Document x53X2Ey4a5ke9GGz8J1Qmv60g

To: From: CELANESE CHEMICAL COMPANY, INC. TECHNICAL CENTER Corpus Christi, Texas S. P. Krivan C. Shafer, D. O. Anderson CS-64-8l/DOA-67-81 October 30, 1981 RESPIRATORY PROTECTION In response to your memo (SPK-111-81), the following is a summary of the Respiratory Protection Program at the Techncial Center. Selection of Resoirators In selecting the proper protection for our employee's the following factors are considered. 1) Physical state of the substance. 2) Concentration of substance. 3) Toxicity of substance. 4) Irritation of substance to the eye or skin. 5) Method of handling. 6) Existing engineering controls. 7) Proper fit and comfort of wearer. At the Tech Center, if the particular problem is limited to catalyst and asbestos tape insulation. We use the 3M 8710 NIOSH approved dust respirator. When the problem is a vapor or odor, the concentra tion and toxicity are evaluated. If the concentration and toxicity are low and the situation is a nuisance as opposed to a serious threat to health, we use Wilson or Scott cartridge respirators with approved organic vapor cartidges. A full face or a half face*mask is issued depending on the degree of eye irritant present. 3-M 8712 respirator is also available. If the concentration or toxicity is such that a health problem might be encountered or if a spill or escape of vapors is possible, we issue an air line respirator. In sections of the plant where temporary problem might arise, such as the pilot plant and the maintenance areas, I 29333 BPR-98i< 008314 CS-64-81 DOA-67-81 2 October 30, 1981 air line respirators are located conviently for use if needed. Scott self-contained breathing apparatuses are lo cated throughout the laboratory and pilot plant areas for emergency use in life threating situations and in unknown atmospheres. When a respirator is issued it temporarily becomes the property of the wearer. He is given instructions on care and cleaning of the respirators while in use. When the job or problem is terminated, the mask is returned to the SH&E Depart ment . Each situation is examined and discussed individual ly. If engineering controls can be improved or changed to de crease the hazard to the employee, this would be the first choice. Respiratory protection should be issued after all other solutions are ruled out. Since we have no situations in our plant that require the continous use of respirators, medical conditions have not presented a serious problem at this time. We do not have, at this time, any conditions that require full time use of any type of respiratory protection. We are not doing the quanti tative fit testing. Maintenance and inspections of the respiratory equip ment is done on a monthly basis by the SH&E Department. Records of location, condition and availability are also kept by the Department. Carm Shafer, R.:;. W,3USCiJ- '>5 ^ / m} rt ~<iU-fO D. 0. Anderson, Ph.D. 008315