Document pmpKM0ZLJvJxYO4Kk2B9eKD4w

> -------ABEX` CORPORA! INDUSTRIAL HYGIENE SURVEY fASBESTOS) AMERICAN BRAKEBLOK WINCHESTER VIRGINIA AUGUST 14 - 18* 19?_2_ PURPOSE . This survey was the continuation of a study which was initiated to determine the extent of -asbestos exposure to employees in. the Plant . Additional: surveys will be scheduled to complete the evaluation; - " .* Several of the asbestos samples collected from locations pro cessing lead compounds were also selected for lead analysis i to determine airborne concentrations at various operations. Samples were collected in five'-different departments through out the Plant# including Book Preform# Book Press# Block Preform# Strip Finishing# and Inspection and Packaging. ^ The results of the asbestos study disclosed two (2) locations where airborne asbestos concentrations were above the current eight-hour time weighted average exposure limit of 5 fibers/ml. Referring to Sample No. 15 in the Analyses of Air Samples for Asbestos, the concentration found at Machine No. P-11# operated by C. Orndorff was 6.01 fibers/ml. Exposure levels at other Block Preform machines in the area were also elevated#- but did not reach the 5 fiber/ml exposure limit; It was noted that the mix is handled intimately by the operators during the pre form cycle. In addition to manually transferring the mix from container to the mold# the material is measured and spread by hand. As none of the Preform units are provided with adequate exhaust ventilation# the continuous manual operations are generating increased airborne concentrations of.asbestos fibers. Sample No. 56j at a concentration of 5.37 fibers/ml# was . collected at the vertical saw adjacent to the Book Press De partment. The saw was operated by R; F. Putnam# and was in nearly continuous use during collection of the sample. The unit is not provided with local exhaust ventilation* and sig nificant quantities of airborne particulates are*generated SPNY 003351, j : rtj'&tjjr-j/c.px (.V ,,Ll : .1 t,-j-* ,--------r --I--- ww nii uutB pg cAQaimg iocxegB must be provided for all regularly employed personnel who work at a fixed place of employment where airborne concen trations exceed 5 fibers/ml.......................... The 0,S,H,A. Rules & Regulations require that a respiratory protection program be established by the employer#- and specifies the use of air purifying respirators < to control exposures which exceed 5 fibers/ml but are less than 50 fibers/ml, However# the use of respirators is an interim l- means of controlling exposures# and they may only be need during the time period necessary to install engineering ; > ; controls or implement a change in work practices, ^ ;; It is our understanding the MSA Oust Foe Respirators with replaceable cartridges are available to the employees upon request. These respirators are approved by the 0, fi, De partment of the interior# Bureau of Hines, However# it should be ascertained that the replaceable cartridge used with the respirator for portection against asbestos dust is;.. . the Type F FILTER, ........ . The operators of Machine Ho, P-ll in Block Preform and the vertical saw in the Book Press Department should be provided with respirators of this type. Until engineering controls have been installed# the use of respirators should be re- * : quired at all times during operation of these units. If the Plant respiratory protection program needs improvement# ex pansion# or further development# referral, to AHSI standard Z88,2-1969 will provide assistance in meeting requirements. & In all locations where airborne concentrations exceed < : , 5 fibers/ml, caution signs must be provided and displayed;'. The signs should be posted at all approaches to the areas in question# and should be located at such a distance from the operations that an employee can take necessary protective steps before entering the.area. The legend and sign speci fications are listed on page 11321 of the attached 0*S3A( asbestos standard. -3SPNY 003352 v-*V A c ; ou peso gjxj.oxiK: c j J J ^-4 j ? y ' * ttf . tr*. ?-.y The main approaches; to Block Preform and the vertical saw in the Book Press Department will require posting until airborne asbestos concentrations can be reduced to acceptable levels. IABBLINS RBQUIR & Caution or warning labels should be affixed to'all raw materials# mixtures# scrap# waste# debris and other products containing asbestos which have the potential for releasing asbestos fibers into the ambient air. If asbestos fibers have been modified by a bonding agent# binder# or other material which fixes the fibers and prevents their release during any reasonably fore* seeable use# no labeling is required; .Labeling specifications = are listed on page'11321 of the attached 0.8,H.A# asbestos standard. -l '' ' ... 'T`. vv -.i -, .. NOTIFICATION REQUIREMENTS The two employees whose asbestos exposures exceed the current permissible limit of 5 fiiers/ralshould'be notified in writing of the exposures as soon as practicable but no later than five (5) days from receipt, of this report. In addition# the em ployees should also be advised# within a reasonable time period# of the corrective action being taken. Employee notification .requirements are listed On page 11322 ` of the attached O.S.H.A. asbestos standard. HbPSEKBBRISg AND WASTE DISPOSAL ; < Some of the precautions that must be observed to prevent or restrict the dispersion of asbestos fibers are listed below; Please take note that although dry sweeping of asbestos fibers is not specifically prohibited in the Rules and Regulations# it is an inferred recommendation# and has been specifically* cited in other documents* 1. The practice of sweeping asbestos and asbestos containing materials from floors# equipment arid supplies should be prohibited. v. .v./' a /:' ' ;;!' a. Spilled# scattered# or extraneously deposited asbestos fibers should be removed with vacuum cleaning equipment exclusively. . : -4- SPNY 003353 IjC i j , 1> > kUj+.C-.;i ouq i,f; kf '*. * *r b. Vacuum cleaning should be o such frequency that, the work areas are maintained free of accumulated asbestos fibers* c* Asbestos containing waste should be placed in imper vious containers resistant to tearing or breaking under normal handling conditions* The containers should be tightly sealed with a warning label affixed* d. Disposal should be by burial or other means to insure non-dispersal to the environment. 2* Suction hoses should be used by employees to remove asbestos fibers from their wbrk clothing before entering the lockerroom to change* Defined locations should be established for this purpose to encourage routine usage* 3. Bag Storage and Handling. a. Bagged asbestos'fibers should^ be stored in a clean dry space where they are protected from damage* b* A rotation' system should be employed to ensure that older bags are used first. , t'. c* Damaged bags should' be placed in'larger slipover' bags and resealed* d* Small tears in bags should be patched with tape* This will require periodic inspection of bag storage areas*- e* Asbestos containing jute or Kraft paper bags should be placed in larger plastic bags* f* Bag storage and bag opening areas should be,as close as practical. / !. ' ;.......wr. ' c. : t ' - t g. Bags should be opened in a hooded area only# using sharp fcnife. to slit the bag* . .' 1 ' .1 ' h* . Emptied bags should be tightly rolled or folded flat under the hood* i* Empty bags should be bundled into larger polyethylene bags# sealed, labeled, and removed to a landfill for disposal* SPNY 003354 UT.<* ; , r-." r.riv yj `iii. V* V'.-P * ^ * ,i, ir)j ( y-ypH. \cont*aj Zt was observed in Book Preform that accumulated layers of compressed asbestos are allowed to collect on the floors in aisles and at individual machines for prolonged periods of time* In addition# asbestos dust is accumulating on equipment and overheads throughout the area. AsprevioUsly'diseussed, a - vacuum cleaning program should be implemented to maintain the work area reasonably free of accumulated asbestos fibers. The Rules & Regulations state that a cleaning program should pro vide for the removal of asbestos fibers' `before adeumulations reach a point where dispersal would create hazardous airborne concentrations. ' "'' u " ; .,,0 Cv. *. .\c.: o.tja S.'Ui i'.iISJvVv As absorption ,of lead llnto' the sysi^'>hhrciti^h !:ixdialation and ingestion is enhanced by smoking# the' practice should be pro hibited in production' areas. ' This' feconiihehdatioh applies particularly to those locations where lead and lead compounds are routinely handled. ' As a final note# cress sectional studies have disclosed that the incidence'of cancer A3iit6ng-asbestos" " ; workers who smoke is dramatically higher than among the non smoking population. Our' thanks to'charlie Mallory# Bob Brown# Charles Curtis and associates for the cooperation extended during the survey. ,' j * ; i. .. i. ^ .j W H ... v t. i 1 9/29/72 a .4 , . j . 1 . _ _ i. . APPROVED BY* _ _ syti C^H. Borcherding# JrT Mgr. Znd. Hyg./Loss Prevention , i ./ .. t i . c. ('/ 1 i ~ < c.o'-n ' f 5< - ' i . < . 4. i/ . I .. i i ; . 4.. 1 d: .4 .v (L * t. i.if * 4.. x* . i ,, \ : , ** w C-l-'.r ; . v SPNY 003355