Document mq4Q5NgNaDGkkJ2ByBpkqpeJ4

minutes PVC SAFETY GROUP FIRE SAFETY COMMITTEE Keller & Heckman Washington, D.C. Thursday, May 14, 1981 10:00 A.M. Attendees: H. J. Hall Mark Labovitz Michael O'Mara Russell A. Park John R. Samancik Gregory Smith Wayne Sorenson George H. Wear Larry Wheeler SPI Staff: Conoco Chemicals, Box 1267, Ponca City, OK 74601 405-767-3004 Diamond Shamrock Plastics Corp., Box 348, Painesville, OH 44077 216-357-3176 B. F. Goodrich Chemical Co., 6100 Oak Tree Blvd., Cleveland, OH 44131 216-447-6296 Hooker Chemicals & Plastics Corp., P.O. Box 699, Pottstown, PA 19464 215-326-2000 Diamond Shamrock Plastics Corp., P.O. Box 348, Painesville, OH 44077 216-357-3544 B. F. Goodrich Chemical Co., P.O. Box 122, Avon Lake, OH 44012 301-869-5460 Tenneco Chemicals, Turner Place, Piscataway, NJ 08854 201-981-5170 General Tire & Rubber Co., One General St., Nevcomerstown, OH 45832 614-498-2900 Shell Chemical Co., P.O. Box 2463, Houston, TX 77001 713-241-3074 John Eldred Jerome P. Carroll John R. Lawrence Keller & Heckman, 1150 17th St., NW, Washington, D.C. 20036 202-457-1176 SPI, 355 Lexington Avenue, New York, NY 10017 212-573-9400 SPI, 355 Lexington Avenue, New York, NY 10017 212-573-9400 1. John Lawrence served as Chairman of this Committee inasmuch as it was a re-organization meeting. After self-introductions approval of the pro posed agenda (attached) was agreed to. 2. There was general discussion of the various allegations concerning the "hazards" of PVC in fires that have been made in the recent past. It was agreed that these allegations are unsupported by scientific data and are speculative and unwarranted in light of existing data. All of the scientific evidence demonstrates that PVC in a combustion situation is not unreasonably dangerous or hazardous. THE SOCIETY OF THE PLASTICS INDUSTRY, INC. 355 Lexington Avenue New York, N.Y. 10017 (212)573-9400 SPI-12001 2- 3. Mr. Carroll Outlined the nature of combustibility research work being done by SPl's CCCS. After discussing the specific activities of CCCS it was apparent that these programs will not supply the specific information with respect to some of the alleged hazards and to address the way the allega tions might be scientifically rebutted. 4. In considering alternatives for possible future activities, it was deemed that it might be useful to identify the various alleged hazards and address ways of providing simultaneously valid explanations and responses. Some further testing may be required, not to establish the safety of PVC (which is already established), but to demonstrate that the allegations have no basis of fact. 5. It was agreed that a recommendation would be made to the PVC Safety Group's Steering Committee at its meeting on May 28 that the Fire Safety Committee should be reinstated as a functioning group. If this recommendation is approved, a meeting of the Fire Safety Committee should be convinced to develop specific plans. 6. The tentative date of June 23 was selected for reconvening in the event that the Steering Committee authorizes such action. Respectfully submitted. Joohn R. Lawrence Technical Director JRL:iw att. SPI-12002 tr. I. Background . A. Allegations surrounding combustibility of plastics in general and PVC in particular. II. Current Situation A. Litigation B. Current CCCS Research and Testing Programs and Future Plans III. Role of PVC Safety Group and PVC Fire Committee A. Possible alternatives 1. Technical Support for Litigation 2. Literature Search 3. Identification of Outside Experts 4. Future Research a. Independent of CCCS b. With CCCS c. Combination of both IV. Recommendations and Future Action SPI-12003