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Wetting asbestos is one of the best ways to minimize its toxic dust, according to a recent Alaska OSHA alert. The tiny particles of asbestos can be inhaled, and are a severe health risk. Another acceptable system is storing any parts containing asbestos in sealed and labeled plastic bags.

A recent Alaska worker safety alert details the best methods of reducing the risks associated with asbestos in auto repair shops. Two recommended procedures to control asbestos fibers include the negative pressure enclosure/HEPA vacuum system and the low pressure/wet cleaning.

The worker safety alert warns that asbestos still poses a danger in the workplace. Some older models of trucks and cars have asbestos in the brakes and clutches. Asbestos can break into tiny particles that threaten the health of mechanics and other workers. New cars do not contain asbestos in the clutches and brakes.

OSHA strongly recommends that consumers avoid making any repairs to clutch and brake systems themselves. Instead, the work should be entrusted to a professional who can handle the asbestos safely.

Asbestos is so dangerous because it disintegrates into tiny, invisible particles that spread in the air. Once inhaled, the particles remain in the lungs forever. Workers can develop asbestos-related diseases, even years later. Some common illnesses caused by asbestos include gastrointestinal cancer, lung cancer, and mesothelioma. About 10,000 people die in the US each year because of asbestos-related illnesses. 

An alternative system to control asbestos, according to OSHA, is the spray can/solvent method. Both the wet method and the spray can/solvent method are acceptable only in shops that do few repairs on brakes and clutches. OSHA has approved these methods only for auto shops where 5 or fewer brake and clutch jobs are done each week.

The recent Alaska worker safety alert reminds employers, especially in auto repair shops, that they are responsible for creating a written plan for handling asbestos in the workplace. Employers must train workers to handle asbestos safely. Failure to establish such procedures, or not following them, is a violation of state and federal regulations. In addition, it can pose a serious health risk for everyone in the shop – not just the workers.

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