ASBESTOS EXPOSURE
Wet-wipe method used in automotive industry

As a professional automotive technician, what work practices must I follow to reduce potential exposures to asbestos?

If you work in a commercial automotive shop that performs work on more than five brake or clutch jobs per week, OSHA regulations require the use of one of the following work practices or an equivalent method, such as the wet-wipe cleaning method:

Negative-Pressure Enclosure/HEPA Vacuum System Method: This type of enclosure and vacuum system has a special box with clear plastic walls or windows, which fits tightly around a brake or clutch assembly to prevent asbestos exposure.

Low Pressure/Wet Cleaning Method: This specially designed low-pressure spray equipment wets down the brake assembly and catches the runoff in a special basin to prevent airborne brake dust from spreading in the work area.

If you work in a commercial automotive shop that performs work on no more than five brake or clutch jobs per week, OSHA regulations allow the following method instead:

Wet Wipe Method: This method involves using a spray bottle or other device capable of delivering a fine mist of water, or amended water (water with a detergent), at low pressure to wet all brake and clutch parts. The brakes can then be wiped clean with a cloth.

Courtesy of The EPA

ASBESTOS EXPOSUREWet-wipe method used in automotive industry

ASBESTOS EXPOSURE
Wet-wipe method used in automotive industry