F. J. Solon Jr. to J-M Managers on the Reopening of the OSHA Asbestos Standard (1973)

A two-page Johns-Manville internal memo of November 16, 1973, from F. J. Solon Jr., vice president for environmental affairs, to a list of nearly 60 senior J-M people headed by W. R. Goodwin, on the "Reopening of OSHA Asbestos Standard." Solon reports that OSHA's Jerry Scannell had "no intention of changing the numerical standard or the timing," so the 2 fibers per cubic centimeter limit would take effect in July 1976, unless OSHA came under "undue pressure." He writes that the unions and Dr. Selikoff were attacking the 2-fiber standard as "phony" because it was modeled on the British one, and that J-M would "work closely with the British in clarifying their position."

What it shows

Solon credits the company's "very sound relationships with OSHA people" to "the fine footwork of Dick Carter" and to the personal relationship between Conde Pallen of J-M's Purchasing Department and Scannell. He explains that J-M had written Scannell's boss, John Stender, because "it is important that we support Scannell's thinking when we believe it to be good for the industry": that letter is Solon's letter to Stender of the same day. He also says he had suggested that Ed Fenner's technical committee give OSHA input "on work practices and other technical matters." The detailed file memo by Dick Carter that Solon says was attached is not in this copy.

The memo shows J-M's leadership following the revision of the OSHA Asbestos Standard closely in late 1973, aiming to keep the 2-fiber limit in place and its 1976 start date unchanged.