BREVARD PLANT
MEDCALI
*(6. U t. MT
FOTOFAX
ONEX
Vol. 11, No. 2
E.l. DuPont De Nemours & Company, Inc., Brevard, N. C.
FEBRUARY, 1978
DR. STOUT LOOKS AT
OUR HEALTH
MATERIAL HAZARui RATINGS
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John Kievit, Phylis Shepherd, Bill Bristol with hazard ratings.
COMMITTEE PROVIDES CONTROLS FOR HAZARDOUS MATERIALS
Ever since we started separating rocks
and plants into materials useful to man,
we've needed to offer words of caution
about hazardous properties of many of
these materials.
The plantwide responsibility for
developing precautions for many materials
used in production operation rests with
the Hazardous Materials committee.
The committee has recently been
elevated to a position on the Central Safety
and Health Committee. John Kievit,
Process Supervisor of the Control Lab and
Product Group, is chairman of the
Hazardous Materials Committee.
John explained that the recent changes
recognize the importance of protecting
employees against possible health hazards
in the workplace in addition to the
traditional concerns over safety and fire
hazards.
The main committee responsibilities
cover four areas with subgroups working
on 1) Rating and Approval with Phylis
Shepherd, Group Chairman, 2) Disposal
with Chuck Holcomb, Group Chairman,
IN THIS ISSUE
medical NOTES 2
CONTAMINATION CONTROL 2
OAKLAND RAIDER ROOKIE 3
promotions 3
CREDIT UNION ELECTS 4
3) Education with Bill Bristol, Group
Chairman, and 4) Transportation, with
Bat Masterson as chairman.
These subgroups work directly with area
representatives assigned to the committee.
They're from Casting — Jerry Surrette,
Coating — Guy Smith, Plant Engineering —
Sid Bordonaro, R & D — Chuck Holcomb/
John Bayless, Control Lab — Jim Kisner,
and Power and Grounds — Leon Howard.
In addition, Ed Hallowell, Employee
Relations Industrial Hygiene Chemist,
Roger Minnick — Purchasing, and Dr.
Stout, Plant Physician are involved.
Phylis Shepherd describes the Rating
and Approval subgroup function as the
"First Line of Defense" for employee
protection from hazardous materials. The
defense mechanism is a simplified color
and number rating code for identifying
hazard potential from fire (red), skin
contact (green) or breathing (yellow).
A number code used with each color
designates "0" — no hazard, "1" — minor
hazard, "2" — moderate hazard or "3" —
severe hazard. The letter "L" is added
to color and number codes for expected
long term effects of a hazard. Phylis'
group assigns ratings which are used by
each operating area to provide procedures
and equipment to protect employees
against the hazards.
(Continued on page 2)
Leonard Owen gets throat exam
Despite increased respiratory infections
and gastrointestinal upsets prevalent during
the winter months, the majority of our
employees are in good health, according to
Dr. James Stout, plant physician.
"Most employees are young and healthy.
They really are not at an age range yet that
serious illnesses are likely to show," he said.
His opinion is based on his examinations
of employees. The medical center averages
about 18 each week. Physicals are
scheduled every two years for employees
under 40, and annually for those over 40.
"October through December are peak
months for treating employees for
respiratory illnesses. The other most
prevalent ailment among employees is
muscle ache and strain coming usually
from activities at home, not at work,"
said Dr. Stout.
"Basic rules of healthy living have
changed very little over the years," he
reflected. "These include adequate rest,
relaxation, work and social activities, along
with good diet, good hygenic practices and
dental care."
He emphasized the importance of good
diet. "We really are what we eat," he said.
"Starches and sugars are the biggest failing
in our diets."
Dr. Stout, who came here August 1,
said he likes it here very much. "I am
impressed with the people and with
management objectives.
"I think the medical unit is well-equipped.
And we're working into some good
programs," he concluded.