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3 C. G. Kramer, Middle tow*n Works Robert Lightfoot, Composite Materials Division S. J. MacMullan, General Office J. E. Maddox & Dr.. P. R. Kleykamp, Ashland Works C. R. Parker, Sand Springs Works H. G. Ralph, Zanesville Works H. L. Schueller, Middletown Works R. D, Tranter, General Office From:- Jack L. Harris, M.D. Subject: AISI Industrial Health Committee Meeting The most recent-AISI Committee on Industrial Health meeting was held on October A, 1977. I did not attend the last regularly scheduled meeting of this Committee in July, so this will be a combined report on both meetings with emphasis on the October 4th meeting. The present status of Standard on coke oven emissions is as follows: Oral arguments will be heard in the Third District Court in November, in regard to work practices and engineering controls. There is no way of knowing how ' this will come out. The remainder of the Standards are being generally complied with by the participating companies. It is my opinion that in compliance Armco ranks about third behind US Steel and Bethlehem at least with respect to medical surveillance. As you know, a sulfur dioxide Standard has not been entered into the Federal Registry, but all briefs have been submitted and the deadline for the Standard appears to be sometine in November. A survey is being made at the International Nickel Company in regard to absenteeism in chrome workers. As you may know, there is a proposed general Standard for carcinogens. There RRM 12H2 ARO-B6 ARMCO V AISI Industrial Health Committee Meeting November 3, 1977 Page 2 are over 15,000 potential carcinogens (chemicals which may produce cancers). This Standard, which may be instituted during the coning year, will affect every person involved with industry in the United States. It will dwarf any other issues that are on the agenda at this time. Th.ere is no change in the status of the noise Standard at this time. It appears that anything that develops in regard to noise will be facing a long series of court battles and the Standard could be delayed indefinitely. A recent study has been conducted and there are some data now available in regard to the effect of noise. This study indicates that an eight hour exposure to 92 decibles does not enhance hearing loss; in other words, does not produce hearing loss. .However, this study will be challenged by the AFLCIO and it is possible that hearings on the entire noise subject nay be re opened. As you know, the EPA has been in the act on noise and they are striving for strategy in new equipment. The benzene Standard is still under a court stay order; this is in the Fifth District Court and also in the D.C. court. The lead Standard has been reopened and there are a number of questions involving rate retention in lead workers. One problem with rate retention in lead workers, is that an attempt might be made to sneak in this feature for ail Standards. This could become an industrial relations problem. Ms. Eula Bingham's recent fiat authorizing walkaround pay has met with consider able opposition in Industry. It is the general consensus that industry is not required to authorize walkaround pay at this time. To summarize this meeting, there are still a lot of problems in regard to indus trial health as related to government and OSHA activities. It is quite clear that the climite in OSHA is anti industry. The National Advisory Committee on Occupational Safety & Health is now weighted against industry with the addition of persons who have been appointed by Ms. Bingham. It continues to be necessary for us to provide factual data which can contradict some of the material that the government is generating. It seems to me that this is the purpose of the AISI Industrial Health, Industrial Hygiene and Industrial Safety Committees. If we can prove that hazards do net exist where the government says they exist then we are in a better position to fight some of the Standards. At the present time we are still at the mercy of government agencies. I do not look for the situation to improve during the coming year. I do believe that information will be available in the next five years which will prove that we do not have the problems that the government say we have in the industrial health field. Enclosed is a list of hazardous substances and agents suggested by the Working RRM I 2 H 3 ARMCO V AISI Industrial Health Committee Meeting November 3, 1977 Page 3 c Group on In-plant Environment. This is a labor list of materials which they consider to be harmful substances. It can easily be seen that much work is being done and much pressure is being placed by environmental agencies in regard to these materials. L/d H/s Enclosu re ARM 12HH LIST OF IIAZ-AHDOUS SUBSTANCES AND AGENTS SUGGESTED BY TIIEyWORJONG GEOUP ON IN-PLANT ENVIRONMENT Coke oven emission - Benzene soluble fraction Lead (Pb) Silica dust Total dust Asbestos Ammonia Fluoride (HF) Carbon monoxide (CO) Sulphur dioxide (SO2) Iron oxide Hydrogen sulphide (H2S) Nickel (Ni) Chrome (Cr^) Benzene Tri-chloroethyline (CC^CxlCl) Manganese (Mn) Beryllium (Be) Hydrogen chloride (HC1) NO* Noise Heat Stress BRH 1Z 4 5