OSHA: Brake and Clutch Repair with wet cleaning method involving asbestos

Read more from OSHA regarding the low pressure/wet cleaning method when repairing automotive brake and clutch parts. Both brakes and clutch parts contain asbestos.

The low pressure/wet cleaning method involves the following steps:

1. Position a catch basin under the brake assembly to avoid splashes and spills.

2. Gently flood the brake assembly with water containing an organic solvent or wetting agent to prevent asbestos-containing brake dust from becoming airborne.

3. For drum brakes, ensure that the water solution flows between the brake drum and the brake support before removing the brake drum.

4. After removing the brake drum, thoroughly wet the wheel hub and back of the brake assembly with the water solution to suppress dust.

5. Thoroughly wash the brake support plate, brake shoes, and other parts before removing the old brake shoes.

6. If your system uses a filter, wet the filter when it becomes full and before removal, with a fine mist of water, and place immediately in an impermeable container. Label the container and dispose of it as asbestos waste.

7. Immediately clean spills of asbestos-containing liquid or asbestos-containing waste material using a HEPA-filtered vacuum and/or wet methods. Properly dispose of waste as asbestos waste.

8. Dry brushing is prohibited.

Courtesy of OSHA