Meritor MM-2075 Maintenance Manual page 6

1 Safety Information
The following procedures for servicing brakes are recommended to
reduce exposure to asbestos fiber dust, a cancer and lung disease
hazard. Material Safety Data Sheets are available from Meritor.
Hazard Summary
Because some brake linings contain asbestos, workers who service
brakes must understand the potential hazards of asbestos and
precautions for reducing risks. Exposure to airborne asbestos dust
can cause serious and possibly fatal diseases, including asbestosis
(a chronic lung disease) and cancer, principally lung cancer and
mesothelioma (a cancer of the lining of the chest or abdominal cavities).
Some studies show that the risk of lung cancer among persons who
smoke and who are exposed to asbestos is much greater than the risk
for non-smokers. Symptoms of these diseases may not become
apparent for 15, 20 or more years after the first exposure to asbestos.
Accordingly, workers must use caution to avoid creating and breathing
dust when servicing brakes. Specific recommended work practices for
reducing exposure to asbestos dust follow. Consult your employer for
more details.
Recommended Work Practices
1. Separate Work Areas. Whenever feasible, service brakes in a
separate area away from other operations to reduce risks to
unprotected persons. OSHA has set a maximum allowable level
of exposure for asbestos of 0.1 f/cc as an 8-hour time-weighted
average and 1.0 f/cc averaged over a 30-minute period. Scientists
disagree, however, to what extent adherence to the maximum
allowable exposure levels will eliminate the risk of disease that can
result from inhaling asbestos dust. OSHA requires that the
following sign be posted at the entrance to areas where exposures
exceed either of the maximum allowable levels:
DANGER: ASBESTOS CANCER AND LUNG DISEASE HAZARD
AUTHORIZED PERSONNEL ONLY
RESPIRATORS AND PROTECTIVE CLOTHING ARE
REQUIRED IN THIS AREA.
2. Respiratory Protection. Wear a respirator equipped with a high-
efficiency (HEPA) filter approved by NIOSH or MSHA for use with
asbestos at all times when servicing brakes, beginning with the
removal of the wheels.
3. Procedures for Servicing Brakes.
a. Enclose the brake assembly within a negative pressure enclosure.
The enclosure should be equipped with a HEPA vacuum and
worker arm sleeves. With the enclosure in place, use the HEPA
vaccum to loosen any residue from the brake parts.
b. As an alternative procedure, use a catch basin with water and a
biodegradable, non-phosphate, water-based detergent to wash
MM-2075 / Revised 09-23
Page 2
ASBESTOS FIBERS WARNING
the brake drum or rotor and other brake parts. The solution
should be applied with low pressure to prevent dust from
becoming airborne. Allow the solution to flow between the brake
drum and the brake support or the brake rotor and caliper. The
wheel hub and brake assembly components should be
thoroughly wetted to suppress dust before the brake shoes or
brake pads are removed. Wipe the brake parts clean with a cloth.
c. If an enclosed vacuum system or brake washing equipment
is not available, employers may adopt their own written
procedures for servicing brakes, provided that the exposure
levels associated with the employer's procedures do not exceed
the levels associated with the enclosed vacuum system or brake
washing equipment. Consult OSHA regulations for more details.
d. Wear a respirator equipped with a HEPA filter approved by
NIOSH or MSHA for use with asbestos when grinding or
machining brake linings. In addition, do such work in an area
with a local exhaust ventilation system equipped with a HEPA
filter.
e. NEVER use compressed air by itself, dry brushing, or a vacuum
not equipped with a HEPA filter when cleaning brake parts or
assemblies. NEVER use carcinogenic solvents, flammable
solvents, or solvents that can damage brake components as
wetting agents.
4. Cleaning Work Areas. Clean work areas with a vacuum
equipped with a HEPA filter or by wet wiping. NEVER use
compressed air or dry sweeping to clean work areas. When you
empty vacuum cleaners and handle used rags, wear a respirator
equipped with a HEPA filter approved by NIOSH or MSHA for use
with asbestos. When you replace a HEPA filter, wet the filter with
a fine mist of water and dispose of the used filter with care.
5. Worker Clean-Up. After servicing brakes, wash your hands
before you eat, drink or smoke. Shower after work. Do not wear
work clothes home. Use a vacuum equipped with a HEPA filter to
vacuum work clothes after they are worn. Launder them
separately. Do not shake or use compressed air to remove dust
from work clothes.
6. Waste Disposal. Dispose of discarded linings, used rags, cloths
and HEPA filters with care, such as in sealed plastic bags. Consult
applicable EPA, state and local regulations on waste disposal.
Regulatory Guidance
References to OSHA, NIOSH, MSHA, and EPA, which are regulatory
agencies in the United States, are made to provide further guidance
to employers and workers employed within the United States.
Employers and workers employed outside of the United States should
consult the regulations that apply to them for further guidance.
Copyright Meritor, Inc., 2023
(16579)
Printed in USA