Abstract
Efforts to recycle copper from electrical conductors have led to the development of specialized machines, which automatically remove insulating covers from wires and cable products. In the past, certain wire and cable products were insulated using chrysotile asbestos. This research was undertaken to determine the asbestos fiber exposure risks associated with power stripping machinery to remove asbestos-containing insulation materials from electrical wire or cable. A Rigby Machinery, Inc., Model 4H electric powered wire/cable insulation stripping machine was acquired along with approximately 42 m of asbestos insulated cable. During two separate, but nearly identical, test sessions, a laborer used the wire stripper to remove the asbestos-containing insulation from the subject cable. This work took place within a closed metal building with a total interior volume of 2500 m3. Industrial hygiene personal and area air samples were collected for airborne fibers throughout all wire stripping periods. Collected air samples were analyzed using phase contract microscopy (PCM) and transmission microscopy (TEM). The results of analysis using PCM for personal samples (n = 3) taken during periods of continuous cable stripping activity showed test period airborne fiber exposures ranging from 0.034 to 0.068 (mean 0.056 f/cc). Follow-up analysis of these personal samples using TEM indicated asbestos adjusted PCM exposures ranging from 0.017 to 0.045 (mean 0.033 f/cc). Area air samples taken at distances ranging from 2 to 9 meters from the wire stripper (n = 16) showed asbestos adjusted PCM concentrations ranging from less than 0.0001 to 0.041 f/cc (mean 0.007 f/cc). The process of power stripping asbestos-containing insulation from electrical wires and cables can cause exposure to airborne asbestos fibers. However, the levels of such exposure are not expected to exceed the current occupational exposure limits for asbestos of 0.1 f/cc as an 8-hr TWA or 1.0 f/cc averaged over a 30-minute exposure period.
Highlights
Asbestos is a naturally occurring fibrous material that has long been mined and valued for its use in household, commercial, and industrial products due to its fire-retardant and insulating properties
This research was undertaken to determine the asbestos fiber exposure risks associated with power stripping machinery to remove asbestos-containing insulation materials from electrical wire or cable
The investigation indicated that the process of power stripping asbestos-containing insulation from electrical wires and cables can cause exposure to airborne asbestos fibers
Summary
Asbestos is a naturally occurring fibrous material that has long been mined and valued for its use in household, commercial, and industrial products due to its fire-retardant and insulating properties. Several studies have shown that worker exposure to asbestos in occupations where routine exposure to ACM is expected (heavy construction equipment, automobile brakes, and plane parts) is consistent with the OSHA PEL [4] [5] [6] [7] [8]. Those findings are consistent with the lack of epidemiological evidence for enhanced asbestos-related disease among motor vehicle mechanics and heavy equipment brake removal [9] [10]. The outdoor samples were distributed upwind of the test building These pretest samples were taken to determine the background airborne asbestos structure concentrations, if any, within the proposed test area. Airborne asbestos structure concentration data derived using AHERA methodology is suitable for use in determining the habitability of building space with regard to the presence of airborne asbestos
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
