HHE determination report no. HHE-79-136-668, Shoreham Nuclear Power Plant, Shoreham, Long Island, New York.
Source
Cincinnati, OH: U.S. Department of Health, Education, and Welfare, Public Health Service, Centers for Disease Control, National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, HHE 79-136-668, 1980 Feb; :1-4
Abstract
In response to a request from employees at the construction site for the Shoreham Nuclear Power Plant, Long Island, New York, an evaluation was made of possible hazardous conditions existing at this facility. Concern centered around the use of an asbestos (1332214) product, Novatex. Two area air and one personal air sample were taken along with bulk samples of Novatex. Analysis indicated that Novatex contained chrysotile (12001295) asbestos. Fibers of this asbestos were located in a settled dust sample. The two area air samples were negative. The one personal air sample was positive for asbestos. This personal air sample was measured in the vicinity where a pipefitter was working. His exposure was determined to be 0.16 fiber/cubic centimeter, which exceeds the NIOSH recommended limit of 0.1 fiber/cubic centimeter. Novatex was used at this facility to wrap stainless steel pipe to protect it from arc strikes, and as an insulating wrap for welded pipe joints during heat stress. Novatex was also used improperly as a drop cloth to keep welding sparks from falling on workers below, as a walkway covering and as a kneepad for workers having to kneel on grate walkways. The author concludes that a hazard of occupational exposure to airborne asbestos fibers exists at this site. The author recommends that asbestos free substitutes be found for the improper uses of Novatex. Users should be instructed to pick up any leftover Novatex and dispose of it properly. All personnel should be informed of the hazards of asbestos and the proper methods of cleanup.
Keywords
NIOSH-Author; NIOSH-Health-Hazard-Evaluation; HHE-79-136-668; Region-2; Hazard-Confirmed; Asbestos-products; Asbestos-dust; Fibrous-dusts; Dust-control; Dust-inhalation;
Author Keywords: asbestos; Novatex; power plant; chrysotile
CAS No.
1332-21-4; 12001-29-5
Document Type
Field Studies; Health Hazard Evaluation
NTIS Accession No.
PB80-167133
Identifying No.
HHE-79-136-668
Source Name
National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health
