Abstract
A high asbestos content caulking compound (putty tape) is manufactured by kneading asbestos fibers into a mixture of mastic materials. Asbestos exposures are associated with receipt and storage of bagged asbestos, opening and dumping the bags of asbestos into a mechanical conveying system that feeds the putty mixing machines, and introducing asbestos into the mixing machines. Highly mechanized and exhaust ventilated conveying and transfer systems were designed to eliminate excessive asbestos exposures of plant workers, and effluent air filtration systems were employed to avoid emission of fibers to the atmosphere. Engineered dust controls for bag conveyors, bag breaking station, and loose fiber conveyors are described and illustrated. Fiber sampling results are included to indicate the degree of asbestos control that is being obtained in the plant and outside.