Document qmBX1ryGe9BkndVRwEdw1Q545

This standard was adopted as a temporary measure in 1972 by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) of the U.S. Department of Labor, and is the present accepted level. However, on July 1,1976 a new standard is scheduled to go into effect that will reduce the TLV to only two asbestos fibers, five microns or longer, per cubic centimeter on a time-weighted average. Protecting the Worker While there are many differences of opinion within the medical profession concerning the problem of asbestos and health, it is universally accepted that levels of asbestos dust in the workplace must be kept to a minimum. Industry has attacked the problem in a number of ways. Typical methods implemented to control dust levels include sophisticated dust collection systems (which combine highpower exhaust fans, duct networks and high-efficiency filters); special methods of waste disposal; use of protective clothing and portable dust respirators; and innovative wetting and dampening methods which minimize dust generated during production. The asbestos industry has developed a completely automatic fiber bag opening station that will permit workers to open the bags, remove the fiber, dispose of the bags and intro duce fiber into the manufacturing process without creating dust. In general, greater use of automation is being sought throughout the asbestos industry to reduce dust levels and to minimize exposure of employees to airborne asbestos fiber. Basically, the requirements of an effective dust control program are twofold: (1) Design fabrication processes and production equipment so as to minimize dust generation as much as possible; and (2) Implement highly organized programs of industrial maintenance (including hygiene surveys) to insure that safe levels are maintained. Periodic monitoring of dust concentrations should reveal dust levels which exceed the threshold limit value (TLV). 2 It is obvious hand in hand w standards recentl OSHA Regulation On June 7, Administration Occupational Saft regulating asbes standards deal wii fibers, (2) methc labeling of potent: dust levels, (5) m recordkeeping by * purpose - to prot hazardous amounts A. The employ making sure that nt airborne asbestos fil B. Where the e shall be notified in shall be informed ol reduce his exposure C. Engineering work practices are rection. D. While correc employee shall be wearing of an approv by shift rotation. E. The use of control is not perm install engineering or (2) in situations technically feasible. VPD-148-0000330