In May 1999, the North American Insulation Manufacturers Association (NAIMA) began implementing a comprehensive voluntary work practice partnership with the U. S. Occupational Safety & Health Administration (OSHA). This Health and Safety Partnership Program (HSPP) will train workers to keep airborne exposures below 1 fiber-per- cubic-centimeter (1 f/cc). The HSPP sets a voluntary permissible exposure limit, or PEL, of 1-fiber-per-cubic- centimeter (1f/cc).

NAIMA has produced a pamphlet entitled, "Working with Fiber Glass, Rock Wool and Slag Wool Products," that describes the recommended work practices. Included in the pamphlet are recommendations for minimizing dust generation, maintaining adequate ventilation, wearing appropriate clothing and personal protective equipment, and removing fibers from skin and eyes. It also details specific work practices for blowing insulation in attics, installing cavity fill, batt, blanket and roll insulation, fabricating pipe and board, installing ceiling tiles and spray applied fireproofing and handling bulk unbonded products, and removing previously installed products.

These recommendations are supported by OSHA as part of the HSPP. The pamphlet, along with a video describing the work practice recommendations, is available free by contacting NAIMA or visiting the NAIMA web site at www.naima.org.