Document rabae64MKbZBzKeERRnd6m2a

NTRACOMPANY CORRESPONDENCE >-98 (Rev. 1-68) Harvey K. Schneider -...Troutdale Mr. Homer M. Cole - Richmond ; o P V: DATE a SUBJECT: 1Q82 February 04 3M Brand Airhat System. Model W-316 The 3M Brand Airhat System is a fully portable, filtered air supply for the employee. The system not only removes particulates, but through the efforts of Mac Cole working with the 3M Company, two special filters have been developed. One of them, using activated alumina, removes nuisance levels of acid gases, e.g. SO2 and HF. The other filter, treated with activated charcoal, removes hydrocarbons. One of the hats is being used by Jeff Tyseling, who is a puller in the carbon bake. His exposure is both carbon dust and SOg. He is very satisfied with the hat. Another hat is worn by Ron Patton, who is a cast iron pourer in the Rodding Room. His exposure is primarily SOg and HF. There is some dust and heat involved also. He is also very pleased with the performance of the hat. His hat has had some small holes burned in it from molten cast iron splash. I had his hat covered with a layer of fiberglass and a coat of fire-resistant paint. I have ordered an aluminized cover from Fyrepel Company as a further protection. It also has a mesh cover over the plastic face shield as well as the hat cover. The above-mentioned two people have been using these 3M hats since 1981 November 30. The third hat is being used by Jim Davidson, a potman. This man was recommended by Dr. Semler because he has an asthmatic condition, and the gases in the potrooms seem to trigger an asthma attack. Jim Davidson is extremely pleased, and told me that without this 3M unit, he was afraid he would have to quit his job. He has been using his hat since 1982 January 04. The following observations are based on discussions with the men who are wearing these hats: (1) The filters do an excellent job of removing the gases and dust. (2) One man said the hat felt a little awkward for a while on the first day. Other than that, the men do not seem to have had any particular problem. (3) The hats appear to be well accepted by the men. There were a few "wise" comments made by other employees for a few days, but the benefits far outweighed the comments. One other puller in the bake has inquired about the availability of the hats. I told him the hat was being used on a trial basis. Comments from the formen, whose men are wearing the hats, have been very positive. HKS:gc Harvey K. Schneider TX TINER RMC0001482 INDUSTRIAL HYGIENE RECEIVED FES ~ 8 -ntr* HMC RES _________ JOO _________ JTM T*:: rx.TtNER 'Us3