Document pe9GXj7y1OGz2dyzjb2Jz3Dxd

DEPARTMENT OF SAFETY AND TECHNICAL EMPLOYMENT Mr. Douglas Soutar New York Office VISIT TP EL PASO PLANT JTft*A-1975~ PLAINTIFFS I EXHIBIT ASA-291 Salt Lake City, July 28, 1975 BW- - fear * fRJP i?S - t'.l 1, The present respirator cleaning station is too small and is located in the wrong place. It is suggested that consideration be given to the construction of a safety equipment repair and servicing center. Mr. Scasta has two ideas regarding the location, one, on the opposite end of the meter repair building, another is an area which is some distance from the present location, but is still on the jnan's normal pathway in and out of plant. This building should be large enough to service all safety equipment and respirators. In a discussion regarding a new lead standard, it has been mentioned that clothing be supplied to all workmen exposed to lead dust or fume, similar to the present law in Missouri. A storage space for same could be constructed in the equipment building if provision is made for this in initial construction. 2. Approximately three years ago, a program of repair of the electrical distribution system and the removal of dead wires, insulators and switches was started in the plant. This program has not been continued in effective manner. Attention should be given this problem as many areas throughout the plant are substandard insofar as electrical hazards are concerned. 3. In the area used for welding in the shop, two ventilation systems of makeshift nature are in use. Would recommend that three - systems be purchased and installed. The present equipment is not \ satisfactory as the suction is not heavy enough and it is not possible to move into the actual source of the welding fumes. Three stations are presently being used. 4. A railroad car loading facility was constructed at the Cadmium Plant to protect the area from contamination of cadmium dust. The loading operation was observed on three separate occasions. The doors on the building were not closed. The same situation existed at the Zinc Plant where facilities were made to unload the zinc dust from the East Helena Plant. 5. Special attention must be given to lunchroom facilities. Federal inspectors are very adamant about sanitation in lunchroom HER 0004057 Page 2 Visit to El Paso Plant July 28, 1975 and washroom facilities. The lunchroom at the Zinc Plant is in a poor location and is in need of repair and a complete washing and cleaning. Attention is needed at all area lunchrooms. 6. Some time ago an outside firm was employed to inspect all over head bridge cranes and determine the necessary repairs and equipment additions necessary to bring these cranes into OSHA compliance. The problem regarding cranes should receive priority as we could be cited for major willful violations, as the company knows the require ments and has already been cited in one plant for serious and willful violations regarding bridge cranes. 7. Asbestos rope and gaskets are used in the plant. The asbestos material used should be wet before it is used. Men using same should be provided with proper respirator protection and the scrap material not used should be discarded in proper manner according to code. 8. Throughout the Lead Plant it is necessary that we have respirator signs installed. The signs should read: "RESPIRATORS ARE REQUIRED IN THIS AREA." The hazard involved should also be included on the sign. Regarding the overall wearing of respirators, a problem exists in the Zinc Plant, expecially with the foremen and with certain workmen. Respirators should be worn in this area in the same manner as in the Lead Plant in view of the material being handled from the East Helena Plant. GENERAL The fire equipment throughout the plant, both extinguishers and hoses, were found in good operating condition. The extinguishers had been properly inspected and tagged. This plant has a very fine inplant safety inspection procedure carried on by the plant safety committee. In looking at the reports^ z^-*.** several items are repeat items. If the plant is to receive maximum benefit from these inspections, the items noted should be taken care of, especially when management agrees to same. The El Paso Plant has a well organized safety program as is noted by the trend in reducing the lost time accidents. I am sure that this emphasis will continue and that the major items noted in this report will receive prompt attention. Distribution: See attached list REX C. BECKSTEAD HER 0004058