| Sarnia Environmental Forum Submission - March 21, 2000 Thank you for giving me the opportunity to present this written submission reflecting my environmental concerns. The presentations you'll receive today are made especially timely with the unfortunate recent flare system failure at the Shell refinery. This event resulted in over 40 people in Corunna being treated for toxic gas inhalation. My concerns are in two areas. 1.Current Workplace Air Quality in Fabricating Shops I believe this is a workplace environment that could be greatly improved with respect to the poisonous fumes generated during welding operations. There is a skull and crossbones warning on every box of welding rod that the fumes are toxic and should be used only in areas of "adequate ventilation". These compounds generated during welding are identified by the Ministry of Labour and are subject to "occupational exposure limits" - OEL's for short. Since there has been recognition of OEL's, there has been a constant process of revision of these standards to lower levels of permitted exposure. It is my belief that these permitted limits are often exceeded during periods of great work load within various fabricating shops locally, and for that matter, around these province where this type of work is done. Abatement measures can include point source removal with fume hoods in a specific location and a more flexible overhead vacuum system but this is often clumsy with the requirement to move completed work around with overhead lifting apparatus. I believe the approach taken should look at the building as an enclosed system and require engineered air change and heat recovery solutions specific to each building and the workstations within. The schematic below illustrates what I think could be a general approach which can solve the problem of removing welding fumes. This would require floor outlets for fresh air in various locations as well as top-of-building exhaust so there is a constant updraft within the building at a speed adequate to remove contaminants. I have been told such an approach is the standard in Alberta and has been adopted successfully to eliminate this air quality problem. Of course it much easier to design these features into a new building that's about to be constructed but retrofits are also very possible. The research staff available to MPP's should be able to confirm these strategies for improving air quality. Over the years there has definitely been progress in recognizing workplace hazards. Unfortunately, there has been a great number of victims of workplace exposures from less enlightened times - a very large number in this area from their contact with especially asbestos. It is less well documented but nevertheless, anecdotal evidence abounds from lots of cases of construction workers whose health has been impaired from extended exposure to welding fumes. The databases are currently being developed with local studies of these workers. This is most welcome and very difficult with the mobility of these people and their numerous employers and workplace locations. If such standards for air movement in these buildings were to be adopted and enforced, then there would be obvious benefits to workplace hygiene as well as to the economy as a whole. I am sure you're adequately familiar with the economic benefits of an improved workplace environment. I hope the Liberal party will see fit to adopt these suggestions in their policy. 2.Local Political Environment Although it might be a stretch to dwell on this subject in this forum, its scope has broadened where submissions are going beyond the local handling of toxic waste. I make the case that relations between the City of Sarnia and the County of Lambton are necessarily "toxic" in the matter of County roads within City limits and are presently clearly unworkable. In his correspondence to me, Municipal Affairs Minister Clement has called this an "unusual situation". The Canadian Automobile Association has also condemned the safety of this road with its integral "paved walkway". MPP Di Cocco can familiarize you with the correspondence and give you a tour of the rebuild of Lakeshore Road east of Murphy Road where we have this ridiculous condition. Clearly, local politicians require a redefinition of turf that can only come from the Province in the context of municipal restructuring. Thank you. George Sunaitis 1247 Lakeshore Road Sarnia, ON N7S 2L1 519 542 8340 c.c. U.A. Local 663, Pipefitters, Plumbers and Welders 1151 Confederation Street Sarnia, ON N7S 3Y5 |
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