Asbestos exposure is a very real fear, especially for auto mechanics who might be working on older cars. The Environmental Protection Agency has found that asbestos might be found in some brake and clutch parts within cars, that often cannot be detected with the naked eye.
If you’re a mechanic or you own a car shop that frequently does brake or clutch repairs, there’s a chance that you’ve been exposed to asbestos. Since asbestos can’t be detected with the naked eye in most cases, it’s up to shop owners to protect their employees from asbestos and mesothelioma.
What are the procedures I need to follow for my shop?
The EPA has outlined some procedures for shop owners to follow regarding asbestos exposure and mesothelioma. These procedures need to be followed if your shop is likely to perform more than five brake or clutch repairs in any given week.
Most of the procedures involve having certain tools to clean or contain asbestos in a quick manner. Most shops are required to have a negative-pressure enclosure/HEPA Vacuum System Method to wrap around the brake or clutch and contain any asbestos.
Commercial shops specializing in brake or clutch repair should have a low pressure/wet cleaning method to spray down brakes and clutches. The cleaning method should also include a way to catch the runoff water to prevent asebestos exposure.
How do I know if brakes or clutches have asbestos?
There’s no way to tell if brake or clutch systems contain asbestos. Auto manufacturers are told to just assume that brakes and clutches contain asbestos, even for newer cars or parts. Reach out to a lawyer specializing in asbestos and mesothelioma cases if you believe you’ve been exposed to asbestos as a result of shop negligence.
