Safe Practices for Mechanics to Prevent Asbestos Exposure

OSHA has several recommended practices for both commercial and home mechanics to follow in order to avoid unwanted exposure to asbestos in the course of repairing or replacing brakes and other suspected asbestos containing car parts.

While OSHA’s regulations are enforceable only for commercial mechanics, they are highly recommended for home mechanics as well.

OSHA’s preferred method of controlling asbestos dust during brake and clutch repair and service are:

• Negative-Pressure Enclosure/HEPA (high efficiency particulate air) Vacuum System - this kind of enclosure and vacuum system features a special box with clear plastic walls (or windows), which fits tightly around a brake or clutch assembly in order to prevent exposure to asbestos.
• Low Pressure/Wet Cleaning Method: This specially designed low-pressure spray equipment wets the brake assembly and catches the asbestos-contaminated runoff in a special basin to reduce or prevent airborne brake dust from spreading.

Another method recommended for commercial shops that perform less frequent brake and clutch repair work (less than 5 per week) is:

• Wet Method: This method uses a spray bottle, hose nozzle, or any device that delivers a fine mist of water or amended water at low pressure to wet all brake and clutch parts. These parts can then be wiped with a cloth.

For individuals who are doing repairs or replacement of brakes and clutches, OSHA recommends employing a commercial shop to avoid all risk, or at the very least to use the wet method.