Document kajrGjEJrnkz1oBxmq5r7xJEq

J. T. LATN SAN PATRICIO EH-1 ASBESTOS Jn the early 1960's, PMC recognized the inherent breathing problems associated with overexposure to asbestos-containing materials and recom mended that exposure be controlled to within the threshold limit value. It was not until the iate 1960's that evidence began to mount regarding asbestos and its cancer causing potential. As a result, RMC reiterated its earlier recommendation that asbestos-containing products should be handled with great caution. In 1975, we recommended that the machining of asbestos-containing materials, such as molten metal marinite, transite, and brake shoes, be discontinued and non-asbestos substitutes be introduced wherever possible. Since January 1983, Corporate Medical and Central Engineering have been conducting an extensive asbestos audit in all operating facilities, in an effort to eliminate any inhalation exposures to asbestos. This goal is being achieved through the use of non-asbestos products for the remain ing "current use items* and the adherence to strict work practices when handling "in place" asbestos. In the meantime (November 1985), OSHA has issued an Emergency Temporary Standard for Occupational Exposure to Asbestos which lowered the permissible exposure level (PEL) from 2.0 fibers per cc to 0.5 fibers per cc, on an 8-hour, time-weighted average basis. Fortunately, a review of personal monitoring data indicates that, since we have eliminated the machining of asbestos-containing products, the only exposures which would be at or above the new PEL would be those involving the demolition or removal of asbestos-containing material, such as bulk thermal insulation, that is already in place. Work practices have been im plemented, however, fox the demolition and removal of asbestos-containing products, and inhalation exposures in these situations have been eliminated. In order to ensure compliance with the new Asbestos Emergency Temporary Standard, it is necessary that all facilities undertake the following measures concerning the demolition of asbestos-containing products: 1) Using the Medical/Central Engineering Departments' asbestos audit report, identify all jobs and employees involved in the demolition of asbestos-containing products. RMC0800260000522 INDUSTRIAL HYGIENE BULLETIN #121 ASBESTOS Page Two November 23, 1985 2) Contact the Industrial Hygiene Department, to facilitate the necessary monitoring to determine exposures during the demolition of asbestos. 5) With the assistance of the Industrial Hygiene Department, conduct training of all employees who may be exposed to asbestos in excess of the 0.5 fibers/cc PEL. Attached is a summary of the standard. If you have any questions regarding its application to your operation, please call the Industrial Hygiene De partment. Att Homer M. Cole Manager Environmental and Industrial Hygiene Distribution: EH-1 RD-01 RD--70 BP-54-Tab 5 MP-15 RMC0800260000523