Service Manual

4-2 627333-A
Brakes
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.
b. As an alternative procedure, use a catch basin
with water 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.
c. If an enclosed vacuum system or brake
washing equipment is 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.
d. Wear a respirator equipped with a HEPA filter
approved by NIOSH 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.
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, 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.