U.S. Department of Labor Occupational Safety & Health Administration: Analyzing Asbestos Workplace Exposures: Brake Servicing Case Study

Introduction

Asbestos has long been used as a component in motor vehicle brake materials and may be found in a large number of brakes. This case study was concerned with the control of asbestos exposures to workers at a maintenance shop that services brakes on more than 1,100 vehicles a year.

Most of these vehicles had 13- and 14-in. wheels, with 10-in. long brake shoes. A wet brake-washer assembly controlled potential asbestos exposure. The catch basin, raised to the work area, is used for holding small brake parts and catching the brake washing solution. The solution is recirculated through a nylon filter and pumped at a gentle flow through a flexible tube out through the bristles of the brush for cleaning the brake assembly.