Document wgv6O9Z8982roKvkGZkra2oyV

INTER-ORGANIZATION CORRESPONDENCE UN9TED STATES STEEL CORPORATION' Mr. Kenneth M. Morse, Director Industrial Hygiene DATE February 8, 1965 FROM W. H. Baumann SUBJECT During the week of January 31, 1965, I Accompanied Messrs. Edwards and Danchi, representatives of the Indiana Division of Industrial Hygiene, and Mr. Ed Steen, Gary Safety Department, on a tour- through the Gary Works to inspect areas and operations designated as potentially hazardous by the State in their preliminary industrial hygiene survey. This survey completes the inspection of areas cited in the initial report. Following completion of the industrial hygiene audit, I discussed with State representatives that phase of the survey concluded during the week of January 31? 1965. In addition, I inquired when we might expect their report; when the detailed investigation would be inaugurated; and what we might expect in the way of an interim report. These various items which were discussed are summarized below. . 1. Approximately twenty-five per cent of all areas and operations designated in the preliminary survey will be investigated by air analysis study. I envisage that the detailed phase will be completed in about three months, depending on the scheduling of the survey and the nuniber of state personnel who will participate. 2. Areas and operations selected for study of environmental contaminants, in addition to those previously reported, are as follows: a. Foundry for study of dust, lead and zinc. b. Open hearth furnace rebuild and/or major repair - also associated operations for mineral dust. c. Double spout preparation and skull cracker area. The State plans to do free silica analysis on many proprietary products. d. Chamber cleanout in soaking pits cellar (1+6 Billet Mill) will be investigated for Co. e. Diproom and varnish dip tanks in Electrical Maintenance will be studied for potential solvent vapor hazard. f. Ventilation measurements are planned for selected hoods at Technical Service Center. Ventilation at other operations metallizing, welding, spray painting, etc., will be examined. 2} 3. Carbon monoxide tests were taken at various locations where annealing and reheat furnaces operate. No significant levels of CO were recorded in any of these areas tested. In one area - Automobile Garage, General Services Division - GO levels of about 80 ppm were found. No local exhaust ventilation was employed and the general ventilation arrangement was not very satisfactory. 1+. The question relative to biological specimens for lead analysis was mentioned. The State has tempered its demands for biological specimens. They now propose to ask for blood samples on those employes whom they believe to have the greatest potential exposures. However, it is not altogether clear in my mind how they propose to select these people without measuring the lead contamination in the suspected areas. Inasmuch as this issue remains unresolved, I did not pursue the discussion. $. KL Edwards, at this time, plans to prepare a report to be submitted to the State Labor Department. In this report, he proposes to comment on the items cited in the preliminary report. He will classify each area as follows: (l) no health problem exists based on observations, experience or judgement$ (2) air sampling data are indicated, and (3) remedial measures are suggested based on observations, good industrial hygiene practices, or when CO findings were significant. Some type of report will then be prepared and submitted by the State Labor Department to the Gary Works. Recommendations relating to emergency respiratory equipment, safety showers, good housekeeping practices and tinted glasses for welders are to be included in Edward*s report. 6. I tried to obtain information.on time schedule for the detailed study. Mr. Edwards advised me he would probably have a report submitted to the Labor Dept, in about a month. He did not believe the air study would begin before May. He indicated they would study the foundry first. The major share of the air study would be done by Danchi with assistance from Edwards and their chemist, depending on the area studied. It was his opinion that the foundry study could be completed in a week. He was not prepared to give me an estimate of time for completion of the detailed study. It was tentatively agreed that scheduling of the survey would be arranged to fit into our mutual availability. I feel quite sure that his comments will be modified after he discusses some of these problems with Mr.Keppler. The second phase of this survey proceeded without incident. I had no opportunity to discuss this survey with Mr. Kay, as he was out of town. WHB/cab W. HT Baumann