Document peL4E29XR5vaXjRy284oL7r6k

06 14#-r UNION CARBIDE INTERNAL. CORRESPONDENCE MINING AND METALS DIVISION To (Nam*) Division Location Mr. W. C. Thurber UCC Metals 38th Floor 270 Park Avenue New York, NY 10017 RECEIVED P. 0. BOX 579, NIAGARA FALLS, NEW YORK 14302 ujuL 1 8 1975 Date July 16, 1975 originating D*pt. "Calidria" Asbestos Answering latter dote Copy to Messrs. R. E. Byrne, Jr. B. L. Ingalls J. L. Myers R. L. Schult File The 1975 Action Plan for the above noted project requested in your letter of May 12, 1975 is attached. In essence, our approach is to use the silica problem to convince the drywall industry that asbestos is only the tip of the iceberg. They are going to have to recognize that 0SHA is here to stay and some changes are going to be required in their traditional ways of installing and finishing drywall that will almost certainly add to the cost. In my opinion, the key officials in the industry trade association, the Gypsum Drywall Contractors International (GDCI), support the above noted position and given a reasonable amount of ammunition will work actively to bring about changes. Unfortunately, they can only advise and recommend action to their member companies. As you are aware, timing is critical. The unions are increasing pressure for asbestos-free products and the longer the big suppliers work on the problem the better the substitutes become. At this point in time, we know of no asbestos-free mud that gives comparable performance. Specific Objective I is now well underway and I expect to be meeting with the GDCI to propose action on their part about August 1. HBR:cjb Attachment H. B. Rhodes UCC 008607 1975 ACTION PLAN TAPE JOINT MUD ASBESTOS-HEALTH PROBLEM CRITICAL OBJECTIVE To establish and maintain a program to minimize and, if possible, prevent inroads into our market position in tape joint compounds resulting from overreaction to asbestos health hazard publicity and from OSHA compliance problems. SPECIFIC OBJECTIVE I To verify and demonstrate the breadth of the real problem, i.e., that it covers not only asbestos but also crystalline silica. Standards: a. To measure the silica content of a variety of mudingredients . from a variety of suppliers to identify the origin of the ^ silica. " b. To measure the silica content of several asbestos-containing ' rv and nonasbestos muds collected from the field. 1 ^ c. To measure the amount of crystalline silica in the airborne dust from 3-4 field locations. (Sanding, dry mixing, and 'J cleanup operations.) Locations selected in cooperation with GDCI to broaden measurement of asbestos levels at different geographical locations, i.e., under different current work practices. Accountability: a, b, c H. B. Rhodes Schedule: a.) July 25, 1975 b.) July 25, 1975 c.) August 29, 1975 SPECIFIC OBJECTIVE II To enlist the cooperation and active participation of the drywall contractors and, if possible, their suppliers in developing suitable and OSHA acceptable work practices to handle both the asbestos and silica problems. Standards: _ . a. Consult with National Gypsum and others knowledgeable in the building industry on the status of alternative methods of construction. UCC 008608 2- - b. Outline possible work practice proposals and refine these via consultation with the GDCI. c. Solicit support and arrive at an action plan to implement the development of work practices by the GDCI. d. Solicit^ support of major mud and drywall suppliers. e. Provide a "kick-off" article for GDCI trade magazine. Accountability: a, b, c, d, e H. B. Rhodes Schedule: a. July 30, 1975 b. August 8, 1975 c. August 15, 1975 d. August 31, 1975 e. September 19, 1975 SPECIFIC OBJECTIVE III To encourage and, as necessary and appropriate, to work with the GDCI in the development of suitable work practices. a. To review the status at the conclusion of Specific Objective II and set guidelines on the extent and form of further UCC participation. Accountability; a. H. B. Rhodes Schedule: a. August 15, 1975 UCC 008609 n *. o" oi UCC 008610 7bf>c Jo ('h i /tfu o i 7/ / r / ? r