Document qmj3e2MRqk1zvz2DjRM6wyDjn

InUr Office Tr*nmilon end Ch***l DlvUlon Omril Offtc* July 20, 1983 To: cc: Subject: Engineering Managers Industrial Relations Managers Safety Engineers Plant Physicians Plant Managers Mr. P. 6. Gross Mr. M. 8. Leyda Mr. E. M. Nelson Mr. J. M. Poe Mr. R. S. Pomarolli Mr. R. 1. Smith Utilization of Contractors to Effect the Removal of Asbestos Associated with Renovation or Demolition In recognition of the potential health risks of friable asbestos and in response to public concern, various regulatory agencies, i.e., OSHA, have placed very severe restrictions on work practices associated with intrusion into asbestos bearing materials. We know that the health community unquestionably accepts linkage between the inhalation of asbestos fibers and such lung disorders as asbestosis (pneumoconiosis) and mesothelioma (tumor). Two recent TtC asbestos work situations demonstrated to our satisfaction that we are not equipped to perform significant asbestos intrusion on an occasional basis. The cost and/or inconvenience associated with the utilization of a specialized contractor is more than justified by the elimination of potential employe health risks. Accordingly, it shall be TiC Division's safety policy to utilize a contractor to effect the removal of asbestos associatd with renovation or demolition. Any outside contracting should be consistent with the outside contracting clearance procedure provided for in the current Eord-UAW agreement. The policy envisions the exercise of local judgment on a task to task basis. For example: It would not be practical to assume a contractor will be utilized to perform such tasks as removing the asbestos from a valve bonnet to effect a gasket repair. All such decisions should be based upon the understanding that all material suspected as containing asbestos shall be treated as it if were asbestos until proven otherwise. All asbestos removal shall be performed in accordance with the attached industrial hygiene instructions. Medical sur veillance and record keeping on an employe work life basis is required, and we should continue to search for and discontinue the use of any maintenance or construction materials containing friable asbestos. 8006 0416 PRODUCED BY FORD / VJ Included with this communication is a copy of a seminar hand-out entitled "Asbestos Removal", prepared by the American Association of General Contractors in conjunction with the Michigan Department of Health. Although it is slanted towards the utilization of contractors, even a casual review provides a good understanding of the scope of the problem, the health risks and the detail of the control required in the planning and conduct of asbestos removal. Any questions or comments regarding this communication should be directed to the undersigned on 523-4720. R. D. Byrom Attachments 147-99-1 8006 0417 PRODUCED BY FORD