852 Asbestos Safety

Best Practices

• Be trained in the correct and most effective way to use the control system selected by the facility manager or owner. The danger of increased exposure to asbestos as the result of improper work practices should be explained. Examples of improper work practice include: directing an air nozzle at an enclosure seal, placing the nozzle of a spray mist too close to the work surface, not placing the vacuum nozzle close enough to the contaminated surface, turning on the vacuum pumps before positioning the vacuum enclosure over the wheel and leaving them on when removing the enclosure, and splashing or spilling contaminated solutions on the floor. A control system must always be used and consistent work procedures are essential.
• Use pre-ground, ready-to-install parts when possible. If asbestos-containing friction materials must be drilled, grooved, cut, beveled, or lathe-turned, low speeds should always be used to keep down the amount of dust created. All machinery should have an adequate, HEPA equipped local exhaust dust collection system to prevent asbestos exposures and shop contamination. Immediately clean spills of brake dust or contaminated solutions by HEPA vacuuming or wet mopping.
• Develop a maintenance program for the system used to control brake dust. Maintenance should include checking and replacing seals, nozzles, other hardware, contaminated filters and solutions. Any deficiencies such as ineffective seals, or air nozzles should be repaired.
• Collect, recycle, and dispose of asbestos contaminated waste, scrap, debris, bags, containers, equipment, and clothing in sealed impermeable bags, or other closed, impermeable containers.
• To reduce the possibility of asbestos contamination, periodically clean workbenches, floors, etc.
• Perform brake and clutch work in an area isolated from other work areas.
• Post signs informing employees not to eat, drink, or smoke in the brake and clutch work area. Asbestos and other potentially toxic materials can be ingested or inhaled during these activities.
• Stress personal hygiene, such as frequent hand washing with soap or detergent.
• Provide a laundry service with facilities for cleaning asbestos contaminated work clothing.
• Change from soiled, contaminated work clothes into clean clothes before leaving work. Removing clothing provides protection against bringing asbestos into the home environment.

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