Document jBByx8QNpQmpEz244z4GeYzzR

FRICTION MATERIALS STANDARDS INSTITUTE, INC., E-210 ROUTE 4, PARAMUS, N. J. 07652 December 8, 1976 To: Asbestos Study Committee Subject: Recommended Procedures for Brake Servicing In my memo of November 16, 1976, in the last paragraph I indicated that I would discuss recommended procedures for servicing asbestos dust during brake servicing with Mr. Weaver, acting Chairman of this Committee. I have since reviewed this question with him. As a brief background, I had earlier been contacted by IIOTOR Magazine and State Farm Insurance concerning work practices in brake reline shops. Also, ASIA (Automotive Service Industries Association) would be pleased to cooperate in supporting FMSI recommendations for servicing brake 1inings. I had earlier solicited the views of committee members. I received input from Mr. Paul Lee and Mr. Ike Weaver of Raybestos. Both concurred that the attached "Recommended Procedures for Reducing Asbestos dust during Brake Servicing" was the best available write-up. In recent discussion with Mr. Weaver, he suggested that I ballot the Asbestos Study Committee on recommending to the Board of Directors the inclusion of such a write-up as a page of our Automotive Data Book (red book) and our Brake Shoe Identification Catalog (blue book). It is felt that such a write up would alert brake service personnel to good procedures in their shops. Further, it would help brake lining (and clutch facing) suppliers defend against allegations that they did not notify users on the possible hazards of asbestos exposure. I am asking that you review the enclosed ballot and return to me in the enclosed return envelope. Similar action will be taken by the Data Book and Technical Committee. EWD/erc Enclosure: E. W. Drislane Executive Director FMSI--0244 FMSI 03172 B_A UQ ,T Friction Materials Standards Institute, Inc. E-210 Route 4 Paramos, New Jersey 07652 Subject: Publication in FMSI Catalogs of Recommended Procedures for Brake Service Shops Gentlemen: 1. I favor the Asbestos Study Committee recommending to the Board of Directors the printing of a page in FMSI Catalogs recommending procedures for reducing asbestos dust during brake servicing. IE HQ ___ __ 2. I favor use of the write-up "Recommended Procedures for Reducing Asbestos Dust During Brake Servicing" as written. ___ __ 3. Those with comment, and those in favor of rewriting the recommended procedures, please enter comments below. BY Company Date # FMSI 03173 RECOMMENDED PROCEDURES FOR REDUCING ASBESTOS DUST DURING BRAKE SERVICING f Because studies have indicated that exposure to xcessive amounts of asbestos dust may be o potential health hazard, OSHA has set maximum limits of levels >! airborne asbestos dust to which workers may be xposed. Since most automotive friction materials normally contain u sizable amount of asbestos, it is. important that people who handle brake linings and clutch facings understand the nature of the problem and know the precautions to be tnken. 1. Areas where brake work is done should be set aside if possible, and entrances should bo posted with an asbestos exposure sign ns follows: .. Asbestos Dust Hozard 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 snould wear an air purifying respirator, either a throwaway or one with replaceable particulate filter(s), as approved by the mining Enforcement and Safety Adminis tration or NIOSH. It should be worn during till procedures starting with the removal of the wheels and including reassembly. 3. During disassembly, all parts should be carefully placed on the floor to minimize the possibility of creating airborne dust. Dust should first be cleaned from the brake drums, brake backing plates nnd brake assemblies using an industrial typo vnettum cleaner equipped with a high efficiency filler sys tem. After vacuum denning, any lemnining dust should be removed by using n rag soaked in water and wrung until nearly dry. Under no circum stances should compressed nil or dry brushing bo used for cleaning. 4. Of extreme importance are the precautions which must be tnken during mnehining of friction ma terial. This is the operation in brake srrviring when |Mure to asbestos dust is at its highest. In oddl- tion to the approved respirator, there rfiust be localexhaust ventilation such that the worker exposures| ere maintained at least below the 1976 OSIIA asbestos stnndards. If there is any question as toj the efficiency of asbestos dust removal by the ma-j chine, the manufacturer should be contacted. j 5. Industrial vacuum cleaner bags containing asbestos dust and cloths -used for wiping brake assemblies should be scaled in plastic bags and labeled with the following warning label printed in letters ot sufficient size ami contrast to be readily visible and) legible: ! Caution | Contains Asbestos Fibers \ Avoid Breathing Dus! : Breathing Asbestos Dust May Cause Serious Bodily Harm All asbestos waste should be disposed of in accord ance with the OSHA asbestos regulation. During removal of vacuum bags, nn approved respirator, as described in (2) above should bo worn. 6. AH floor cleaning in areas where brakes are repaired * should be done with the high efficiency industrial vacuum cleaner ns described in (3) above. Under: no circumstances should dry sweeping take place./ Grinding (arcing) machines should also be cleaned; with such a vacuum cleaner and any remaining; dust wiped with n damp cloth. An approved res-t ' pirator, as described previously should be used) during this cleaning. i 7. Although adherence to the above procedures should minimize any contamination of woik clothing, it is necessary that the appropriate sections of the OSHA regulations on nsbystos be followed when ceiling levels on asbestos dust exceed current stand* * ards. This could involve special clothing, change rooms, etc. At the very least the work clothes should not be tnken borne but should remain at work for industrial laundering. 8. Proper hygiene practices will help minimize ex posure to asbestos dust. Wash thoroughly before eating nnd do not eat in the work area. Krmeinl#?, smoking is harmful to the Iteak It, and smoking coupled with breathing nslrcslo* dust is extremely dangerous. CAUTION: DO NOT BREATHE ASBESTOS DUST FMSI 03174