Gradall 534B (9020-7317) Service Manual - Manual (Page 104)

Recommended Brake Service Procedures
to Reduce Exposure to Non-Asbestos Fiber
TECHNICAL NOTICE
FOR ALL MICO NON-ASBESTOS BRAKE LININGS
Recently manufactured brake linings no longer contain
asbestos fibers. In place of asbestos, these linings
contain a variety of ingredients, including glass fibers,
mineral wool, aramid fibers, ceramic fibers, and
carbon fibers. At present, OSHA does not specifically
regulate these non-asbestos fibers, except as nui-
sance dust. Medical experts do not agree about the
potential long-term risks from working with and inhaling non-asbestos fibers. Some experts
nonetheless think that long-term exposure to some
non-asbestos fibers may cause diseases of the lung,
including pneumoconiosis, fibrosis and cancer. There-
fore, MICO recommends that workers use caution to
avoid creating and breathing dust when working on
brakes that contain non-asbestos fibers.
1. Whenever possible, work on brakes in a separate
area away from other operations.
2. Always wear a respirator approved by NIOSH or
MSHA during all brake service procedures. Wear
the respirator from removal of the wheels through
assembly.
3. NEVER use compressed air or dry brushing to
clean brake parts or assemblies. OSHA recom-
mends that you use cylinders that enclose the
brake. These cylinders have vacuums with high
efficiency (HEPA) filters and worker’s arm sleeves.
But, if such equipment is not available, carefully
clean parts and assemblies in the open air.
4. During disassembly, carefully place all parts on the
floor to avoid getting dust into the air. Use an
industrial vacuum cleaner with a HEPA filter system
to clean dust from the brake drums, backing plates
and other brake parts. After using the vacuum,
remove any remaining dust with a rag soaked in
water and wrung until nearly dry.
5. Grinding or machining brake linings. If you must
grind or machine brake linings, take additional
precautions because contact with fiber dust is
higher during these operations. In addition to
wearing an approved respirator, do such work in
an area with exhaust ventilation.
6. Cleaning the work area. NEVER use compressed
air or dry sweeping to clean the work area. Use an
industrial vacuum with a HEPA filter and rags
soaked in water and wrung until nearly dry. Dis-
pose of used rags with care to avoid getting dust
into the air. Use an approved respirator when
emptying vacuum cleaners and handling used
rags.
7. Worker clean-up. Wash your hands before eating,
drinking or smoking. Do not wear your work
clothes home. Vacuum your work clothes after
use and then launder them separately, without
shaking, to prevent fiber dust from getting into the
air.
8. Material safety data sheets on this product, as
required by OSHA, are available from MICO.
Form No. 81-950-016 Revised 10/14/98 Printed in U.S.A.
MICO is a registered trademark of MICO, Incorporated. MICO is registered in the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office as well as in Canada, Great Britain, South Korea and Australia.
MICO, Incorporated MICO West Division
1911 Lee Boulevard (Zip Code 56003-2507) 701 East Francis Street (Zip Code 91761-5514)
P.O. Box 8118 / North Mankato, MN U.S.A. 56002-8118 P.O. Box 9058 / Ontario, CA U.S.A. 91762-9058
(
507.625.6426 Facsimile 507.625.3212
(
909.947.4077 Facsimile 909.947.6054
MICO could not possibly know of and give advice with respect to all conceivable applications in which this product may be used and the possible hazards and/or
results of each application. MICO has not undertaken any such wide evaluation. Therefore, anyone who uses an application which is not recommended by the
manufacturer, first must completely satisfy himself that a danger will not be created by the application selected, or by the particular model of our product that is
selected for the application.
MICO has made every attempt to present accurate information in catalogs, brochures and other printed material. MICO can accept no responsibility for errors from
unintentional oversights that may exist. Due to a continuous program of product improvement, both materials and specifications are subject to change without no-
tice or obligation.