Meritor MM-2075 Maintenance Manual page 7

The following procedures for servicing brakes are recommended to
reduce exposure to non-asbestos fiber dust, a cancer and lung
disease hazard. Material Safety Data Sheets are available from Meritor.
Hazard Summary
Most recently manufactured brake linings do not contain asbestos
fibers. These brake linings may contain one or more of a variety of
ingredients, including glass fibers, mineral wool, aramid fibers,
ceramic fibers and silica that can present health risks if inhaled.
Scientists disagree on the extent of the risks from exposure to these
substances. Nonetheless, exposure to silica dust can cause silicosis,
a non-cancerous lung disease. Silicosis gradually reduces lung
capacity and efficiency and can result in serious breathing difficulty.
Some scientists believe other types of non-asbestos fibers, when
inhaled, can cause similar diseases of the lung. In addition, silica
dust and ceramic fiber dust are known to the State of California to
cause lung cancer. U.S. and international agencies have also
determined that dust from mineral wool, ceramic fibers and silica
are potential causes of cancer.
Accordingly, workers must use caution to avoid creating and
breathing dust when servicing brakes. Specific recommended work
practices for reducing exposure to non-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.
2. Respiratory Protection. OSHA has set a maximum allowable
level of exposure for silica of 0.1 mg/m3 as an 8-hour time-
weighted average. Some manufacturers of non-asbestos brake
linings recommend that exposures to other ingredients found in
non-asbestos brake linings be kept below 1.0 f/cc as an 8-hour
time-weighted average. Scientists disagree, however, to what
extent adherence to these maximum allowable exposure levels
will eliminate the risk of disease that can result from inhaling
non-asbestos dust. Therefore, wear respiratory protection at all
times during brake servicing, beginning with the removal of the
wheels. Wear a respirator equipped with a high-efficiency (HEPA)
filter approved by NIOSH or MSHA, if the exposure levels may
exceed OSHA or manufacturers' recommended maximum levels.
Even when exposures are expected to be within the maximum
allowable levels, wearing such a respirator at all times during
brake servicing will help minimize exposure.
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 vacuum to loosen and vacuum residue from the
brake parts.
(16579)
Printed in USA
NON-ASBESTOS FIBERS WARNING
b. As an alternative procedure, use a catch basin with water
c. If an enclosed vacuum system or brake washing equipment is
d. Wear a respirator equipped with a HEPA filter approved by NIOSH
e. NEVER use compressed air by itself, dry brushing, or a vacuum
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, to minimize exposure.
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
1
and a biodegradable, non-phosphate, water-based detergent
to wash 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.
not available, carefully clean the brake parts in the open air. Wet
the parts with a solution applied with a pump-spray bottle that
creates a fine mist. Use a solution containing water, and, if
available, a biodegradable, non-phosphate, water-based
detergent. 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.
or MSHA 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.
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.
Safety Information
MM-2075 / Revised 09-23
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