Document MMXBxjqe8Ozw9L8qd8zpNgk6j

Till a? >qs 06-.53 FR LITIGATION DEPT. 40qd iu olo^p^o^ r. iHWWtfWunwU' ::4>WHII !' HI > I I Mill WIM IlfMIIIWIIW*rf^fW>MTn^^<Sfta<63flB c>w> By Bob Cerullo Beware of Brake Dust! MOST MECHANICS GO ABOUT the task of cleaning brake and dutch dust knowing that while doing the job they we inhaling some of this dust. It has been general knowledge that linings and pads are made on the average of 50 to fiO percent asbestos. However, past studies have led us to believe that the asbestos fiber was locked into other materials in the lining and that a change due to the high heat of friction took place during braking or clutch application. This transformed the asbestos fiber into a non-toxic, non-flbrous material called forsterite. The conclusion then was that the dust was harmless. Studies conducted by the Mt. Sinai School of Medicine in New York City indicate that brake dust may actually contain an average of 3 to 6 percent asbestos with some tests showing concentrations as high as 15 percent. Samples of air were taken under actual working conditions in a taxi-fleet garage and a N.Y. Dept, of Sanitation truck repairshop. These samples were analyzed by electron microscopy and Fig 2. NEVER BLOW OFF dirt from a brake assembly with an air gun. After vacuuming, use a nearly-dry damp rag. Fig. 1. REMOVE BRAKE DUST with high-efficieney filtered industrial vacuum cleaner. Wear air-purifying respirator. 74 revealed levels of airborne asbestos considerably higher than those permitted by federal law. It should he noted that during the testing in the truck repairshop grinding of brake shoes was carried out. The work of the researchers at Mt. Sinai was discussed at a meeting of the National Institute for Occupational Safely and Health (NIOSH) where the results of physical examinations given to 90 men who had been working as automobile and truckbrake repairmen for a period of 10 years were examined. Of this small group the doctors stated that X-ray examinations showed that over onequarter had signs of abnormalities consistent with asbestosiB disease; the same tests revealed that one quarter had also restricted pulmonary (lung) func tions. This evidence prompted NIOSH to issue an alert to the automobile repair industry indicating that while the full extent of asbestos-related disease in brake-service personnel is not known because this occupational group has not been systematically studied up to now, enough scientific data has been accumulated to point out the need to start imme diate control measures so that the health hazard of . asbestos can be minimized. There is ho doubt that a health hazard exists and that exposure to asbestos fibers can increase the risk continued on page /O MOTOR, March 1977 equtpm PLAINTIFF'S EXHIBIT CIIR-229 JUL 02 '99 08:53 FR LITIGATION DEPT. 248 512 4885 70 Beware of Brake Dust! continued from page 71, of developing four diseases: asbestosis-a non-malignant scarring lung condition; cancer of the lung; cancer of the digestive tract and mesothelioma-a cancer of the lining of the chest or abdominal cavities. There are some authorities and other studies that place the percentage of asbestos in brake dust at a much lower level than those reported by the Mt. Sinai group and disagree with its findings. All authorities agree that no matter how 6mall the concentration of asbestos in brake and clutch dust, '.here is an immediate need to initiate work practices in every shop that will eliminate any risk to the health of mechanics. The danger is associated with drilling, grinding and cutting of brake linings. The dust generated during these operations must be collected in a vacuum-recovery system that has a high-efficiency filter. Many older grinders either have no recovery system or are equipped with vacuums that allow tiny particles of asbestos fiber to be blown into the air. Buying pre-ground shoes will minimize the need for grinding. Where possible, a separate area should be set aside for brake and clutch work and a sign posted at the entrance that reads: ASBESTOS DUST HAZARD. AVOID BREATHING DUST. WEAR ASSIGNED PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT. DO NOT REMAIN IN AREA UNLESS YOUR WORK REQUIRES IT. BREATHING ASBESTOS DUST MAY BE HAZARDOUS TO YOUR HEALTH. ___________ ~_______________________ I Dust should never be removed from a brake or clutch assembly with an air blowgun or by brushing. The only way to safely clean dust containing asbestos is with an industrial-type vacuum with a high efficiency filtering system (Fig. 1). Don't use one of your wife's old vacuum cleaners because it probably will do more barm than good. The fine 1 particles of asbestos will pass through most vacuum , cleaners and you will end up with a higher concen tration of asbestos than you would have if you hadn't used the vacuum at all. The vacuum you buy should have a 99-percent efficiency for 0.3 micrometers diameter aerosols. If there is any remaining dust that was not removed by vacuuming, wash it off using a slightly damp rag. Under no circumstances should you use an air gun or dry brush (Fig. 2). 76 There is no point in being careful about vacuuming the dust if, when you empty the vacuum cleaner bag, the dust blows all around you and the shop. Brake and clutch dust should be disposed of in a special plastic bag marked as follows: CAUTION: CONTAINS ASBESTOS FIBERS. AVOID BREATHING DUST. BREATHING ASBESTOS DUST MAY CAUSE SERIOUS BODILY HARM. Even using a high-cfficiency industrial vacuum cleaner will not prevent a small amount of dust from reaching some noses and mouths which will inhale it, To prevent this, you should wear an a:r-purifying respirator of either the throwaway type like those used in body shops or one with a replaceable particu late filter. Before you buy cither type, be sure that it is approved by NIOSH or the Mining Enforcement and Safety Administration. Wear the respirator while you are operating a grinder, drill or when emptying the dust collection bags on your vacuum cleaner. There is bound to bo 6ome brake and clutch dust that falls to the floor while you are working, so be sure to use an industrial vacuum cleaner to pick it up. Don't sweep this part of the shop with a broom. A broom has the tendency to flick the asbestos particles up into the air and that is where they are dangerous. The rest is common sense: If your shop has heavy accumulations of dust on lockers, parts shelves, overhead door channels, beams and on window sills there is a good chance that dust contains some asbestos. Wear your respirator and use your vacuum cleaner to go over all those hidden places carefully and clean up the dust. Change your work clothes regularly and don't bring them home. Have them washed by an industrial laundry. Wash your hands thoroughly before eating and avoid eating in the area where you do brake and clutch work. Every shop, large or small, is responsible for meeting the requirements of the federal law which calls for industrial hygiene inspections carried out by OSKA representatives.. Under this law the level of asbestos shall not exceed 2 fibers longer than 5 micrometers per cubic centimeter of air. (For a list of these firms send a self-addressed stamped post card in an envelope to: Asbestos, MOTOR, 1790 Broadway, New York, NY 10019.) Research has determined that smoking increases the rate of lung cancer among people exposed to asbestos dust In short, if you have been working around hrakca and clutches for several years, it would be wise to give up smoking. continued on page & MOTOR, March I97?j S The Tree practical, custome' helps exf when ch; provides edge. ai anc TRW se compre: availabl1 Chassis best of < Proaran 8001 Ei Clevelai tflOTOR. >ed? Maybe e you did! vur in even :s, broken :.-e as . r .ushers . vi course I of your knowledge ator? And ment docs nee on the )S you have ity In your equipment orkens and n with this brand-new ' signs just vice Induss. The eyer octagonal 'void safety JUL 02 'SS BbtbA hK LlllUHliUN utr-l. peware of Brake Dust! (Ofltinued from page 76 <-o It is gratifying to note that a great deal of money and time is being spent by brake and clutch lining manufacturers to deal with this problem. In 1 addition to OSHA's specific requirements lor a label, 0ne firm has included useful extra precautions on the warning label on every box of brake lining and clutch facings it sells. This same firm has recom mended procedures for reducing asbestos dust during brake service in their service manual and in a training film. In the final analysis you are the only one who can protect yourself from the potential dangers of exposure to asbestos dust. If you wear a respirator or mask, use an approved brake vacuum cleaner, dispose of the dust in the prescribed manner, vacuum the floors and use good common sense about house cleaning, there is little to fear from the presence of asbestos dust. The few extra precautions involved could prevent you from contracting a very painful if not fatal disease. Start tomorrow to clean up your act. . . you owe it to yourself, your family and your fellow workers. How to Promote Your Servioe Department mtinued from page 76 \:l& paint 0 situation er at your 1 spraying "he storage V well apart ide a well- wiring. -ns, product i.o follow in hazards in 'ot on every ement that ial use only ing proper use by the t of all the iwl -after? best unee in the abels day " eomplish 8i> ir customer, lish this jot March 19^7 the clinic will be favorably impressed and may become customers in the future. A clinic of this type invariably uncovers the need for much service work, and the dealer should get a substantial share of this work. The best promotion won't be effective, unless the service department can deliver what it promises. Among the most frequent customer complaints are: work not done when promised, cars not repaired properly and high cost of repairs. Most dealerships will make good on a job if the work is performed improperly or a part is defective. These ''warran ties" arc usually informal in nature, but some dealers have plans that are specific and widely advertised. Your shop equipment can also be an important merchandising tool. An optical wheel-alignment machine, for example, projects a "picture" of the front-end setup of a customer's car. Pew owners understand the pattern of an oscilloscope, but most me impressed by the dealer's willingness to invest in tuch sophisticated equipment and train his techni cians in its operation. Finally, never forget that your best merchan disers are your shop personnel. They need not be %h-pressure salesmen. If they impress the customer with their courtesy, knowledge and sincer% Bnd back up that Impression with their perform- >nce, your investment in modern equipment and Pfomotional plans will pay off. II toOTOR. March 1977 Kent-Mcwe TOOL DIVISION TOOLS THAT DO THE JOB RIGHT THE FIRST TIME with Kent-Moore special service tools for G.M. and AMO cars! Now, the special service tools you need to quickly, properly and profitably service American Motors and General Motors 1977 models are available directly from KentMoore. Using factory-approved Kent-Moore service tools (the "J" number tool specified In your Service Manual), you can do those tough jobs much faster end easier than with ordinary shop tools. Kent-Moore tools save you time (which is money in your pocket), unnecessary work, and they help you do the job to factory specs. This means greater customer satis faction, lewer "come-backs." Kent-Moore special service '.ools. You owe it to yourself to check them out. Write lor our new catalog ol spe cial tool* lor 1977 models. Write to Kent-Moore Tool Division, 28635 Mound ltd., Warron, Mich igan 48092. w* TOTAL PAGE.05 **