In-depth survey report: control technology for solids material handling at General Motors Corporation, Inland Division, Vandalia, Ohio, report no. CT-144-14b.
Abstract
A survey of control technology for reducing asbestos (1332214) exposure during bag opening, emptying, and disposal operations at General Motors Corporation (SIC-3714), Inland Division, Vandalia, Ohio was conducted in November and December, 1983. Engineering controls consisted of using an automatic bag opening machine, isolation of the operation, and local exhaust ventilation to control emissions from the inlet and bottom of the machine, where asbestos was discharged into trash hoppers. Vacuuming was used to prevent the floors from becoming asbestos emission sources. Damaged asbestos bags were repaired and spilled asbestos was removed by vacuuming. Twice a year workers received one on one safety training from an industrial hygienist. Respirators were worn during all jobs that had a potential for asbestos exposure. Personal monitoring showed all asbestos exposures were below the OSHA standard of 2.0 fibers per cubic centimeter (f/cc) and generally below the NIOSH standard of 0.1f/cc. The author notes that when bag opening, emptying, and disposal operations are proceeding normally, worker exposure is below 0.1f/cc. Abnormal activity such as spilled asbestos or equipment repair could cause worker exposure to exceed exposure while loading the conveyor.
