Document yrOZOeoXEL9pJNMdjJ399wR5V

FILE NAME: Ford (FD) DATE: 1977 July 12 DOC#: FD074 DOCUMENT DESCRIPTION: Memo - Development of Non-Asbestos Products Stop. 2. Bnhject: Development of Boo-Asbestos Products Tor your information, Materials Strategy received a request to r e v i w ^ A A O Purchasing forward year plane. A s Interesting topic In the plan is asbestos which reads "Proposed new Q5HA standards (0.5 to 1.0 fibers/cc) for airborne ' exposure may force many Fonl utqyplicrc to cease production of asbestos brake and clutch linings and gasket materials. HAAO Purchasing and Product Bigincering have established a program to expedite development of alternate materials." After reading the KAAO statement, I contacted various Engineer ing activities this morning to identify the names of individuals developing asbestos-free gaskets, brake linings, clutch facings, and transmission clutch plates. In each instance the design engineer advised that he was aware of proposed OGHA rules to limit airborne asbestos contaminants to .5 flber/cc but that work was continuing an the asbestos products and, to their knowledge, assignments to develop asbestos-free parts were not expected. o I discussed development of osbestoB-free parts with Frank Abar, Manager, Program Control and Planning Department, T&C Division, and he advised that development of asbestos-free products will not be initiated until funds are authorized for development. Abar said he requested funding for a min-tumi advance transmission program with asbestos-free parts but the request would have to be approved by some "mythical" central Engineering activity and he does not expect funding. Abar sold he did not believe much, if any, work would be initiated until funding was authorized. Additionally, Abar stated that suppliers do not appear to be concerned with meeting .5 fiber/cc and, in his opinion, there in little need to proceed with a development program until there are better indications that development expense is Justified. f - ec -3. B. Murrey n to ... -* I 11 Jfh' C'Z'* D. P. Crotty 6001 1615