Document aBOmyQb5N16kKdv7xVoz993QX

RECOMMENDED PROCEDURES FOR REDUCING ASBESTOS DUST DURING BRAKE SERVICING Because studies have indicated that exposure to excessive amounts of asbestos dust may be a potential health hazard. OSHA has set maximum limits of levels of airborne asbestos dust to which workers may be exposed. Since most automotive friction materials normally contain a sizable amount of asbestos, it is important that people who handle brake linings and clutch facings un derstand the nature of the problem and know the precautions to be taken. when exposure to asbestos dust may be at its highest. This increases the difficulty in com plying with the OSHA standards. In addition to the approved respirator, there must be local exhaust ventilation such that worker ex posures are maintained below the OSHA asbestos standards. If there is any question as to the efficiency of asbestos dust removal by the machine, the manufacturer should be con tacted. - 1. Areas where brake work is done should be set aside if possible, and entrances should be posted with an asbestos exposure 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 Be Hazardous To Your Health 2. The amount of asbestos in the dust from brake lining wear is normally at an extremely low level because of chemical breakdown during use. and if machining of friction material does not take place, simple procedures will minimize exposure. During brake servicing, the mechanic should wear a respirator approved by NIOSH for asbestos dust. It should be worn during all procedures starting with the removal of wheels and in eluding reassembly. 3. When removing worn friction materials, remove the accumulated dust in the assemblies,with an industrial vacuum cleaner equipped twith a high efficiency filter system. If such ec*iipment is not available, dust can be removed |with a damp cloth. Do not use com pressed air or dry brushing for cleaning unless the assembly is enclosed and properly ex hausted. 4. Whenever possible, purchase friction materials preground and ready for installation. If machining is necessary, the precautions which must be taken are of extreme impor tance. This is the operation in brake service 5. Industrial vacuum cleaner bags containing asbestos dust and cloths used for wiping brake assemblies should 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 Creating Dust Breathing Asbestos Dust May Cause Serious Bodily Harm All asbestos waste should be disposed of in accordance with OSHA and EPA asbestos regulations. During removal of vacuum bags, an approved respirator, as described in (2) above should be worn. 6. Good housekeeping is essential in a workplace where asbestos containing materials are handled. Industrial vacuum cleaners equipped with multiple stage high efficiency filters should be used for removing accumulations of asbestos dust and waste. Never use compressed air or dry sweeping for cleaning. Water or other dust suppressants should be applied if brooms are used. 7. Good personal hygiene practices are impor tant in minimizing asbestos dust exposure. Do not smoke. Wash before eating. Shower after work. Change to work clothes upon arrival at work and change from work clothes at conelusion of work. Work clothing should not be taken home. Laundering of asbestos con taminated clothing shall be done so as to pre vent release of airborne.asbestos fibers in ex cess of the exposure limits. CAUTION: DO NOT BREATHE ASBESTOS DUST Th above procedure is reproduced from me 1983 edition of FMSI'i Brake Linmg. Brake Shoe and Clutch Facing Automotive Data book. HWBUI0000178