Awareness Programs

Policy Key Points

• The purpose of the Awareness Programs Safety Policy is to inform associates of potential hazards in the workplace related to asbestos, benzene, hydrogen sulfide (H2S), and lead.
• Associates working in Yaskawa facilities are not exposed to these hazards.
• Field service associates, particularly when working at refineries, may be exposed at very low levels, but the work performed by Yaskawa associates is unlikely to expose associates to these hazards.
• Asbestos Awareness:
  • Associates are not exposed to asbestos hazards while working in Yaskawa facilities.
  • Associates working at customer worksites are unlikely to be exposed to asbestos hazards.
• Benzene Awareness:
  • Associates are not exposed to benzene hazards while working in Yaskawa facilities.
  • Associates working at customer worksites are unlikely to be exposed to benzene hazards.
• Hydrogen Sulfide (H2S) Awareness:
  • Associates are not exposed to hydrogen sulfide hazards while working in Yaskawa facilities.
  • Associates working at customer worksites are unlikely to be exposed to hydrogen sulfide hazards.
• Lead Awareness:
  • Associates are not exposed to lead hazards in Yaskawa facilities.

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Policy

Asbestos Awareness Program

Yaskawa America, Inc. does not have asbestos in any of our facilities at a level or composition in which Yaskawa associates will be exposed to an asbestos hazard. For instance, fire safety blankets may contain asbestos but the asbestos is woven into other materials to prevent its release.

However, Yaskawa associates who travel to customer sites may be exposed to asbestos. For this reason, it is important for associates who travel and perform work at customer sites to be knowledgeable of asbestos hazards and control methods.

NOTE: If Yaskawa associates are to work in areas where the contracting company has identified asbestos, these areas will be disclosed to us and rendered safe before work will begin. Yaskawa America, Inc. does not knowingly allow employees to work in areas where they will have exposure to asbestos. Any employee who knowingly enters a restricted asbestos area will be disciplined for their unsafe behavior.

GENERAL

Asbestos that may exist in refineries includes certain gaskets, brake linings, valve packing and old insulation. Since non-asbestos insulation is being used in most refineries on new work installations, the highest probability for exposure will come during demolition or old insulation removal. However, Asbestos-containing material may be encountered in the following forms:

• Valves,
• vessels,
• piping insulation,
• insulation cement,
• mastic,
• floor and roof tiling,
• transit wall siding,
• caulking, and
• automobile brake linings.

All asbestos removal within a refinery must be done by certified people who are licensed to remove asbestos. No associate of Yaskawa America, Inc. is to work on any piping or vessel that contains “asbestos containing materials” unless properly protected and/or the material is encapsulated and will not fragmentize or peel off when working on it.

Asbestos is a widely used, mineral-based material that is resistant to heat and corrosive chemicals. Depending on the chemical composition, fibers may range in texture from coarse to silky. The properties which make asbestos fibers so valuable to industry are its high tensile strength, flexibility, heat and chemical resistance, and good frictional properties.

Asbestos Work Practices

Yaskawa America, Inc. associates are not to work on asbestos containing equipment or materials.

If employees become aware of any potential exposure to asbestos, they are to immediately stop work and notify their supervisor. The supervisor is then responsible to inform the Yaskawa America, Inc. Environmental, Health, and Safety (EHS) department for further information, but in no case allow work to proceed until the exposure to asbestos has been abated. The Yaskawa EHS department can be reached at EHS@Yaskawa.com or 262-391-1697.

Associates shall not disturb asbestos containing material.

Asbestos Health Hazards

Asbestos fibers are carried into the body as airborne particles. These fibers can become embedded in the tissues of the lung and digestive system. Once the fibers become trapped in the lung’s alveoli (air sacs), they cannot be removed.

Years of exposure to asbestos can cause a number of disabling and fatal diseases. Among these is asbestosis, an emphysema-like condition; lung cancer; mesothelioma, a cancerous tumor that spreads rapidly in the cells of membranes covering the lungs and body organs; and gastrointestinal cancer which is caused by ingesting asbestos-contaminated food.

Short term effects (acute):

• May cause irritation and itching to the skin, coughing may occur.

Long term effects:

• Over exposure can result in lung cancer.
• Common symptoms include difficulty in breathing (if you climb a flight of steps and are out of breath),
• cough,
• chest pains,
• clubbing of the fingers (this is common in advanced stages),
• risk for lung cancer is multiplied if the worker exposed to asbestos also smokes.

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Benzene Awareness Program

This safety guideline is intended to provide suitable information to all Yaskawa America, Inc. associates regarding the potential toxic effects of Benzene so that adequate measures can be taken to limit exposures through controls in the workplace.

General

Of all the hydrocarbons, Benzene poses the most serious long-term threat. Exposure over time, to even low levels of Benzene can cause leukemia, blood changes and aplastic anemia.

CHARACTERISTICS:

Benzene is a colorless to light-yellow liquid with a pleasant sweet odor.

• Formula: (C6H6)
• CAS No.: 71-43-2

Benzene is a flammable liquid that can accumulate static electricity. Benzene vapors are heavier than air and may travel to a source of ignition and flash back. The vapors are readily dispersed by wind movement and/or air currents. Liquid benzene tends to float on water and may travel to a source of ignition and spread fire. Benzene is highly reactive with oxidizing materials.

USES:

Benzene is a component of gasoline, both in the manufacturing process and found naturally in crude oil; Benzene is also used as a feedstock for chemical manufacturing.

HEALTH EFFECTS:

WARNING: Benzene is a cancer-causing agent in humans. All contact should be reduced to the lowest possible level. Exposure limits are for air levels only. Skin contact may also cause overexposure. Benzene is one of the most hazardous of all petroleum products because of its adverse health hazards and high flammability. All sources of ignition are prohibited within 50 feet of benzene.

The following adverse health effects are important to remember where there may be a potential exposure to Benzene:

a) Acute: At high concentrations (1000 PPM) Benzene has an acute effect on the central nervous system causing headaches, dizziness, drowsiness, unconsciousness, and possible death. Acute exposure can also cause breathlessness, irritability, and giddiness.

b) Chronic: Benzene has a chronic exposure effect on bone marrow (aplastic anemia, leukemia). Chronic exposure can also cause convulsions, liver damage, heart damage, blood diseases, and cancer (leukemia). These symptoms can take months or years to surface and can develop without physical or visible indications.

c) Skin Contact: Repeated skin contact leads to irritant contact dermatitis (rash); as with any petroleum solvent (which Benzene is also classified as), it will leach the natural oils out of the skin. Direct contact with the skin can cause erythema and/or blistering.

d) Irritation: Benzene is irritating to eyes and mucous membranes.

e) Flammable / Fire Risk: Benzene has a very low flash point making it dangerous to have any open flame, spark or source of ignition when vapors are present.

f) Explosive Limits: Explosive limits in air 1.5 to 8% by volume: benzene is highly flammable at low levels of vapor quantity in air.

PERSONAL PROTECTIVE MEASURES: Yaskawa America, Inc. associates are not permitted to work in areas where there may be a potential for Benzene exposure.

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Hydrogen Sulfide (H2S) Awareness

This safety guideline is intended to provide suitable information to all Yaskawa America, Inc. associates regarding the potential toxic effects of Hydrogen Sulfide (H2S) so that adequate measures can be taken to limit exposures through controls in the workplace. Although associates are not exposed to H2S hazards within Yaskawa facilities, associates traveling to customer sites, particularly refineries, may be exposed.

GENERAL

Hydrogen sulfide is ever present in all refineries. In addition, it is generated in many industrial processes as a by-product and also during the decomposition of organic matter containing sulfur.

Hydrogen sulfide (H2S) is a colorless gas that at low concentrations has the odor of rotten eggs. At high concentrations, it kills your sense of smell.

• Formula: H2S
• CAS No.: 7783-06-04

H2S is a highly flammable and extremely toxic gas that can form an explosive mixture with air over a wide area.

CHARACTERISTICS OF HYDROGEN SULFIDE

When ignition occurs, the combustion produces irritants and toxic gases, including sulfur dioxide (SO2). SO2 has an irritating effect on the eyes and lungs and can be fatal at concentrations above 100 PPM.

H2S is heavier than air, has a tendency to settle in low-lying areas, and is readily dispersed by wind movements or currents.

H2S attacks most metals, especially in the presence of water, forming sulfides that are usually insoluble precipitates. It is also very corrosive to plastics and tissue.

H2S dissolves in water forming a weak acid (hydrosulfurous acid). H2S will be released when water is agitated, making it a dangerous hidden hazard.

HEALTH EFFECTS

The following information outlines the symptoms of hydrogen sulfide at specific concentrations:

• 10 PPM (0.001% H2S): Obvious and unpleasant odor; burning eye irritation. Permissible exposure limit is eight hours.
• 200 PPM (0.02% H2S): Kills smell quickly; stings eyes and throat; respiratory irritation; death after 1 to 2 hours of exposure.
• 500 PPM (0.05% H2S): Dizziness; breathing ceases within a few minutes; requires prompt artificial respiration; loss of muscle control, making self-rescue impossible.
• 1000 PPM (0.10% H2S): Unconsciousness at once, followed by death within minutes.

EXPOSURE WARNING

H2S CAN PARALYZE THE SENSE OF SMELL. DO NOT USE THE SENSE OF SMELL TO DETECT H2S.

H2S DETECTION AND ALARM SYSTEMS

In most refineries emergency employee alarms are installed to meet regulatory standards. The alarms provide warning for necessary emergency action according to the site emergency action plan and provide time for employees to safely escape from the workplace or immediate area. Signs should be posted stating the presence of poison gas and urging caution.

WARNING CONDITIONS

There are three conditions that you must be aware of when working around H2S:

• Condition Green: Possible Danger | No Alarms
• Condition Yellow: Moderate Danger | H2S up to 50 PPM | Intermittent Audible Alarm and Yellow Flashing Light
• Condition Red: Extreme Danger | H2S at 50 PPM or Above | Continuous Audible Alarm and Red Flashing Light

HYDROGEN SULFIDE DETECTION DEVICES

Fixed Monitors: Fixed H2S detection devices are designed to detect H2S concentrations in air and establish TWA (10 PPM) and STEL (15 PPM) alarms to initiate evacuation.

Personal & Plant Monitors: Personal and plant monitors are available in many types. Familiarize yourself with the equipment available at your specific work assignment.

EVACUATION PROCEDURES

• Hold your breath and quickly leave the area containing H2S. Do not inhale.
• Move quickly to the upwind “Safe Breathing Area” to receive instructions.
• Always be conscious of wind direction via wind socks and streamers to determine the safe upwind route.

EMERGENCY RESCUE AND FIRST AID

To prevent risk and injury to other personnel, re-entry into an area of unknown concentration of H2S requires self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA) and backup personnel. YASKAWA ASSOCIATES SHALL NOT ATTEMPT TO RESCUE PEOPLE IN AN H2S AREA. THIS REQUIRES SPECIALIZED TRAINING AND EQUIPMENT NOT PROVIDED BY YASKAWA.

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Lead Awareness

This safety guideline is intended to provide suitable information to all employees regarding the potential effects of Lead and where lead may be found so that adequate measures can be taken to limit exposures through controls in the workplace.

Lead is not found in Yaskawa facilities in sufficient quantities to present a health hazard. However, associates traveling to customer sites may be exposed to lead.

GENERAL

The objective of this guideline is to prevent absorption of harmful quantities of lead. The guideline is intended to protect employees from immediate toxic effects and serious toxic effects that may not become apparent until years of exposure have passed.

CHARACTERISTICS & WHERE IT CAN BE FOUND

Pure lead (Pb) is a heavy metal element. It can combine with other substances to form lead compounds. Lead can be found in:

• Old glossy paints used on walls and piping.
• Building and roof metal support frames.

Report to the Contracting Company’s Project Manager anytime you suspect lead-containing materials that may not have been disclosed (e.g., cracked/peeling paint, visible paint dust, grindings, or shavings).

HEALTH EFFECTS

Lead enters the body primarily through inhalation (breathing dust/fumes) and ingestion (eating/smoking with contaminated hands). Lead is not absorbed through intact skin.

Inhaled or ingested lead enters the bloodstream, circulates through the body, and accumulates in soft tissues and bone. Continued exposure leads to toxic buildup causing irreversible cellular and organ damage.

(1) Short-Term (Acute) Overexposure: Severe short-term doses can cause acute encephalopathy developing quickly to seizures, coma, and death from cardiorespiratory arrest.

(2) Long-Term (Chronic) Overexposure: Chronic exposure damages blood-forming, nervous, urinary, and reproductive systems. Symptoms include loss of appetite, metallic taste, anxiety, constipation, muscle/joint pain, tremors, colic, "wrist drop" or "foot drop" (peripheral neuropathy), severe kidney damage, decreased fertility, and increased birth defect risks.

CAL/OSHA LEAD PROCEDURES & PERMISSIBLE EXPOSURE LIMITS

The Cal/OSHA lead standard establishes a Permissible Exposure Limit (PEL) of 50 μg/m³ as an 8-hour Time Weighted Average (TWA), and an Action Level of 30 μg/m³. Cal/OSHA groups construction tasks by exposure magnitude:

> 50 to 500 μg/m³	> 500 to 2,500 μg/m³	> 2,500 μg/m³
Manual demolition	Using lead-containing mortar	Abrasive blasting
Dry manual scraping	Lead burning	Welding
Dry manual sanding	Rivet busting	Torch cutting
Heat gun use	Power tool cleaning without dust collection	Torch burning
Power tool cleaning with dust collection	Cleanup of dry expendable abrasives	—
Spray painting with lead paint	Abrasive blasting enclosure movement	—

SAFETY MEASURES

Yaskawa associates are not permitted to work in areas where there may be a potential for Lead exposure. Yaskawa associates are not permitted to disturb lead-containing materials. Associates are required to wash hands and face thoroughly with soap and water if contact occurs.

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Records Related to this Policy

Record Title	Retained By	Retention Time
Exposure Records	Human Resources	Minimum of 30 years

Revision History

Rev #	Description	Release Date	Approved By
0	Initial Release	2/2/2023	Thurwanger

Program Review

Review Date	Reviewed By	Changes Needed	New Rev #
1/11/2024	Thurwanger	No	—
1/16/2025	Thurwanger	No	—
2/9/2026	Thurwanger	No	—