Document e11p4rbbaE2BbDdQaLRNVjdv4

RECOMMENDED PROCEDURES FOR REDUCING ASBESTOS DUST DURING BRAKE SERVICING While most friction materials used for brake service may still contain asbestos, many suppliers are now replacing asbestos with steel, mineral, and/or syn thetic fibers. The OSHA regulations refer directly to the asbestos used in friction materials. However, since the long term medical effects of the nonasbestos fibers are unknown, it is suggested that exposure levels be controlled for all replacement friction materials. 1. The OSHA regulations on asbestos exposure emphasize two levels for airborne concentrations of asbestos. These levels determine (1) if the workplace Is in compliance with the regulations, and (2) if not, what action must be taken. (1) The Permissible Exposure Level (PEL): 0.2' fiber per cc. 8 hour time weighted average (TWA). (2) The Action Level: 0.1 fiberpercc8hour TWA. (The regulation is not activated if fiber ex posure remains below 0.1 fiber per cc.) If certain precautions are taken, it is believed that the workplace can be maintained at levels below the Action Level, and if this is the case, several requirements of the OSHA regulations may be avoided. Monitoring of these levels is required where exposure is or may be expected to exceed the Action Level. 2. Areas where brakes are serviced should be set aside, if concentrations exceed the permissible exposure level (PEL), a "regulated area" must be established which restricts occupancy to author ized personnel. Where a "regulated area" is des ignated a warning sign must be dispiayea at each entrance to the area: DANGER ASBESTOS CANCER AND LUNG DISEASE HAZARD AUTHORIZED PERSONNEL ONLY RESPIRATORS AND PROTECTIVE CLOTHING ARE REQUIRED IN THIS AREA 3. When removing worn friction materials or cleaning used brake parts, remove the accumulated dust with a vacuum-cleaner equipped with a High Efficiency Particulate Air (HEPA) filter. If removing accumulated dust or other debris from the brake assembly, alternate wet methods may be used: (a) Compressed air/solvent bottle system where parts are sprayed with a mist and the wetted particles are removed with a wet rag, or (b) Solvent spray-mist with final clean-up with a wet rag. Do not use compressed air or dry brushing for cleaning unless the assembly is enclosed and properly exhausted. (Refer to OSHA Asbestos Regulations, CFR Title 29, Part 1910. 1001, Ap pendix F). 4. Whenever possible, purchase friction materials . preground and readyfor installation, if machining is necessary, there is the possibility that the permissible exposure level (PEL) may be ex ceeded, in which case respirator protection is required. There must be local exhaust ventilation such that worker exposures are maintained below the PEL. Local exhaust ventilation consists of dust collection hoods or enclosures connected by duct or piping to a collection filter and suction source. 5. In certain grinding operations, where con centrations cannot be reduced below the per missible exposure level (PEL), a respirator program shall be used. The respirator must be one approved by the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) for the concentrations en countered. Respirators may also be required during certain maintenance, start-up or emergency situations where engineering controls cannot maintain concentrations below the PEL. Where a regulated area is designated for concentrations exceeding the PEL, approved respirators with high efficiency filters must be worn. 6. industrial vacuum cleaner bags containing as bestos dust, cloths used for wiping brake-as semblies, used cartridges from respirators; and disposable work clothing 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: DANGER CONTAINS ASBESTOS FIBERS AVOID CREATING DUST CANCER AND LUNG DISEASE HAZARD All asbestos waste should be disposed of in ac cordance with OSHA and EPA asbestos regulations and local ordinances. 7. Good housekeeping is essential in a workplace where asbestos-containing materials are handled. Industrial vacuum cleaners equipped with High Efficiency Particulate Air (HEPA) 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 sup pressants should be applied if brooms are used. 8. Good personal hygiene practices are important in minimizing asbestos dust exposure. Do not smoke. Wash before eating. Shower after work. If the PEL is exceeded, protective clothing must be worn. Change to work clothes upon arrival at work and change from work clothes at con clusion of work. Do not take work clothing home. Laundering of asbestos contaminated clothing shall be done so as to prevent release of airborne asbestos fibers in excess of the permitted ex posure level. CAUTION: DO NOT BREATHE ASBESTOS DUST HWBUI0013198