March 8, 2002—The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) announced February 14, 2002, that it has endorsed a voluntary product stewardship program designed to reduce workplace exposures to refractory ceramic fiber (RCF) products. The Refractory Ceramic Fiber Coalition has taken the leadership in assuring the safe handling of products containing the fibers, which are used mainly for high temperature insulation applications. The program will help assure that worker exposures are low and increase the use of effective control measures in the RCF sector of the synthetic fiber industry.
Some of the studies of workers exposed to RCF fibers have shown some evidence of decreased pulmonary functions and chronic respiratory disease. Also, animal studies have indicated that the fibers pose a potential risk of cancer.
The five-year program recommends voluntary exposure limits; stresses the use of product design, engineering controls, work practices, respiratory protection, or a combination of all to achieve exposure control for each worker; proposes a communications program to promote and advertise training; establishes voluntary reporting procedures for the program’s progress; and encourages research to develop new and improved RCF product forms that will reduce the potential for worker exposure.
This stewardship program is similar to one adopted three years ago by three industry associations, and endorsed by OSHA, to protect employees involved in the manufacture and handling of fiberglass-containing products.
