In-Depth Survey Report: Evaluation of Brake Drum Service Controls at Cincinnati Gas and Electric Garages, Cincinnati, Evanston, and Monroe, Ohio and Covington, Kentucky

摘要

Methods used to control asbestos release from brake linings during brake servicing jobs were evaluated at Cincinnati Gas and Electric garages in Ohio and Kentucky. Air samples and general work practice evaluations were made at four of ten garages during brake jobs on six different vehicles to determine whether dust control measures in use were sufficient to limit the potential for exposure to asbestos dust to workers. A solvent spray was used to suppress brake dust, being applied to all exposed surfaces after the brake drum has been removed. In one garage a mechanic applied the solvent by the wet brush method, while in the other garages the solvent was sprayed on the exposed surfaces. Asbestos concentrations in personal samples for the five vehicles having brake drums less than or equal to 12 inches in diameter was 0.046 fibers/cubic centimeter (f/cc). The greatest potential exposure occurred during spraying of brake components and drums. The second highest dust levels occurred during loosening and tightening of lug bolts with a pneumatic air wrench. The study demonstrates the effectiveness of the wet spray and wet brush methods for containing asbestos exposures.