Document kDD9meBxv6M3QKGGVwwpKorBb

UNION CARBIDE CORPORATION_______ Specialty Chemicals Division Sistersville, WV October 29, 1986 MEMO TO: D. Liebeskind COPY TO: D. G. Beddow K. F. Carroll D. A. Gosselin R. P. Leichliter L. W. Phai r A. Walker SUBJECT: Asbestos Insulation Upgrade Project Per our discussion of 10/20/86 relative to the Sistersville Asbestos/Insulation Upgrade Project, a few comments: * The condition of installed asbestos is the top I/H safety concern at Sistersville. * The project addresses insulation that is exposed/cracked to the degree that wind movement causes fibers to be spread through the air or pieces to fall to the ground. We are addressing insulation that is unacceptable as regards its upkeep and maintenance. * It is a major morale and health concern among the employees. For instance, in the last three years we have received 41 unsafe condition reports and seven incident reports concerning exposure. OSHS audits in the Small Scale and Monomers Units have also highlighted the need to maintain/remove damaged asbestos insulation * The issue is potential for exposure. We have no definite data that says windblown fibers are going to cause a problem or exceed OSHA guidelines. However, it is the opinion of plant management that health problems will result if maintenance of the insulation is not accelerated and that complaints to OSHA will occur. OSHA would not look favorably on the facilities if the deteriorated condition of the asbestos was pointed out. This project will provide excellent insurance and protection to the workforce. * The alternative to the project is to add six insulators and complete the work as expense. The plant is not in a position to upgrade per the need at current insulator staffing (overtime in this craft will run 25% in 1986). * There is reference to a Phase II insulation project after 1989. This may be avoided if government guidelines do not decree "total asbestos removal" and the maintenance workforce continues to upgrade at the rate accomplished in 1986. WVS/jec 2262A W. V. Summers UCC 016283