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In-depth survey report: control technology for brake drum service operations at Ohio Department of Transportation, maintenance facility, Lebanon, Ohio.

Sheehy JW; Godbey FW; Cooper TC; Lenihan KL; Wagenen HD; McGlothlin JD

Cincinnati, OH: U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Public Health Service, Centers for Disease Control, National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, ECTB 152-18b, 1987 Feb; :1-33

https://www.cdc.gov/niosh/surveyreports/pdfs/152-18b.pdf

00166990

A study of possible asbestos (1332214) exposure was undertaken at one of the regional headquarters of the Ohio Department of Transportation (SIC-7538), where repairs and maintenance procedures are conducted for cars, trucks and specialized equipment. Most of the 300 to 500 brake jobs performed each year at this facility are handled by five or six mechanics. Natural ventilation is provided by prevailing wind currents blowing through open doors during the warm months; each garage has its own ventilation system as well. Since early in 1986, the State of Ohio has been using a vacuum enclosure unit to minimize occupational exposure during the servicing of all motor vehicle brakes, including brake inspection, repair and particularly brake lining replacement. Personal air samples were collected in duplicate on cellulose ester membrane filters for the duration of a single brake job, or 2 hours, whichever was longer. Area air samples were also collected. The personal air sample results indicate that asbestos concentrations to which brake mechanics were exposed averaged less than 0.004 fibers/cubic centimeter (fibers/cc), with no samples above this level. Source samples taken from above the wheel averaged less than centered between the wheels averaged less than 0.001fiber/cc. Background samples at two locations in the garage averaged less than standard of 0.2fibers/cc, and the NIOSH recommended exposure limit of 0.1fibers/cc. The authors conclude that use of the vacuum enclosure unit resulted in very low asbestos exposures and that the unit appeared to be an effective device for dust control. A follow up evaluation is recommended during cold weather to assess the effect of closed doors.

NIOSH-Author; NIOSH-Survey; Field-Study; Region-5; Asbestos-fibers; Asbestos-dust; Automobile-repair-shops; Asbestos-products

1332-21-4

19870201

Field Studies; Control Technology

1987

PB87-185625

A04

ECTB-152-18b

DPSE

7538

National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health

OH