Document vpvYxG9K1v6rNV3bwYDQYdrY

tr / ** < U.S. DEPARTMENT OF LABOR Occupational Safety and Health Admmittration *AWINGTON, D C MHO OCT i 1 1973 STD 1-17 OSHA PROGRAM DIRECTIVE #300-16 TO: REGIONAL ADMIN1STRATQRS/0SHA THRU: OQNALO E. MACKENZIE Field Coordinator ' ' SUBJECT: 29 CFR 1910.1001(j)(2) or (3) or (4), Minimum Airborne Fiber Concentration for Initiating and Continuing Asbestos Medical Examinations 1. Purpose The purpose of this directive is to provide uniform inspection and compliance procedures for the medical examination require ment in the asbestos standard, 29 CFR 1910.1001(j)(2), cr (3) or (4). 2. Documentation Affected This directive supplements and provides reference for the OSHA Industrial Hygiene Field Operations Manual (IHFOM) and the OSHA Field Operations Manaal (FOM). 3. Background In 29 CFR 1910.1001 (j)(2), or (3) or (4), Medical examinations, the term "... exposed to airborne concentrations of asbestos fibers...." has been the subject of considerable discussion and debate as to the meaning or interpretation of "airborne concentrations." 4. Action a. Definition. In 29 CFR 1910.1001(j)(2), or (3) or (4), Medical examinations, the term M... exposed to airborne con centrations of asbestos fibers...." is administratively Interpreted to mean exposed to a minimum of 0.1 asbestos fibers longer than 5 micrometers per cubic centimeter 0T0746 2- iH < 'Of air, as determined by the sampling method prescribed i In section 4.c. of this directive. The phrase "fibers longer than 5 micrometers per cubic centimeter of air" shall hereafter be abbreviated as "fibers/cc." b. Scope and applicability. Medical examinations as per 29 CFR 1910.1001(j)(2), or (3) or (4) will be required for any 7- to 8-hoqr timeweighted average concentration of 0.1 fibers/cc, or for a greater concentration. c. Sampling information. (1) Sampling procedures will follow Chapter X of the IHFOM., with the additional guidance of 4.c.<2) and (3) of this directive. (2) Exposure to asbestos dust with low levels of contamination (e.g., mixed with other minerals). (a) For exposures to dust that is mostly asbestos and is expected to be below the permissible exposure limit, the same filter should be used for the entire shift, but no longer than 8 hours. (b) For exposures expected to be at or above the permissible exposure limit, several samples may be required during the shift to avoid over loading the filters. (3) Exposures to asbestos dust with high levels of contamination. (a) Several samples may be required during the shift to avoid overloading the filter. (b) Filters should be changed only after a minimum of 1 hour of sampling time for exposures expected to be close to 0.1 fibers/cc. Seven or eight 1-hour samples can be collected during the day. -010747 3- d. Examples of types of violations. (1) Where an employer does not pro/ide the required medical examinations, and an employee is exposed to 0.1 or more fibers/cc, it would be considered a "serious" violation of 29 CFR 1910.1001(j)(2). or (3) or (4). (2) For definitions and guidance on "repeated," "willful," or a "failure to correct" violation, see the FOM, Chapter VIII. S. Effective Date This directive Is effective .Imnedlately and will remain in effect until further notice. Bruce Hillenbrand Acting Oirector, Federal Compliance and State Programs Distribution: A-l B-2 C-l D-4S5 E-l HEW-1 NIOSH Regional Directors-1 NAC0SH-1 Training Institute-4 (Originator: OCCH) 010748 Interoffice Atciitomii<lom TO ' (Non* ana Location) FROM loctHon) Mr. P.M. Smith - Charlotte L.R. Birkner - NYO /3b i - V. '-4/ OEM 55 IBEv./7i (DATE | 2/22/79 REFERENCE NO. 1 LRB: 79-71 Subject: Medical Surveillance - Asbestos Attached you will find a copy of the OSHA program directive dealing with the medical surveillance aspects of the Asbestos Standard OSHA 1910.1001. If you need further interpretation of the directive, please contact me. LRBssl Att. 010745