Document n99p5oD9Ka609G8py6wVab42G

FILE NAME Owens Corning OC DATE 0000 DOC OC220 DOCUMENT DESCRIPTION Recommended Health Safety Practices for Mineral Fibers C RECOMMENDED HEALTH SAFETY PRACTICES For Handling And Applying Thermal Insulation Products Containing Mineral Fibers nima nima nima nima NATIONAL MANUFACTURERS INSULATION ASSOCIATION ee i Y seer Z Housekee1.p ..0i6.n 05g 0. Poe esceressee Physical Contact with Mineral Fibers ...... ee a -| Exposure to Excessive Mineral Fiber Dusts ...... aria . Respiratory Equipment | INTRODUCTION Mineral fiber is a generic term and is applied principally to glass wool rock wool and slag wool The basic physical structure of each of these materials is a lightweight mass of inter- mingled mineral fibers processed from a molten state into a fibrous form Mineral fiber products are produced in numer- ous forms for a wide range of uses and appli- cations Despite the diversity of applications the health safety practices for handling fabricating and applying these materials are very similar Mineral fiber products will differ primarily in density rigidity shape and fiber dimension depending upon use and requirements Prod- ucts manufactured from coarse fibers may cause some irritation Generally these health safety problems can be classified into two major areas . 1 Physical contact with mineral fibers Contact with mineral fiber particles as with many other fibers may result in itching and skin irritation Particles may enter the eyes particularly during overhead applications 2 Exposure to excessive mineral fiber dusts Mineral fiber products when cut or fabricated can produce some dust Inhalation of excessive quantities of any dust including mineral fiber dust may result in some respiratory irrita- _. tion eee Seete Manufacturers of Thermal Insulation Products containing mineral fiber have for years been taking protective measures to control excessive dust The National Insulation Manufacturers Asso- ciation recommends the following practices for handling and applying thermal insulation products containing mineral fiber to protect the worker Insulation contractors and applicators are urged to study these recommended practices carefully and to see that they are observed by all workers handling insulation materials As with Safety Regulations it is in the interest of both employer and employee to see that health safety practices strictly observed Prepared By COMMITTEE ON SAFETY AND HEALTH Pe wee NATIONAL aaa INSULATION ee ee mee WITH MINERAL FIBERS An organized housekeeping program should all be maintained in all areas and on ~ opera- tions at all times A major source of excessive airborne dust is from loose materials scrap and debris dis- tributed throughout the job area and disintegrated by trampling on running over etc. Much of the airborne contamination can be eliminated by exercising simple good house- arcs keeping practices Specific standards and practices designed for providing safe clean and orderly working conditions should be defined Efficient supervisory control planning of sys- tematic cleaning plus day to day follow are the basic requirements for dust control and health protection e If particles accumulate on exposed skin areas do not rub or scratch Remove the particles by washing thoroughly with soap and warm water If water is not available use dry wash materials waterless soap and paper towels sleeve shirts long trousers and should be worn to cover maximum caps skin areas to avoid contact with the mineral fibers Clothing should be loose fitting at collars wrist bands and waist to eliminate skin irritation . Barrier creams applied to exposed skin areas will provide protection against skin irritation They should be used prior to handling the material and applied ac- cording to instructions Good personal hygiene practices are essential Thoroughly wash exposed skin areas periodically and shower at end of work day Change and launder work clothing fre- quently separate from other articles Proper work methods and practices that will eliminate creating excessive dust should be adhered to at all times Suitable gloves should be worn whenever handling abrasive materials Mineral fiber slivers that superficially penetrate the skin should be removed by thoroughly washing Those embedded in the skin should be removed immediately and medical treatment administered Safety glasses goggles or face shields should be worn when applying materials overhead or in areas where airborne parti- _ cles may get into the eyes ee me ee ee een men merrmenen Y 393 EXPOSURE TO EXCESSIVE MINERAL FIBER DUSTS 1 When mineral fiber materials are machine sawed die cut slit etc. mechanical dust col- lecting systems adequately designed to re- move dust at the source should be installed 2 Hand cutting jacket stripping etc. should be done in a manner that will create mini- mal airborne dust Proper methods and tools will help considerably to abate dust 3 When working in confined spaces dust collecting systems adequately designed should be provided to remove dust from the source If conditions prevent collecting dust use exhaust blowers to provide general room air changes Avoid exhausting into other work areas If mechanical exhaust equipment cannot be used to remove excessive dusts Respirators should be worn 4 When applying mineral fiber insulation overhead workers should be clothed as de- scribed on page 5 wear eye protection and Respirators if excessive dust is generated 5 When mineral fiber thermal insulations are stripped from piping or other surfaces the as area in which stripping takes place should be confined by means of curtains portable partitions etc. to prevent excessive dust concentrations in adjacent areas All work- ers in the stripping area engaged in tearing off handling cleaning and disposing of ma- terial should be clothed as described on page 5 wear eye protection and Respirators Where circumstances permit materials should be wetted down prior to and during removal Where applicable portable me- chanical exhaust ventilation should be used to remove airborne dusts from the area 6 Avoid unnecessary rehandling of scrap by locating disposal equipment as close to working area as possible Do not permit accumulation of scrap and debris on floor and other surfaces * Bureau of approved respirators Ses page 7 6 RESPIRATORY EQUIPMENT Only U.S. Bureau of approved respiratory equipment is recommended for use Approved respiratory equipment should be used at all operations where dust control is not . adequate The efficiency and effectiveness of respiratory equipment is dependent upon proper care cleaning and maintenance A systematic pro- cedure should be established to assure that this is done Lists of currently approved respiratory equip- ment can be obtained from Bureau of Mines United States Department of the Interior Nineteenth and E Streets N.W. Washington D.C. 20240 American Industrial Hygiene Association 14125 Prevost Detroit Michigan 48227 7