Document nk2ZqERejjb4yv3yNdaQ2o3VG

ASBESTOS IDENTIFICATION IX OLD CALSIL ISSPLATIOK* Because of the health hazards Involved In working with asbestos, it is essential that old asbestos-containing calsil be properly identified to avoid accidental worker exposure during maintenance or removal procedures. Prior to the early seventies, all calcium silicate insulation, and several other types as well, contained asbestos as the reinforcing fiber. Host of the asbestos used was chrysotile, but other types such as crocidolite and amosite were also used. All are hazardous to health. Since the early seventies, all manufacturers have switched to either.glass or organic fibers for reinforcement. Because of the refractory nature of asbestos fibers, they are not destroyed by the flame from a propane (Bernzomatic) torch. Rather, they glow as little incandescent rods in the propane flame. Since the newer fibers -- glass, rayon, polyester, cotton, etc. -- are destroyed by the propane flame, this provides an easy means of positive identification for asbestos. The simple procedure i3 as follows. 1. Break a small piece of insulation off a section of calsil. 2. Heat the broken surface with the flame from a propane*torch. 3. Observe. Figure 1 shows asbestos-containing material... .The. material in Figure 2 does hot contain ashestoS. 4. With some experience, a good worker.can break off a.chunk of insula tion and tell by eye whether1 Or' nq.6 Jhsbestos is present.'. A. small magnifier makes '.tfie process even .simpler, to carry out. - *KOTE: Since December, 1978, the Pabco Division started to mark all of their Super Caltemp production with an identifying green stripe that shows it is asbestos free. DUP 0508327 "Th* tecbnleel decs mown r considered by us fo be *ccur*ee end reliable, however. no warren tits, express or implied, ere given or Intended, end soy v-ich warranties ere expressly disclaimed." 11272!)!) PASCO INSULATION DIVISION Louisiana-Pacific Cornoration 1110 16 Road Fruita, Colorado 81521 DU 004385 PTB-48-7A Page No. 2 Figure No. 1 Appearance of asbestos- containing insulation in propane flame. Asbestos fiber does not melt and shows up as little glowing rods in Che flame. DUP 0508328 1127300 DU 004386