Document 9an55pZpep7qmYG7x9ewmqeL

In re: A ll Asbestos Litigation F iled by The Simmons Firm , C ircuit Court, T hird Judicial District, Madison Cty., IL ; 8/25/03 In re: A ll Asbestos Litigation Filed by The Simmons Firm , C ircuit Court, T hird Judicial District, Madison Cty., IL ; 8/28/03 / Ejaton Axles & Brakes Eaton Corporation **'e * Bral, Division P.0. Box 4008 Kalamazoo, Michigan 49003 Telephone (616) 342-3000 December 12, 1983 E:TN Mr. A.G. Beier Chief Engineer, Brakes/Wheels International Harvester Truck Group Engineering 2911 Meyer Road Fort Wayne, IN 46803 Dear Mr. Beier: This letter is in response to your questions regarding the 0SHA Emergency Temporary Standard on permissible asbestos fibers. Eaton Axle & Brake Division has been evaluating non-asbestos brake materials for some time. We feel, as you do, that asbestos will be eliminated from lining materials in the future. The "1/2 fiber" regulation in the emergency standard does not represent a problem for us, our concern is that OSHA may Institute a more stringent regulation without allowing our industry sufficient time to develop and test new material. To address your specific questions: Question 1 and 2. Eaton Axle & Brake Division is in the process of preparing comments to submit to 0SHA. While the final language has not yet been prepared, the basic content will be that we accept the necessity of the "1/2 fiber" regulation. Additionally, we will urge 0SHA to provide our industry ample time to develop and test new materials prior to the initiation of more stringent regulations involving asbestos. At this time, we have not determined if we will request our government relations group to prepare testimony for the hearings. Question 3. No,-the proposed temporary standard does not present any problems in our producing or testing of brakes. Telex 22-4305 EAB 1)18765 SCF-EC-2525