURLY SAFETY COMMITTEE 12402 GENERAL Initially NSI was portrayed as a very hazardous substance and many rules were established regarding the handling, protection and health care involved with the material. Now, there is a laxity in enforcing the rules and, in fact, work procedures have been changed which are less demanding than previous rules. SPECIFIC - Laborers handling NSI were required to wear protective clothing. - Laborers were provided with adequate change of clothing facilities. - Laborers were made to shower prior to putting on clean clothes. -~A11 personnel were required to report to first aid when contaminated with any quantity of NSI. - Craftsmen today are normally provided with paper overgarments which are completely unsatisfactory. They are light weight, tear very easily, do not allow one to carry tools like coveralls do, and do not support wearing a tool belt. - The changeout room is very small and clean clothes are kept in the same room with contaminated clothing. - There are no shower facilities. Personnel are frequently observed with parts of their skin and hair yellow from NSI. - Personnel are no longer required to go to first aid when their skin is contaminated. - There are no restroom facilities for personnel working in the NSI area. They have been told not to use existing restrooms when contam inated, but never told which one they can use. MY RECOMMENDATION We need to agree on what practices and rules are required for the -------------safe handling of.NSI. We need to provide the protective clothing, changeout facilities, etc. or whatever is needed once we have agreed to the rules and practices. We must communicate our findings to all wage personnel working in the NSI area. We must enforce whatever rules are agreed to. A. H. Conrad < f*. 10 *<C ri0f20 Monsanto om,N* 4 iocAiiof*i A. h. Conrad - Texas City June 8, 1983 SUIJICT ttuttNCC TO Minutes of Hourly Safety Committee Meeting of May 31, 1983 Manuel-'Peiez' Duffy O'Briant .Allen Tovrea J2ervis Cotton- -51D -SS-9 -33D -LD W. A. Lowery J. W. Hughes Lee Derrick Aibert--So-lis- One member was absent (vacation) ( PMSB SHAC _Mark Riddle > -SS-10 -SS-13 -AB-1 -2PD I f-', '* The first order of business was a presentation by George Danner, Chairman of SAC. George explained the SAC charter, its organization and major projects undertaken by the committee thus far in 1983. Chairman Manuel Perez then introduced the SHAC chairman, Harry Conrad, who gave a- status report on the various HSC concerns that had not beem com pletely resolved in previous meetings. The unfinished business follows: Cooling Tower Fan Hazard When the fan drive motors are shut down the fan continues to turn due to wind drafts through the tower. Attempting to stop the fan for repairs is hazardous. Action The design of a braking system is complete and currently being evaluated by maintenance. If accepted by maintenance, the PMSB will have to review and approve. Removing Bolts from 51D4 Manway Prior to Decontamination A committee member reported that during the last AN shutdown, all but four bolts were removed from each manway prior to blinding the column. Action There were two factors to consider when addressing this concern. One was the actual removing of bolts without decontamination. The second was the practice of opening vessels for inspection only (no entrance) without blinding, but after proper precautions were taken. Both of these matters were discussed by George Danner. SAC recommended, and the PMSB approved, that if vessels were blocked, locked, depressured, decontaminated, tested for contaminants and sufficient oxygen, special permit issued and vessel attended while open, vessels may be opened for inspection. SAC also recom mended, and the PMSB approved, that bolts would not be removed from manways SC 12403 U/W073597 ( if the vessel did not meet the conditions required for opening. Holeman Responsibilities A question was raised as to what are the responsibilities of a holeman. Action Harry Conrad presented a draft copy of "Responsibilities of Attendant (Holeman) for Personnel Entering Confined Space". Members of the HSC were asked to review and comment. The proposed responsibilities will be presented to the PMSB for their approval. Samples Being Carried Up the,Stairs to the Control Lab A member of the HSC questioned the safety of carrying samples up the stairs to the Control Lab. Action Although it was recommended at the previous HSC meeting that this concern be discussed with the appropriate Unit/Craft Safety Committee, Conrad reported that the Control Lab was converting a research lab on the first floor of the research building to a HCN lab. This would preclude the carrying of HCN samples to the second floor. NEW BUSINESS Manlifts A question was asked, are there periodic inspections of manlifts. Action Mark Riddle answered that the manlifts were inspected monthly by two separate groups, Tommy Glover and MMTS. NSI A member of the HSC reported that rules seem to fluctuate with respect to protective clothing required when working around NSI. He asked for clari fication of the rules. Action Harry Conrad will discuss with the appropriate Manufacturing Superintendent. (This has been done.) SC 12404 LAM013598 New Permit Procedure A question was raised as to why Craft Leadman have to sign Fire and Entry permits. Action The new procedure says that the Maintenance Leadman/Craftsman or contractor equivalent is responsible for checking the job site, ensuring proper exe cution of the permit provisions and reporting any unusual conditions apparently unrecognized at the time the permit is issued. He signs to signify that he has checked, understands and agrees with the work conditions specified and will assure compliance of those people working for or with him. The fact that there may still be some misunderstanding about the new permit procedure will be communicated to LP&S. /jP SC 12405 LAM013599 REMOVING MANWAYS FROM EQUIPMENT FOR INSPECTION The following policy has been approved by the PMSB. The opening of manways, inspection ports, etc., on equipment, without first installing blinds, is permitted under these conditions: The equipment is blocked, locked, and depressured. The equipment is decontaminated (assured by vapor test for contaminants and adequate oxygen for breathing). Special Permit is required. Manways are attended while open. After inspection is completed manways will be replaced and equipment inerted. NOTE: If person inserts his head inside the manway, it is considered vessel entry and entry procedures (Procedure Bulletin P-0117) must be followed. R. T. Hammann for SHAC Post: 5/23/83 Remove: 6/06/83 SC 12406 LAM073600 RESPONSIBILITIES OF ATTENDANT (HOLEMAN) FOR PERSONNEL ENTERING CONFINED SPACE One person shall be stationed outside of the confined space when internal work is being performed. The attendant (holeman) will: Make certain proper permits have been issued. 0 Make certain specified safety equipment is available and used. Maintain continual communication with the individual(s) in the enclosure. (In some cases, visual contact may not be possible. In such cases audio contact must be frequent.) 0 Maintain appropriate communication system to summon emergency assistance. Know how to use rescue equipment specified for the job. Be alert for changing conditions. 0 Take emergency actions short of entering the confined space until emergency assistance arrives. (Under no circumstances will the 'attendant enter the vessel until emergency assistance arrives.) { LAMOISqq sc 12407