ROCK SPRINGS - Discovery of asbestos sealant during construction work at Sinclair Oil Refinery forced the evacuation of some workers, but the refinery's operations were not affected, officials say.

Harold Newbrough, Carbon County emergency management coordinator, said Tuesday the asbestos was discovered Saturday while a construction crew was doing demolition work on a heater at the refinery.

Newbrough described the incident as "minor" and said the refinery took all necessary precautions and was not shut down.

"They did everything they needed to do," he said. "As a matter of fact, they probably did a little more."

About 200 to 300 workers were evacuated from the construction area, Newbrough said.

He said representatives of the Occupational Safety and Health Administration arrived on site Monday to make sure the asbestos is handled properly.

"There won't be anybody allowed into the area until they've properly disposed of the asbestos," Newbrough said.

Jorge Elizondo, an employee of a Louisiana-based subcontractor at the refinery, said he was one of the construction workers evacuated on Saturday.

He said workers took showers and had their clothes taken.

The refinery "did pretty good," Elizondo, who was working nearby but not on the heater, said. "They take all the precautions."

Sinclair Oil stated in a release that "individuals working inside the process heater were wearing protective respiratory gear and clothing, due to the dusty nature of the work."

Asbestos was used years ago for insulation and fireproofing but has been shown to cause cancer, Newbrough said.