Document M260xnp8LNODJww7BVy6RJOL

RECOMMENDED (INTERIM) PROCEDURES FOR ASBESTOS BRAKE AND CLUTCH SERVICING The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) has research underway concerning dust exposures during brake and clutch servicing. Due to preliminary data demonstrating significant asbestos exposures during presently used brake and clutch servicing techniques, NIOSH has reviewed alternate techniques whereby asbestos exposures are reduced. The following are interim procedures recommended by NIOSH to minimize dust exposures. 1. If possible, an area shall be designated for all brake and clutch repairs. Entrances into this area shall be posted with an asbestos exposure warning sign as follows: Asbestos Dust Hazard Avoid Breathing Dust Wear Assigned Protective Equipment Do Not Remain in Area Unless Your Work Requires It Breathing Asbestos Dust May Cause Asbestosis and Cancer t* 2. During brake servicing, an air purifying respirator, either single use or with replaceable particulate filter(s), as approved by the Mining Enforcement and Safety Administration (formerly Bureau of Mines) or NIOSH, shall be worn during all procedures starting with the removal of the wheels and including reassembly. During manual clutch servicing, such a respirator shall be worn during removal and cleaning of the clutch, pressure plate and housing assembly and during instal lation of the new clutch assembly. 3. Dust shall first be cleaned from brake drums, brake backing plates, brake assemblies and clutch assemblies using an industrial type vacuum cleaner equipped with a high efficiency filter system (>99% efficiency for 0.3 pm diameter aerosols). After vacuum cleaning, any remaining dust shall be removed using a rag soaked in water and wrung until nearly dry. Under no circumstances shall compressed air or, dry brushing be used for cleaning. 4. During arcing and riveting operations, an approved respirator, as described in (2) above, shall be worn. Grinding (arcing) machines shall be provided with local exhaust ventilation such that worker exposures are maintained at least below the 1976 OSHA asbestos standard (29 CFR 1910.1001).* At a minimum, the dust bag of the arcing machine shall be removed and replaced with the hose of the high efficiency industrial vacuum described in (3) above. N DPMC-00347 LAM 006835 5. Industrial vacuum cleaner bags containing asbestos dust and cloths used for wiping brake and clutch assemblies shall be sealed in plastic bags and labeled with the following warning label printed in letters of sufficient size and contrast to be readily visible and legible: Caution Contains Asbestos Fibers Avoid Breathing Dust . Breathing Asbestos Dust May Cause Asbestosls and Cancer ^ All asbestos waste shall be disposed of in accordance with the OSHA asbestos regulation, 29 CFR 1910.1001(h). During removal of vacuum bags, an approved respirator, as described in (2) above, shall be worn. 6. All floor cleaning in areas where brakes and clutches are repaired shall be done with the high efficiency industrial vacuum cleaner as described in (3) above. Grinding (arcing) machines shall also be cleaned with such a vacuum cleaner and any remaining dust wiped with a damp cloth. An approved respirator, as described in (2) above, shall be used during this cleaning. 7. Although adherence to the above procedures should minimize any contamination of work clothing, it is required chat the appropriate portions of the OSHA regulations on asbestos (29 CFR 1910.1001(d) (3 and 4)) concerning special clothing, change rooms, etc. be followed. NOTE: Strict adherence to the above procedures should minimize exposures to mechanics during brake and clutch servicing. These are interim recom mendations and are subject to revision pending results of ongoing NI0SH research. * Section 1910.1001 of the Code of Federal Regulations was formerly Section 1910.93a. This change was noted in the Federal Register, May 28, 1975. Prepared By Division of Field Studies and Clinical Investigations National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health Cincinnati, Ohio DPMC-00348 LAM 006836