THE BREMERTON METAL TRADES LEGAL LUNCHBOX

Vol. 1, #4 Wednesday, August 7,1974 RADIATION

TO: METAL TRADES COUNCIL STEWARDS

FROM: LEGAL COUNSEL

TO: METAL TRADES COUNCIL STEWARDS

When you stop and think about it, remember those of us, back in January 1973 who talked about- corruption in high places and the need for Americans with courage to stand up. and defend the Constitution, the laws and our American freedoms against officials who were outlaws. Who would have believe- then, as we did, that we would find such admissions from a President, as we have seen. And who would have thought that labor could begin to get so much done here at PSNS. But the parallels are there and we must keep on.

RADIATION ITEMS: Last week you asked me to spend some time on the subject of radiation and dirty pay. In my opinion, the present agreement, Article XIV, requires either high hazard or low hazard (depending upon the facts) pay for such exposure. It is up to you to grieve this. First, study the manual "Radiological Safety and Information Guide for Employees of PSNS" 13ND NAVSHIPYDBREM P.9900 (1)[REV 2-74]. As pointed out in this booklet "The damaging effects of exposure to ionizing radiation are different from other types of injury in that they are not immediately detectable".

There are two-types of dangerous radiation: ionizing and non-ionizing BOTH CAUSE SERIOUS HARM. The latter type most frequently causes damage to the eyes and we, as a union, should arrange for frequent eye examinations and careful records regarding members' eyes. Some of the sources of eye problems known to exist from non-ionizing, radiation are electric arc welding, black lights used for blue print germicidal lamps producing ultraviolet (UV) that irritate eye tissue, and has been found to even cause skin cancer; lasers used that cause retina damage; infrared radiation (IR) given off by welding, steelwork, and drying, baking and other uses around paints, varnishes and enamels; microwaves in drying processes, radar endangering eyes and testicles most;. radio frequency waves RF) used for heating equipment for hardening metals, soldering, brazing, woodworking, bonding, laminating, gluing, sterilizing, sealing and curing plastics, producing electrocution dangers.

Ionizing radiation comes from x-rays, alpha, beta and gamma rays as well as neutrons. These undetected rays are known to produce many diseases, including cancer and genetic problems. You can't "feel" the exposure. Proper standards are a matter we will discuss.

FRANK RUSH Congratulations to Local 290 and steward member of BMTC, who has recovered both for hearing loss and disability, though it was a long and tiring struggle. Frank was awarded 32%, binaural (combined of both ears) hearing loss for 64 weeks award at $166.20. . In addition, Frank has received both Civil Service disability as well as permanent FECA disability, arising out of his neck injury on the job. He has elected to receive payments under FECA, in the amount of $167.28, each week from the date of his last PSNS paycheck, as well as approval for all medical treatment. Frank, by the way, was the first man to report to the Council Compensation Clinic, in March 1973.

Lee A. Holley
Suite 101, IBEW Building
2700 First Avenue
Seattle Washington 98121
(206) 623-1241