EPA Brochure Addresses Asbestos Exposure of Brake and Clutch Repairers
EPA has released a "Current Best Practices for Preventing Asbestos Exposure Among Brake and Clutch Repair Workers" brochure in its final form after asking for comments last August 24 on a draft document. The brochure has information for automotive professionals and home mechanics on preventing exposure to brake and clutch dust that may contain asbestos fibers.
The new brochure, which is available at www.epa.gov/asbestos, replaces the existing 1986 document "Guidance for Preventing Asbestos Disease Among Auto Mechanics" (EPA-560-OPTS-86-002, commonly known as the "Gold Book").
The brochure summarizes work practices that can help to reduce or eliminate asbestos exposure. It lists pertinent OSHA regulatory requirements (29 CFR 1910.1001, specifically paragraph (f)(3) and Appendix F) for professional automotive mechanics. Also discussed is EPA's Worker Protection Rule, 40 CFR part 763, subpart G, which matches the OSHA requirements and is mandatory for state and local government employees who perform brake and clutch work in states without OSHA-approved state plans.