Document mBZzbaL90qO5N2Gow8K8L3do4

DOW CHEMICAL U.S.A. .2,/-23-2- 7V3 LOCATION - CHLOR-ALKALIf 3601 SUIIPTyc ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH REPORT LOUISIANA DIVISION P1AQUEMINE. LOUISIANA 70784 ASBESTOS SURVEY CHLOR-ALKALI II AUTHOR Dannie Kennedy CHECKED. rhflf-Mo tra 1 pKor> DATS February 22. 1975 SUMMARY Monitored operator exposure to asbestos while making rounds and pulping cells. The results were all veil below the OSHA Standard of 5 fibers per cubic centimeter greater than 5 microns., in length and Dow's goal of 2 fibers per cubic centimeter. The two samples -recorded while making the rounds were,07 and .01 fibers per cc greater than 5 microns in length. The two samples collected while pulping cells registered .06 and .40 fibers per cubic centimeter.CO The operators must be informed of the monitoring, results and the hazards involved in O handling asbestos. The need for wearing and maintaining proper respiratory equipment' mus^ be reemphasized. The importance of safe work procedures and continued good housekeeping ^ should also be recognized. ^ DISTRIBUTION J. V. Bristol G. W. Daigre E. D. Campbell E. P. Edwards P. C. Robert L. G. Witty T. C. Howard B. 2304 B. 2501 S. 2601 B. 3701 B. 3601 B. 3601 B. 3601 A \/YL R. Hoyle - 1707 Bldg. - Midland F. D. Axe - Pittsburg C. E. Caldwell - OCD R. R. Langner - 607 Bldg, - Midland C. L. Sercu - Cleveland R. L. Daniel - B. 101 - Freeport File (2) AN OPERATING UNIT OP THE DOW CHEMICAL COMPANY DOW 00643 .J FILE NO. 107-28-2 -2- INTRODUCTION " ~ ~ ' -------- " ............ ......... ............................. .......... Hade required six month asbestos survey to update status of asbestos levels-in the block. METHODOLOGY *' Caught four-jafegples-ueiog-the_Bendiac pump -^Model^C*!!?^;and_the uxlllipone filter..':--r.;_~ mounted in an open face filter holder. The sampler vas attached to the operators lapel so that the area sampled would be in the breathing zone of the.operator. Two samples were caught as the operators were making their routine .rounds .through .... ......... the plant (These two samples were of thirty-five and eighty-five minutes duration.) The other two samples were collected while the operators were pulping.cells*-..(To_______ pulp a cell the operators make up an asbestos-water slurry and pour it into the cells to plug leaks.) These samples were of eighty and forty minutes .duration*__________ RESULTS ________ The two samples monitoring the operators making their rounds measured .07 and .01 fibers per cubic centimeter greater than 5 microns in length. The two samples which monitored the operators^ pulping cells measured .06 and *40. fibers per cubic centimeter. _ CONCLUSIONS ' These levels of asbestos remain well within the OSHA time weighted average of 5 fibers per cubic centimeter greater than 5 microns in length and Dow's goal of 2 fibers per cubic centimeter. Sampling will continue on a six month basis.' ST0002548 RECOMMENDATIONS Since the operators must handle dry asbestos to form the pulping slurry there are several precautions that must be followed. The operators are required to wear the MSA Comfo Respirator (type BM 2301) with the asbestos dust cover (type BM 2301), rubber gloves and paper suits. The asbestos should always be handled wet (the sack should be vet down even before cutting open). Practice good handling techniques to avoid spilling asbestos. All efforts should be made to prevent asbestos from, becoming airborne when handling. Wet asbestos on tools and clothing should not be allowed to dry and eventually become airborne. After the job is completed asbestos waste and empty asbestos sacks should be sealed and labeled in impermeable bags and containers. The asbestos should never be blown or shook off the contaminated suits. It should be vacuumed and placed in the proper designated containers. Always wash hands after handling asbestos and never carry cigarettes or candy in pockets while working with asbestos. The last point is to always be on the alert for problem areas, report them to supervision and have the area monitored if it is suspect. 00w 006*4