Most of the styrene monomer manufacturers and polymer producers can currently achieve the 50 ppm voluntary limit with engineering controls. However, for the reinforced plastics industry, certain operations are very difficult to control solely through engineering controls and work practices. A comprehensive communication effort will be undertaken to assure that all U.S. facilities producing and using styrene are made aware of the voluntary compliance program and the responsibility to achieve the new limits. Comprehensive training programs will be held regionally, in areas close to reinforced plastics facilities. The topical content and program materials assembled for the training will be provided to OSHA for review.
Employers are to assess compliance with the voluntary standard.
The purpose is to demonstrate progress in achieving the voluntary limit, and to indicate the extent of work that remains to be done. It will be presented in summarized form, and individual companies will not be identified. Semiannual reports will be made to OSHA on the progress of implementing the plan. OSHA will make the reports and training materials available to affected employee organizations. The goal is to comply with the lower limits by July, 1997.