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MOffTV.AU(flO ASBESTOS INFORMATION ASSOCIATION 1660LElrwt N N Wjsnmgion.O.C.20036, :202) 223-ifl3S EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE MEETING July 29, 1375 Washington, D.C. 'he meeting was called to coder at 9:00 A..M. , AIA/MA office. ?. J. Solon, Jr. George 3arge A . H . Fay Joseph G. Hail John H. Marsh William C. Thurber A. H. Meraness Absent: Thomas A. Dougherty Others: Richard Davis C. Fred Workman Johns-Manvilla Corporation, President AIA,/ Atlas Asbestos Company Mazior.ai Gypsum Company GAF Corporation Aaybestos-Manhattan, Incorporated Onion Carbide Corporation AIA/MA Executive Director Certain-teed Products Corporation Partner, Frank C. Frantz & Co. Vice President, Nicolet Industries, Inc. Minutes Minutes of Executive Committee meeting, June 4, 1975, were approved as presented. Financial Report Mr. Davis of the Association's accounting firm, Frank C. Franz S Co., was present for the financial report. As of June 30, 1975 the Association had a cash balance of 559,633 plus prepaid ex penses, insurance, accounts receivable and short term investments of 312,513 for a total of 572,151. Total liabilities were 529,637 for a net worth of $42,514. It was noted that the Association's expenditures for the half year ware within budget. An office theft on July 3 resulted in a loss of $340.50 of which $213.44 was reclaimed from insurance resulting in a net loss of $127.16. It was agreed to continue the service of the Federal-State Reports, rr.c - at an annual fee of $500 Less 102: for early payment. It was PRODUCED JM - 83 ? 2CS 2 roved, seconded ar.d approved that a formal audit of the Associafcicn' s financial affairs would not be necessary at the end-'cf year 1573. This action was taken in consideration of costs involved in obtaining an independent audit as the Association's accounting f i m performs dues billings and therefore can not be considered independent. Further, it was advised that it is not customary practice for an Association of the size of AIA/NA to conduct annual audits if good accounting procedures are maintained. The Committee agreed that the accounting firm would provide full financial statements only at the end of each quarter. Monthly prmt-out of receipts and expenditures will be provided. Thisactior. was considered prudent in order to permit a minimum accounting fee. Mr iavis advised that excass costs for accounting services so one half year amounted to S790 over annual fee of S3,000, due to extra work involved in changing the dues structure. He stated :hat reporting procedures (above) should permit a balancing out cf tests sc that the average could be absorbed within the S5,000 annual fee. Mr. Davis made a preliminary report on pension plans for AIA/NA staff and stated he would develop a paper on subject far distribution to the Executive Committee. Reoort of the Executive Director Federal-State Regulatory Activities - . OSHA - Amendments to standard are not expected to be published m Federal Register before mid-September earliest. No petitions have been received by OSHA to change 2 fiber standard effective July 1, 1976. A meeting with Harry Gilbert, project officer for asbestos standard, revealed an inter-government agency meeting was held mid-June on asbestos regulations to-assure common approach to problems, to discuss research programs and to avoid duplication of government efforts. A report of the meeting will not be pub lished but Gilbert said there was continuing concern about health .mplications of asbestos fiber. He said medical community simply does not have enough data on shape,length, diameter of "injurious" fibers, that sub-microscopic fibers may be causative agents of cancer. He spoke of controversy over talc. Gilbert announced he will retire from OSHA after 29 years of government service. EPA - Promulgation of asbestos air emission standard is ex pected momentarily. Standard, now in inter-agency review, is exoectea to eliminate requirement for fencing and signs,unless disposal sites are active, and provide practical guidance for the disposal of small amounts of asbestos waste, among other consider ations aimed a: reasonable and practicable procedure. PRODUCED JJA - *3 Rage 3 Ssja.-nanz of Acriculfjre - The Animal and Plane Inspection Service has issued a field memorandum stating asbestos is n,ot considered an acceptable material for product contact. Filters used in connection with hot oil for cooking products ccmmonlv contain an asbestos medium. Memorandum states meat and poultry plants may use asbestos containing filters until present supply is exhausted or until arrangements can be made to rsolacs existing asbestos filtering systems. Association of Filter Manufacturers was informed of this action and is in consultation with Department. States - Majority of state legislatures have adjourned for simmer. Most recent states to cancel their plans are New York, Illinois, New Jersey and Wisconsin. Repeal of Byrd amendment to which vcold halt incur-ration of .esiar fiber is not likely to reach House floor. Fenwick calling for release of government stockpiled asbestos will :ably net cone to vote. OSEA oversight hearings' and workmen's er.sation legislation (Williams- Javitts bill S.I01S) were fiv reviewed. . Conference of International Asbestos Associations - Mr. Marsh --distributed a report on the first meeting of the Standing Committee of the International Asbestos Information Conference held week of July T in London. A discussion followed. The Executive Director stated he had received an invoice from Mr. Alex Cross for payment of second half calendar year 1975 contribution, . L 733. Payment was directed. . Meetings of Interest - Upcoming meetings of interest to members on asbestos and health were noted. Attendance of Association mem bers at meetings of interest to the asbestos industry was urged. Mr. Solon emphasized need for early notification of meetings. A letter from Robert Join in connection with U.S. representation at forthcoming medical conferences in Europe was read. . Federal Regulations Booklet - It was reported that the Associa tion. is moving forward with Government Research Corporation to produce a booklet containing federal regulations governing asbestos, hopefully to be ready for distribution at the annual meeting in September. _I_n_d_u_s_t_rv_-_G_o__v_e_r_n_m_e_n_t__C_o_n_f_e_r_e_n_c_e In the absence of Mr. Dougherty, the Executive Director reported on the Association's IndustryGovernment Conference scheduled Sept. 10-- 11. He said the program is reasanacJ nmole be with one cr two sneakers or panel members PRODUCED JM - S3 see 4 y J- to be ccMrirtr.ec. letters c: invitation, to members and guests w.i_ oe rorvarted the tirsc vask of August. The Committee 'Was asked to comment on the prospective guest list and make recom mendations. It was agreed that a charge for meals (estimated 5-5.00) will be made for non-members attending the full Con ference and reception as was dene last year. Activitv Area Reoorts Standards and Technical - Mr. Marsh reported that preparation c: first five work practice booklets are proceeding to final draft and review before publication. It was stated that the booklets should proceed theten amendments to the OSHA standard c_.i net be expected in final form before the new year. Mr. Mereness said he would request CSHA to review the pamphlets before publication, anc that he was considering incorporating illustrations such as used by the British .ARC in their work olace literature. In discussing the need for practical up-to-date information on equipment in the work place to assist in compliance with the OSEA standard, such as vacuum systems, monitoring and measuring devices, bag openers, etc. Mr. Fay stated the Association might inquire as to availability of federal funds for studies into equipment, techniques and procedures, much as the government is investigating asbestos-health effects, to lead to simplifications , uniformity ar.d reduction of costs to industry for research and development ir. these areas. Mr. Solon said that J-M's Research and Development. Center is prepared for this kind of government contract work. . Public Relations and Communications - Mr. Thurber commented on corrections to the Association's employee information, booklet originally prepared by J-M noting that minor corrections to text would provide for accuracy in the areas of signs and caution labels on products. He said the pamphlet, "Asbestos in Water - A hazard tc health?" should be published as soon as possible. Mir. Thurber commented that consideration might be given to publishing the recommended work practices submitted to OSHA in pamphlet form. . Legal and legislative - Mr. Hall stated he had no particular remarks on Legal and Legislative affairs but would like to call attention to the need for constant consideration of the small asbestos manufacturers' interests and concerns. He said the im portance of simple, direct communications to members for full aporeciation of the problems associated with asbestos and health for top management understanding of the problems and the work of the Association is needed. In discussion, it was recommended that periodic brief reports to member chief executives should be prepared by the staff noting problem areas, actions and ac complishments of the Association. produced JtA - 83 Page - Inrer-lr.tra Association He li;lens - Mr. Bargs said he had netting r.ew to report over and above that presented by Mr. .Marsh concerning the Conference of International Asbestos Associations. Mr. Barge noted that there was no change in the Quebec strike Situation, that many workers had found summer employment but efforts c c m n u e to resolve the issues. . Financial and Membership - In the absence of Mr. Dougherty, no report, ether than that cf the executive Director was made. . Medical Program - Plant Physicians Seminar - Mr. Solon reviewed correspondence and discussions concerning a medical consultant or advisor for the Association. He said that Dr. George Wright, consultant to J-M and National Gypsum, had advised he could not to on t.te assignment dua to pressures or. his time. Mr. Solon sstc Dr. Wright has stated he to.ought the description of the work as presented by Mssrs. Marsh and Mereness would require a full-time man which ccuid be expensive end hard to find. Mr. C. Fred Workman cf Nouclat Industries was invited to sit-in or. to.e discussion. Mr. Workman reviewed the interests of his company in the need fer the Association to have a staff medical consultant. He said the need is now. He outlined his thoughts cn the "job description". A lengthy discussion followed. Mr. Hall said the Association needs a medical director or consultant that could provide guidance to plant physicians. He spoke of the "k id of information a plant physician should keep", frequency of health , examinations, circumstances for removing a man from a given job, a health questionnaire for workers,guidance in reading x-rays,etc., as areas where the medical consultant would be of immeasurable value. Mr. Marsh, in answer to questions raised by Mr. Solon as to how long the need for medical consulting would be needed, said the problems . will continue indefinitely, that organized labor is becoming deeply involved m the asbestos issue and that much has yet to be learned from medical science and for implementation of procedures in the work place. Mr. Fay spoke of defining the consultant-advisors role in terms of his assistance to individual companies and the industry at large. He said in over-all considerations for medical expertise we must recognize law suits and compensation and the medical problems therein involved. He spoke on his agreement with the remarks of Mr. Hall, and the comments of Mssrs, Marsh and Mereness on the functions of the consultant-advisor. Names of possible physicians for the position and remuneration were discussed. Mr. So Leo summed up the commentary and requested Mssrs. Marsh and Workman to serve with him to meet w i t h Dr. Hans Weil and perhaps ocr.ers as seen as possible to find a solution to this order of business. He said the Committee would be kept fully informed of progress and that he hoped for completed arrangements for a report at the annual meeting. It was noted that it would be most beneficial to all concerned if the prospective consultant could be orssent oo participate in the Industry-Government Conference. PRODUCED IV. - 5ace 5 Mr. Sclcr. said that Dr. Paul Kotin of J-M had indicated ie might he able to assist the Association in a plant physician seminar the week of November 3. Mr. Solon asked the Committee to consider the agenda for such a meeting and indicate to him aow many pnystcians might attend at their company's expense. . Next Meeting - The next meeting of the Committee was set for {:00 P.M. September 9 in Washington prior to the meeting 3f directors, annual meeting and Industry-Government Conference it a location to be advised. Adjournment - There being nc further business, the meeting R. H. Mereness Executive Director 4 August 1975 PRODUCED J?A -