Document oGQVL01eJ8Y7aj9e4BQpqVX8

January 11, 1977 Editor Job, Safety & Health Occupational Safety & Health Administration 3rd & Constitution Avenue, H.W. Washington, D,C. 20210 . Dear Sir: The article TROUBLE IS TOE AUTO REPAIR SHOP in the December. 1976 issue of Job Safety & Health contained the following incorrect statement attributed to me. "For auto mechanics, the greatest threat of Incipient asbestosis occurs in service stations where 50X of all brake work is performed." I did not make any such statement. At a meeting in Cincinnati on March 19, 1976 with industry repre sentatives and scientists from NIOSH and Mt. Sinai Department of Environmental Medicine I presented data on the number of mechanics employed in various categories of garages where brake service work is performed. A copy of the minutes of that meeting, prepared by John Dement of NIOSK, is attached. - At the Cincinnati meeting. Dr. Selikoff summarized the findings of Mt. Sinai investigators concerning --excessive asbestos fiber exposure in two brake service garages in Kew York City. The excessive airborne concentrations resulted from the lack of adequate engineering controls and the prevalence of . Improper work practices such as the use of compressed air hoses in the cleaning of brake assemblies. Such conditions are not necessarily typical of the brake service industry. FMSI 03501 \:o FMsI-0253 IT -2- January 11, 1977 Field investigations by Raybestos-Manhattan and others have shown that if brake service work is performed with proper engineering controls and work practices, the airborne concentrations of asbestos fibers will be well within the limits set forth in the OSHA Standard for exposure to asbestos dust. He are well aware of the vital need to educate brake service mechanics in safe work procedure. RaybestosManhattan' s program to provide such information Includes training films , brake service manuals which include recommended procedures for reducing dust during brake servicing, and specific work practice instructions included with every package of brake lining. Additional information on asbestos related disease, monitoring methods for recommended respirators and vacuum cleaners suitable for use in removing asbestos dust is available on request. Copies of these materials are enclosed. \ Very truly yours. /as Enclosure cct bcc: Mr. K. A. Bodden Dr. B. F. Craft Mr. J. M. Dement Dr. I. J. Selikoff Mr. F. S. Daly Mr. R. M. Gordon JMr. E. W. Drislane Mr. R. A. Jann Mr. R. H. Mereness Mr. R. R. Moalli Mr. w. S. Simpson Mr. I. H. Weaver (signed) John H. Marsh FMSI 03502 * ir