In-depth survey report: evaluation of brake-drum service controls at Cincinnati Bell Maintenance Facility, Fairfax, Ohio

Technical Report · Thu Oct 01 04:00:00 EDT 1987

OSTI ID:5413344

Sheehy, J W; Todd, W F; Cooper, T C; Van Wagenen, H D

The effectiveness of vacuum units (Nilfisk Asbestos-Clene System) equipped with high efficiency particulate air filters in limiting exposure to asbestos during the servicing of automotive brakes was evaluated. Brake servicing of seven vehicles at the Cincinnati Bell Fairfax Garage was studied. Phase contrast microscope (PCM) analyses of personal air samples, collected for the duration of a single brake job or for 2 hours, whichever was longer, yielded counts ranging from 0.004 fiber per cubic centimeter (f/cc) (detection limit) to 0.016f/cc using an aspect ratio of 5:1. Effective control was evidenced by the low exposures for the brake mechanics; 79% of the air samples, including personal, axle, fender, background, and ambient samples were below detectable limits. Transmission electron microscopy also showed very low asbestos concentrations. The authors caution that workers should not use a dry cloth to clean hands after finishing a brake job. Instructions are offered for safe removal and replacement of the various filters in vacuum units.

• Research Organization: National Inst. for Occupational Safety and Health, Cincinnati, OH (USA)
• OSTI ID: 5413344
• Report Number(s): PB-88-162268/XAB; ECTB-152-21B
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

500200* -- Environment
Atmospheric-- Chemicals Monitoring & Transport-- (-1989)
54 ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES
552000 -- Public Health
99 GENERAL AND MISCELLANEOUS
AIR POLLUTION
ASBESTOS
BRAKES
HAZARDOUS MATERIALS
INDOOR AIR POLLUTION
INDUSTRIAL MEDICINE
INSPECTION
MACHINE PARTS
MAINTENANCE FACILITIES
MATERIALS
MEDICINE
OCCUPATIONAL SAFETY
POLLUTION
SAFETY
TOXICITY
VEHICLES