Document ybNVejgKVyEDLMkEpp2qBr3gd

Asbestos-Automotive Brake and Clutch Repair Work Page 1 of 5 U.S. Department of Labor Occupational Safety & Health Administration www.osha.t MyOSHA__ Search | &Q Advanced Search ) A-Z Index <<< Back to Safety and Health Information Bulletins - Table of Contents by Year Mk Printing Instruct U. S. Department of Labor Occupational Safety and Health Administration Directorate of Science, Technology and Medicine Office of Science and Technology Assessment Asbestos-Automotive Brake and Clutch Repair Work Safety and Health Information Bulletin SHIB 07-26-2 This Safety and Health Information Bulletin is not a standard or regulation, and it creates no new legal obligations The Bulletin is advisory in nature, informational In content, and is intended to assist employers in providing a safe and healthful workplace. Pursuant to the Occupational Safety and Health Act, employers must comply with hazard specific safety and health standards promulgated by OSHA or by a state with an OSHA-approved state plan. In addition, pursuant to Section 5(a)(1), the General Duty Clause of the Act, employers must provide their employee with a workplace free from recognized hazards likely to cause death or serious physical harm. Employers can be cited for violating the General Duty Clause if there is a recognized hazard and they do not take reasonable steps t prevent or abate the hazard. However, failure to implement any recommendations In this Safety and Health Information Bulletin is not, in itself, a violation of the General Duty Clause. Citations can only be based on standards, regulations, and the General Duty Clause. Purpose OSHA Is Issuing this Safety and Health Information Bulletin to inform employees and employers in the automotive brake repair industry of the precautions that must be taken when working with automotive brakes and clutches containing asbestos. In the case of do-it-yourselfers-, OSHA does not have jurisdiction, and OSHA does not require theses practices to be followed. To reduce the potential exposure to asbestos, EPA strongly recommends that all automotive brake and clutch repair work be done by professional auto mechanics. Although the use of asbestos in friction products is declining annually, it remains a substantial source of potential exposure. In addition, there Is stl potential exposure to asbestos contained in automotive brakes and clutches on older vehicles in need of service. Exposure to asbestos, if not properly controlled can cause mesothelioma, lung cancer, and asbestosis. Symptoms n not appear for years, even decades, after contact with asbestos fibers.^ Background Many brakes and clutches used in new and recent model automobiles do not contain asbestos. However, it has not been totally eliminated. Some reports have indicated that many mechanics and employees in the automotive repaii shops as well as do-it-yourselfers are unaware that asbestos may be present in both old and replacement brakes ai clutches. OSHA's asbestos standard requires the use of controls and safe work practices when employees work with brake st and clutches that contain asbestos. These requirements are detailed in 29 CFR 1910.1001 and specifically 1910.101 (f)(3) and Appendix F of the standard - Work Practices and Engineering Controls for Automotive Brake and dutch Inspection, Disassembly, Repair and Assembly (http://www.osha.aov/SLTC/asbestos/index.htmll. The requirement also are discussed in the Federal Register at 59 FR 40964. 40985-87 (August 10, 1994) and 60 FR 33983 (June 29, 1995), as well as in OSHA Directive CPL 2-2.63 (revlsedl. http://www.osha.gov/dts/shib/shib072606.html 8/9/2006