This pamphlet has been developed by the Chlorine Institute to assist member companies in the continued safe handling and disposal of asbestos.

The safety and health of workers and subsequently the general public in dealing with possible airborne emissions and their protection from hazards associated with asbestos are of paramount concern.

The pamphlet addresses safe asbestos handling procedures for the chlor-alkali industry. Cited examples may not be universally accepted and do not represent the only safe method of handling asbestos.

The pamphlet deals primarily with North American requirements and references U.S. Federal and some Canadian requirements that are in effect at the publication date. Additional federal, state and local, as well as foreign requirements may impose different or additional obligations. All users are urged to keep abreast of all governmental requirements concerning asbestos.

For purposes of this publication, the U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) General Industry Asbestos Standard, 29 CFR 1910.1001, is applicable to U.S. chlor-alkali cell renewal operations. In the chlor-alkali industry, consideration should be given not only to how asbestos is handled relative to the production of chlorine and caustic in diaphragm cells, but also the potential for asbestos or asbestos containing materials to be present in other areas. Such things to consider may include asbestos gaskets, past construction practices, and insulating techniques. OSHA’s construction industry standard (29 CFR 1926.1101) may also be triggered.

This CI pamphlet summarizes information found in the reference documents. It is not a primer on everything an employer needs to know, rather a reminder of some requirements. A thorough review of governmental requirements should be conducted periodically and compared with performance practices to assure compliance.