Document pmyv9MLKjzor7vXQyq6MmBdo6

TELEPHONE HUDSON MlM Manufacturing Chemists' Association, Inc. (POUNDED J*7) 1825 Connecticut Avenue, N. W. Washington 9, D. C. MINUTES OP MEETING PLASTICS COMMITTEE Manhattan Club New York City February 26, 1963 PRESENT: Messrs. T. T. Miller (Acting Chainnan), W. R. Grace & Co. C. D. Bell (for W. H. Salzenberg), E. I. du Pont de Nemours & Co. Henry Avery, Pittsburgh Chemical Co. J. T. Castles, General Electric Co. J. H. Childs, Du Pont of Canada John R. Eck, Monsanto Chemical Co. D. A. Rothrock (for D. S. Frederick), Rohm Sc Haas Co. D. M. Joseph, CIBA Products Co. T. J. Kinsella, Allied Chemical Corp. A. R. Marusi, Borden Chemical Co. H. W. Mason, Jr., Relchhold Chemicals, Inc. Emery Cleaves, Celanese Corp. of America William Demarest, MCA F. H. Carman, MCA Building Standards Survey Mr. T. J. Kinsella, Chairman of the Ad Hoc Advisory Sub committee on Building in reporting on the building standards survey stated that minutes of the previous meetings had been circulated. He commented briefly on the discussion held that morning with the consultant's representative, Mr. Arthur H. White. The main points covered included: (1) The consultant is first looking at the general feasi bility angle of standards for plastics components in the building field. (2) They then expect to pin down a more careful study on some one area, such as plumbing or siding. (3) The consultants have met with the staff and have had three or four interviews in the field; they now have a feel as to what the problem may be. CMA 078539 T fr* 2- - (4) Consultations with Mr. Cruse of the SPI and the Chairman of the SPI Pipe Division were urged. (5) Careful consideration of specific instances where plastics standards have failed to work for the best interests of the industry was suggested. (6) The consultants are still aiming for a report by May 1. It Is expected they will meet with the Ad Hoc Advisory Subcommittee probably at the time of the next Plastics Committee meeting. One member questioned the propriety and general prospects of success if an Individual company were to cooperate with another association In the development of a product standard using a plastic material or resin. The group saw no conflict or problem with such a step being taken. SPI Building Standards A listing of available standards on plastics promulgated by the SPI through the Commodity Standards Division of the Department of Commerce had been circulated with the Agenda. In considering the overall problem as to acceptability, it was thought some of the standards appear to be acceptable and working out satisfactorily, while others are questionable in that fabricators may not be meeting the requirements. The general question on effectiveness of the SPI standards was raised because there was a feeling on the part of some that a compliance procedure might be undertaken which would be troublesome; also, that MCA may be planning to set up another standards writing group. On these points, Mr. Kinsella reported that he had assured the SPI officers that this was not the intent of the MCA. A January 31 meeting sponsored by SPI to hear the old-line plumbing fixture manufacturers discuss certain aspects of plumbing fixture standards was commented on. Apparently, there was little progress in reaching any consensus or in clearing up the confusion on plumbing fixture standards programs or necessity for same. Other comments were that many of the standards are based on what the fabricator makes or wants to make, and are not always based on what is needed. Also, that a general weakness of existing standards is the reluctance to see that they are enforced through % channels available in the Government. The MCA survey study may help to pinpoint this situation. CMA 078540 -3 - Inter-Association Meeting on Standards Activity This SPE meeting of January 24, 1963 was attended by repre sentatives of ASA, ASTM, SPI, MCA, and officers of the SPE. The standards activities of the respective groups were reported on an Informational basis, together with the general philosophy of tech nical programs of the various groups. In general, the SPE seemed to be looking for a niche in this program which would properly fall within their scope of activities; nothing developed in this respect. Underwriters* Laboratories Projects On the appliance project - The status report is much the same as reported previously. It was emphasized that MCA is not pushing the UL since they are extending themselves to cooperate with the Industry, and the appliance manufacturers seemingly have no current difficulties. It is hoped the final report can be reviewed in April. On the toxicity project - The literature survey now comprises an 80-page report, which generally emphasizes that the lack of oxygen and the presence of carbon monoxide and heat are the major reasons for casualties. The report is in draft form and appears to be satisfactory at this moment. On the smoke project - Adaptation of the Tunnel-Test has been completed, so as to use typical exit signs In a smoke chamber, with special photographic procedures, and the work is progressing satis factorily. On the question as to the pressure from the San Francisco authorities, it was pointed out that the date ending the year's grace for a plastics-Industry report is April 17; and there is hope UL will have data to present at that time. Full reports of progress are continually made to the SPI Code Advisory Committee. Technical Data Book Members were advised of small technical group meetings held since December 18, 1962, particularly on the cooperative program i that may be undertaken with the Modem Plastics Encyclopedia; the objective is to assist in making their data presentation as authori tative as practical. Member representatives may receive requests from the editor of the Encyclopedia in the near future. CMA 078541 Ugnrnon Market Tariff Treatment - Polyethylene Members were advised of a request to the MCA that representa tions be made to the Secretary of Commerce to give serious con sideration to a petition from the Belgian Carpet Association (that the President terminate the escape clause relief on Wilton and Belgian tarpets) and thereby assist In eventual reduction of the prohibitive HC duty on polyethylene. The Secretary suggested it might be appre ciate for the individual companies to decide what MCA action would proper taking Into consideration a number of factors which were numerated for Information only at the time. These Included: -5 - Financial Package Expenditures for the eight months in the fiscal year are within the budget. One-half of the fee has been paid to Daniel Yankelovich, Inc. Travel budget may be exceeded by the end of the year due primarily to the extensive building survey prior to re tention of a consultant. Policy Study Committee Report Mr. Miller advised that he had received a letter from MCA President, J. E. Hull, transmitting a draft of possible Board Resolution concerning MCA Committees for comment; a similar letter had been sent to Chairman W. H. Salzenberg. Messrs. Miller, Bell, and Carman commented briefly on the provisions set up In this Resolution and certain other aspects of the Policy Study Committee Report. It was the general consensus that operations of the Plastics Committee are entirely consistent with the proposals therein. Other than a general comment regarding minutes of meetings, there was no other suggestions and It was agreed that Mr. Miller would reply direct to General Hull. Next Meeting The next meeting of the Committee is scheduled for April 2 in Washington, D. C., International Inn, 14th and M Streets, N. W., beginning at 11:00 A.M. through luncheon. The Ad Hoc Advisory Subcommittee on Building will meet earlier in the day with the consultant. Sleeping room reservations the evening of April 1 have already been made for those who requested same and the individuals will be advised in due course. Respectfully submitted. F. H. Carman Committee Secretary FHC:amm 3/1/63 Cc: Ad Hoc Advisory Subcommittee CMA 078542