Document qvEKBbKvkZkLmd4woQJ7bQgM

FROM H. E. BONDS SMELTING OPERATIONS POINT COMFORT July 15* 1969 CONFIDENTIAL Oi '3J Industrial hygiene committee OOPHia TCfe Mr. T. B. Bonney - Pittsburgh Dr. V. H. Barbour - Point Comfort Mr. R. S. Cain - Point Comfort Mr. H. w. Fritta - Point Comfort Mr. C. L. Green - Point Comfort Mr. J. L. Laudenberg - Point Comfort Mr. E. J. Mulligan - Point Comfort Mr. E. B. Robinson - Point Comfort Mr. 0. L. Royer - Point Comfort Mr. c. F. Scott - Point Comfort Mr. c. 0. Turner - Point Comfort RE: INDUSTRIAL HYGIENE COMMITTEE MEETING - JULY 10, 1969 Present: Dr. V. H. Barbour, Messrs. C. F. Scott, C. 0. Turner, H. W. Fritts, R. S. Cain, C. L. Green, 0. L. Royer, H. E. Bonds, and guest A. A. Rambikur. Old Business: Dr. Barbour reported ventilation program in Chlor-Alkali cell room is progressing but not as fast as desirable. It is presently delayed by painters' strike. Situation could became critical due to lack of ventilation. Concentration of mercury in atmosphere)has increased; hdwever, concen trations in urine have decreased, probably due to emphasis on personal hygiene. -* One employee has been removed from cell room environment by reassign ment because of high mercury in urine. A program is nov being evaluated to cool and re-use inlet end-box water to reduce loss of mercury. A new method of changing mercury in cells has been adopted to minimize spillage. The Leigh instrument for atmospheric fluoride sampling has not been received but is expected in the very near future. Plant boundary tests have been run using conventional impinger apparatus. Results indicate higher than desirable concentrations. Some in-plant tests have been made in the vicinity of the Fluoride Plant. Removal of dust from monitor catwalk in Room 6 has been completed by contractor. No arrangements have been finalized for continuing this work. Existing hooding and exhaust system on Marinite-working equipment in mold shop is not performing satisfactorily. An engineering study is being Jmade. The recent program of determining fluorides in urine of Smelting employees was successfully completed with participation. Values found ranked as follows in decreasing order: Flotation Plant, Electrode Crews, Potmen, and Utility employees. Tests will be repeated before taking any aqq 003974 f Q ALCOA ,^5^0000 Category Code % r 40 S1V OOU 1 industrial hygiene committee July 15, 1969 -^gc 2 action on individual employees. It was suggested that values on Electrode Crews be compared with those of Carbon Setters at a prebake plant. Some positive protein and high sugar values were found. These Individuals will be referred to their family doctors. A second prototype of activated alumina mask is being developed by 3M Company. Samples for evaluation are expected In about one month. New Business: Management has banned all use of carbon tetrachloride for cleaning purposes. Only known legitimate uses are in Laboratory and Chlor-Alkali Department. It-ls suggested that restricted storage at Chlor-Alkali be considered- -and~that availability for non-authorized uses be eliminated. chloride drums are nov returned to the vendor for credit and 'e^available to employees. The uses of perchlorethylene and trichlorethylene are being investigated. No recent tests for nitrogen dioxide have been made in powerhouses. The Union Committee has not requested any meetings vlth Management on powerhouse hygiene conditions in recent months. Mr. Hohlfelder is reviewing industrial hygiene practices in Maintenance ^Including review of chemicals used in maintenance work. Use should be eliminated. It is suggested that each department review safety and hygiene practices and chemicals used in the department. More emphasis is needed on hygiene. The Safety Department will be responsible for implementing such reviews. During the last local contract negotiations, better ventilation in Building 17 shower room was promised the employees. This has not been forthcoming and we are obligated to comply. This item should be pursued with highest priority. During the, recent reorganization of custodial service, responsibility for cleaning of lunch rooms in potrooms was omitted and left up to the department. These lunch rooms are now in bad condition from hygiene stand point and Management is investigating. A decision will be made as to whether the responsibility will be restored to janitors or left in the department. Lunch rooms need cleaning and painting. Dr. L. V. Cralley and Mr. Dan Backenstose will visit Point Comfort July 23-25. HEB:re File copy routed Mr. E. L. Wahlsten Mr. C. A. Belcolore Mr. R. C. McCormack Mr. H. P. Armintrout Mr. F. J. Mabry lf IM *>+* H. E. BONDS APC 003975