Release of Draft Brochure on Current Best Practices to Prevent Asbestos Exposure Among Brake and Clutch Repair Workers; Notice of Availability, 50060-50062 [E6-14057]

Download as PDF 50060 Federal Register / Vol. 71, No. 164 / Thursday, August 24, 2006 / Notices regulations implementing NEPA, no agency decision on a proposed action may be made until 30 days after the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) publishes a notice of availability of a Final EIS. However, the CEQ regulations provide an exception to this rule when an agency decision is subject to a formal internal process that allows other agencies or the public to make their views known. In such cases, the agency decision may be made at the same time the notice of the Final EIS is published, allowing both periods to run concurrently. Should the FERC issue CEGT authorizations for the proposed Project, it would be subject to a 30-day rehearing period. Therefore, the Commission could issue its decision concurrently with the EPA’s notice of availability. Additional information about the project is available from the Commission’s Office of External Affairs, at 1–866–208–FERC (3372) or on the FERC Internet Web site (https:// www.ferc.gov). Using the ‘‘eLibrary link,’’ select ‘‘General Search’’ and enter the project docket number excluding the last three digits (i.e., CP06–85) in the ‘‘Docket Number’’ field. Be sure you have selected an appropriate date range. For assistance, please contact FERC Online Support at FERCOnlineSupport@ferc.gov or toll free at 1–866–208–3676, or TTY (202) 502–8659. The eLibrary link on the FERC Internet Web site also provides access to the texts of formal documents issued by the Commission, such as orders, notices, and rule makings. In addition, the FERC now offers a free service called eSubscription that allows you to keep track of all formal issuances and submittals in specific dockets. This can reduce the amount of time you spend researching proceedings by automatically providing you with notification of these filings, document summaries, and direct links to the documents. To register for this service, go to https://www.ferc.gov/ esubscribenow.htm. Magalie R. Salas, Secretary. [FR Doc. E6–14012 Filed 8–23–06; 8:45 am] rmajette on PROD1PC67 with NOTICES1 BILLING CODE 6717–01–P VerDate Aug<31>2005 15:15 Aug 23, 2006 Jkt 208001 ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY [EPA–HQ–OPPT–2006–0398; FRL–8086–6] Release of Draft Brochure on Current Best Practices to Prevent Asbestos Exposure Among Brake and Clutch Repair Workers; Notice of Availability Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). ACTION: Notice of availability. AGENCY: SUMMARY: EPA is announcing the release of a draft brochure entitled, Current Best Practices for Preventing Asbestos Exposure Among Brake and Clutch Repair Workers. This brochure, when finalized, is intended to provide information for automotive professionals and home mechanics on preventing exposure to brake and clutch dust that may contain asbestos fibers. The draft brochure summarizes work practices that may be used to avoid asbestos exposure and identifies pertinent Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) regulatory requirements for professional automotive mechanics, which are found at 29 CFR 1910.1001, specifically paragraph (f)(3) and Appendix F. These same requirements also are contained in EPA’s Worker Protection Rule, found at 40 CFR part 763, subpart G, which applies to State and local government employees who perform brake and clutch work in States without OSHAapproved State plans. The draft brochure also provides related information for home mechanics to consider. When finalized, this brochure will update and supercede the existing document entitled, Guidance for Preventing Asbestos Disease Among Auto Mechanics (EPA–560–OPTS–86– 002), commonly referred to as the ‘‘Gold Book.’’ The public is encouraged to provide comments to EPA regarding this draft brochure, which can be found at https://www.epa.gov/asbestos. DATES: Comments must be received on or before October 23, 2006. ADDRESSES: Submit your comments, identified by docket identification (ID) number EPA–HQ–OPPT–2006–0398, by one of the following methods. • Federal eRulemaking Portal: https:// www.regulations.gov. Follow the on-line instructions for submitting comments. • Mail. Document Control Office (7407M), Office of Pollution Prevention and Toxics (OPPT), Environmental Protection Agency, 1200 Pennsylvania Ave., NW., Washington, DC 20460– 0001. • Hand Delivery: OPPT Document Control Office (DCO), EPA East, Rm. PO 00000 Frm 00035 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 6428, 1201 Constitution Ave., NW., Washington, DC. Attention: Docket ID Number EPA–HQ–OPPT–2006–0398. The DCO is open from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., Monday through Friday, excluding legal holidays. The telephone number for the DCO is (202) 564–8930. Such deliveries are only accepted during the DCO’s normal hours of operation, and special arrangements should be made for deliveries of boxed information. Instructions: Direct your comments to docket ID number EPA–HQ–OPPT– 2006–0398. EPA’s policy is that all comments received will be included in the public docket without change and may be made available on-line at https:// www.regulations.gov, including any personal information provided, unless the comment includes information claimed to be Confidential Business Information (CBI) or other information whose disclosure is restricted by statute. Do not submit information that you consider to be CBI or otherwise protected through regulations.gov or email. The regulations.gov website is an ‘‘anonymous access’’ system, which means EPA will not know your identity or contact information unless you provide it in the body of your comment. If you send an e-mail comment directly to EPA without going through regulations.gov, your e-mail address will be automatically captured and included as part of the comment that is placed in the docket and made available on the Internet. If you submit an electronic comment, EPA recommends that you include your name and other contact information in the body of your comment and with any disk or CD ROM you submit. If EPA cannot read your comment due to technical difficulties and cannot contact you for clarification, EPA may not be able to consider your comment. Electronic files should avoid the use of special characters, any form of encryption, and be free of any defects or viruses. Docket: All documents in the docket are listed in the regulations.gov index. Although listed in the index, some information is not publicly available, e.g., CBI or other information whose disclosure is restricted by statute. Certain other material, such as copyrighted material, will be publicly available only in hard copy. Publicly available docket materials are available either electronically at https:// www.regulations.gov, or in hard copy at the OPPT Docket, EPA Docket Center (EPA/DC), EPA West, Rm. B102, 1301 Constitution Ave., NW., Washington, DC. The EPA Docket Center Public Reading Room is open from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday, excluding legal holidays. The telephone E:\FR\FM\24AUN1.SGM 24AUN1 Federal Register / Vol. 71, No. 164 / Thursday, August 24, 2006 / Notices number for the Public Reading Room is (202) 566–1744, and the telephone number for the OPPT Docket is (202) 566–0280. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: For general information contact: Colby Lintner, Regulatory Coordinator, Environmental Assistance Division (7408M), Office of Pollution Prevention and Toxics, Environmental Protection Agency, 1200 Pennsylvania Ave., NW., Washington, DC 20460–0001; telephone number: (202) 554–1404; e-mail address: TSCA-Hotline@epa.gov. For technical information contact: Tom Simons, National Program Chemicals Division (7404T), Office Pollution Prevention and Toxics, Environmental Protection Agency, 1200 Pennsylvania Ave., NW., Washington, DC 20460–0001; telephone number: (202) 566–0517; e-mail address: simons.tom@epa.gov or Robert Courtnage, National Program Chemicals Division (7404T), Office Pollution Prevention and Toxics, Environmental Protection Agency, 1200 Pennsylvania Ave., NW., Washington, DC 20460– 0001; telephone number: (202) 566– 1081; e-mail address: courtnage.robert@epa.gov. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: I. General Information rmajette on PROD1PC67 with NOTICES1 A. Does this Action Apply to Me? You may be potentially affected by this action if you conduct automotive repair work. Individuals covered by this action may include those in the professional automotive repair industry, State and local government employees who perform brake and clutch work in States without OSHA-approved State plans, and people performing do-ityourself automotive repair. In addition, those involved in the manufacture and/ or import of automotive brake and clutch products that may contain asbestos, and those involved in regulatory compliance may be affected by the notice. This listing is not intended to be exhaustive, but rather provides a guide for readers regarding entities likely to be affected by this action. Other types of entities not listed in this unit could also be affected. To determine whether you or your business may be affected by this action, you should carefully examine the applicability provisions in 29 CFR 1910.1001, specifically paragraph (f)(3) and Appendix F or 40 CFR part 763, subpart G. If you have any questions regarding the applicability of this action to a particular entity, consult either technical person listed under FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT. VerDate Aug<31>2005 15:15 Aug 23, 2006 Jkt 208001 B. What Should I Consider as I Prepare My Comments for EPA? 1. Submitting CBI. Do not submit this information to EPA through regulations.gov or e-mail. Clearly mark the part or all of the information that you claim to be CBI. For CBI information in a disk or CD ROM that you mail to EPA, mark the outside of the disk or CD ROM as CBI and then identify electronically within the disk or CD ROM the specific information that is claimed CBI. In addition to one complete version of the comment that includes information claimed as CBI, a copy of the comment that does not contain the information claimed as CBI must be submitted for inclusion in the public docket. Information so marked will not be disclosed except in accordance with procedures set forth in 40 CFR part 2. 2. Tips for preparing your comments. When submitting comments, remember to: i. Identify the document by docket ID number and other identifying information (subject heading, Federal Register date and page number). ii. Follow directions. The Agency may ask you to respond to specific questions or organize comments by referencing a Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) part or section number. iii. Explain why you agree or disagree; suggest alternatives and substitute language for your requested changes. iv. Describe any assumptions and provide any technical information and/ or data that you used. v. If you estimate potential costs or burdens, explain how you arrived at the estimate. vi. Provide specific examples to illustrate your concerns, and suggested alternatives. vii. Explain your views as clearly as possible, avoiding the use of profanity or personal threats. viii. Make sure to submit your comments by the comment period deadline identified. II. What Action is the Agency Taking? EPA is announcing the release of a draft brochure entitled, Current Best Practices for Preventing Asbestos Exposure Among Brake and Clutch Repair Workers. This brochure, when finalized, will provide information for automotive professionals, including State and local government employees who perform brake and clutch work, and home mechanics on preventing exposure to brake and clutch dust that may contain asbestos fibers. The draft brochure summarizes work practices that may be used to avoid asbestos PO 00000 Frm 00036 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 50061 exposure and identifies pertinent OSHA regulatory requirements for professional automotive mechanics, which are found at 29 CFR 1910.1001, specifically paragraph (f)(3) and Appendix F. EPA’s Worker Protection Rule, found at 40 CFR part 763, subpart G, contains identical requirements and applies to State and local government employees who perform brake and clutch work in States without OSHA-approved State plans. The draft brochure also provides related information specifically for the consideration of home mechanics, who are not subject to the OSHA (or EPA) work practice standards. When finalized, this brochure will update and replace the existing document entitled, Guidance for Preventing Asbestos Disease Among Auto Mechanics (EPA– 560–OPTS–86–002), commonly referred to as the ‘‘Gold Book.’’ The public is encouraged to provide comments to EPA regarding this draft brochure, which can be found at https:// www.epa.gov/asbestos. Asbestos is the common name given to a number of naturally occurring mineral fibers that have been used in manufactured goods due to their high tensile strength, resistance to heat, and chemical stability. Because of these properties, asbestos fibers have been used in a wide range of manufactured goods, including roofing shingles, ceiling and floor tiles, paper and cement products, textiles, and coatings and friction products such as automobile clutch, brake, and transmission parts. Exposure to asbestos is potentially harmful to human health if microscopic asbestos fibers, released into the air when asbestos is disturbed or in poor condition, are inhaled into the lungs. Asbestos exposure has been associated with a number of serious health problems and diseases, including asbestosis, lung cancer, and mesothelioma. In 2004, EPA contacted nine auto manufacturers that cumulatively accounted for over 96% of the light vehicles sold in the United States and asked whether they used asbestos brakes in new vehicles or replacement parts sold in the United States. All nine companies responded that they no longer sold asbestos brakes in new vehicles or as replacement parts in the United States. These responses did not address aftermarket brakes (replacement parts not supplied by the vehicle manufacturer). Aftermarket brakes that contain asbestos may, in some cases, still be available for purchase in the United States. Accordingly, while the use of asbestos in automotive brake and clutch products appears to be declining domestically, this remains a source of E:\FR\FM\24AUN1.SGM 24AUN1 rmajette on PROD1PC67 with NOTICES1 50062 Federal Register / Vol. 71, No. 164 / Thursday, August 24, 2006 / Notices potential asbestos exposure. EPA did not seek information on clutches because the Congressional inquiry to which the Agency was responding when seeking this information was limited to brakes. It should be noted that the aftermarket for clutches is significantly smaller than the aftermarket for brakes. This draft brochure contains current information and, when finalized, will supersede the currently available Guidance for Preventing Asbestos Disease Among Auto Mechanics (EPA– 560–OPTS–86–002). The purpose of the brochure, once finalized, will be to provide the public and workers involved in brake and clutch repair work with a simple, easy-to-understand summary of the OSHA work practice standards, which are mandatory for certain professional automotive mechanics. Also discussed in this brochure is EPA’s Worker Protection Rule, which contains identical requirements, and is mandatory for State and local government employees who perform brake and clutch work in States without OSHA-approved State plans. EPA believes that home mechanics also may benefit from information discussed in the brochure regarding these work practice standards and additional advice on steps they can consider taking to prevent possible asbestos exposure when working with asbestos-containing friction products. Neither the draft nor final brochure is intended to provide comprehensive technical information regarding work practices, or a comprehensive assessment of the possible health effects from exposure to asbestos in brakes and clutches. Additionally, neither the draft nor final brochure is a substitute for any applicable legal requirements, or a regulation. Thus, they do not impose legally binding requirements on any party, including EPA, States, or the regulated community. Interested professional mechanics engaged in commercial brake and clutch repair are encouraged to contact OSHA regarding compliance with the mandatory work practice standards highlighted in this draft brochure (https://www.osha.gov). Similarly, interested State and local government employees who perform brake and clutch work in States without OSHA-approved State plans are encouraged to contact EPA regarding compliance with EPA’s Worker Protection Rule. Finally, home mechanics may contact EPA with any specific questions not addressed in the brochure by visiting the EPA asbestos website at https://www.epa.gov/asbestos. EPA is seeking public comment on all aspects of the new brochure’s design and content. This includes the tone of VerDate Aug<31>2005 15:15 Aug 23, 2006 Jkt 208001 the brochure and the extent to which the current wording and design tend to support its effectiveness as an educational tool. One issue that EPA has considered is the need to balance technical accuracy with clarity and freedom from overly technical terminology, while still maintaining consistency with the OSHA mandatory work practice standards and the identical requirements contained in EPA’s Worker Protection Rule. The extent to which the current draft is clear and understandable is of primary concern to the Agency. In designing the layout of the brochure, EPA has been aware of the need to develop a dynamic and engaging document while ensuring that the brochure can be easily and inexpensively reprinted. This approach has led the Agency to incorporate a layout and illustrations that anchor many of the brochure’s key points while providing visual interest. EPA requests comment on whether the draft images may be altered in any way to increase their effectiveness. EPA welcomes all comments and suggestions for improving the draft brochure and will, where appropriate, incorporate changes to the final brochure. However, EPA does not plan to develop or publish a formal document that summarizes and responds to the comments received. EPA will announce the availability of the final brochure through a future Federal Register notice and, once finalized, the brochure will be available on the EPA asbestos website at https:// www.epa.gov/asbestos. List of Subjects Environmental protection, Asbestos, Automotive brake and clutch repair, Health. Dated: August 17, 2006. James B. Gulliford, Assistant Administrator, Office of Prevention, Pesticides and Toxic Substances. [FR Doc. E6–14057 Filed 8–23–06; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 6560–50–S ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY [Docket ID No: EPA–R08–OW–2006–0627; FRL–8212–9] Public Water System Supervision Program Revision for the State of Utah Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). ACTION: Notice. AGENCY: SUMMARY: In accordance with the provisions of section 1413 of the Safe PO 00000 Frm 00037 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 Drinking Water Act (SDWA), 42 U.S.C. 300g–2, and 40 CFR 142.13, public notice is hereby given that the State of Utah has revised its Public Water System Supervision (PWSS) Primacy Program by adopting Federal regulations for the Arsenic Rule and Filter Backwash Recycling Rule, which corresponds to 40 CFR Parts 141 and 142. The EPA has completed its review of these revisions in accordance with SDWA, and proposes to approve Utah’s primacy revisions for the above stated Rule(s). Today’s approval action does not extend to public water systems in Indian country, as defined in 18 U.S.C. 1151. Please see SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION, Item B. DATES: Any member of the public is invited to request a public hearing on this determination by September 25, 2006. Please see Supplementary Information, Item C, for details. Should no timely and appropriate request for a hearing be received, and the Regional Administrator (RA) does not elect to hold a hearing on his own motion, this determination shall become effective September 25, 2006. If a hearing is granted, then this determination shall not become effective until such time following the hearing, as the RA issues an order affirming or rescinding this action. Requests for a public hearing shall be addressed to: Robert E. Roberts, Regional Administrator, c/o Jack Theis (8P–W–DW), U.S. EPA, Region 8, 999 18th Street, Suite 300, Denver, CO 80202–2466. All documents relating to this determination are available for inspection at the following locations: (1) U.S. EPA, Region 8, Drinking Water Unit, 999 18th Street (4th Floor), Denver, CO 80202–2466, (2) Utah Department of Environment Quality (DEQ), Division of Drinking Water, 1950 West North Temple, Salt Lake City, UT 84114–4830, and/or (3) online at: https:// www.regulations.gov, with reference to Docket ID No. EPA–R08–OW–2006– 0627. However, based on sensitivity, certain materials are available in hardcopy only. The above Web site is an ‘‘anonymous access’’ system, which means that should you submit an electronic comment, EPA recommends you provide your identity or contact information in the body of your comment. If you e-mail your comment directly to EPA without going through www.regulations.gov, your e-mail address will be automatically captured and included as part of the comment(s) that is placed in the public docket and made available on the Internet. If your ADDRESSES: E:\FR\FM\24AUN1.SGM 24AUN1

Agencies

[Federal Register Volume 71, Number 164 (Thursday, August 24, 2006)]
[Notices]
[Pages 50060-50062]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: E6-14057]


=======================================================================
-----------------------------------------------------------------------

ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY

[EPA-HQ-OPPT-2006-0398; FRL-8086-6]


Release of Draft Brochure on Current Best Practices to Prevent 
Asbestos Exposure Among Brake and Clutch Repair Workers; Notice of 
Availability

AGENCY: Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).

ACTION: Notice of availability.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------

SUMMARY: EPA is announcing the release of a draft brochure entitled, 
Current Best Practices for Preventing Asbestos Exposure Among Brake and 
Clutch Repair Workers. This brochure, when finalized, is intended to 
provide information for automotive professionals and home mechanics on 
preventing exposure to brake and clutch dust that may contain asbestos 
fibers. The draft brochure summarizes work practices that may be used 
to avoid asbestos exposure and identifies pertinent Occupational Safety 
and Health Administration (OSHA) regulatory requirements for 
professional automotive mechanics, which are found at 29 CFR 1910.1001, 
specifically paragraph (f)(3) and Appendix F. These same requirements 
also are contained in EPA's Worker Protection Rule, found at 40 CFR 
part 763, subpart G, which applies to State and local government 
employees who perform brake and clutch work in States without OSHA-
approved State plans. The draft brochure also provides related 
information for home mechanics to consider. When finalized, this 
brochure will update and supercede the existing document entitled, 
Guidance for Preventing Asbestos Disease Among Auto Mechanics (EPA-560-
OPTS-86-002), commonly referred to as the ``Gold Book.'' The public is 
encouraged to provide comments to EPA regarding this draft brochure, 
which can be found at https://www.epa.gov/asbestos.

DATES: Comments must be received on or before October 23, 2006.

ADDRESSES: Submit your comments, identified by docket identification 
(ID) number EPA-HQ-OPPT-2006-0398, by one of the following methods.
     Federal eRulemaking Portal: https://www.regulations.gov. 
Follow the on-line instructions for submitting comments.
     Mail. Document Control Office (7407M), Office of Pollution 
Prevention and Toxics (OPPT), Environmental Protection Agency, 1200 
Pennsylvania Ave., NW., Washington, DC 20460-0001.
     Hand Delivery: OPPT Document Control Office (DCO), EPA 
East, Rm. 6428, 1201 Constitution Ave., NW., Washington, DC. Attention: 
Docket ID Number EPA-HQ-OPPT-2006-0398. The DCO is open from 8 a.m. to 
4 p.m., Monday through Friday, excluding legal holidays. The telephone 
number for the DCO is (202) 564-8930. Such deliveries are only accepted 
during the DCO's normal hours of operation, and special arrangements 
should be made for deliveries of boxed information.
    Instructions: Direct your comments to docket ID number EPA-HQ-OPPT-
2006-0398. EPA's policy is that all comments received will be included 
in the public docket without change and may be made available on-line 
at https://www.regulations.gov, including any personal information 
provided, unless the comment includes information claimed to be 
Confidential Business Information (CBI) or other information whose 
disclosure is restricted by statute. Do not submit information that you 
consider to be CBI or otherwise protected through regulations.gov or e-
mail. The regulations.gov website is an ``anonymous access'' system, 
which means EPA will not know your identity or contact information 
unless you provide it in the body of your comment. If you send an e-
mail comment directly to EPA without going through regulations.gov, 
your e-mail address will be automatically captured and included as part 
of the comment that is placed in the docket and made available on the 
Internet. If you submit an electronic comment, EPA recommends that you 
include your name and other contact information in the body of your 
comment and with any disk or CD ROM you submit. If EPA cannot read your 
comment due to technical difficulties and cannot contact you for 
clarification, EPA may not be able to consider your comment. Electronic 
files should avoid the use of special characters, any form of 
encryption, and be free of any defects or viruses.
    Docket: All documents in the docket are listed in the 
regulations.gov index. Although listed in the index, some information 
is not publicly available, e.g., CBI or other information whose 
disclosure is restricted by statute. Certain other material, such as 
copyrighted material, will be publicly available only in hard copy. 
Publicly available docket materials are available either electronically 
at https://www.regulations.gov, or in hard copy at the OPPT Docket, EPA 
Docket Center (EPA/DC), EPA West, Rm. B102, 1301 Constitution Ave., 
NW., Washington, DC. The EPA Docket Center Public Reading Room is open 
from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday, excluding legal 
holidays. The telephone

[[Page 50061]]

number for the Public Reading Room is (202) 566-1744, and the telephone 
number for the OPPT Docket is (202) 566-0280.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: For general information contact: Colby 
Lintner, Regulatory Coordinator, Environmental Assistance Division 
(7408M), Office of Pollution Prevention and Toxics, Environmental 
Protection Agency, 1200 Pennsylvania Ave., NW., Washington, DC 20460-
0001; telephone number: (202) 554-1404; e-mail address: TSCA-
Hotline@epa.gov.
    For technical information contact: Tom Simons, National Program 
Chemicals Division (7404T), Office Pollution Prevention and Toxics, 
Environmental Protection Agency, 1200 Pennsylvania Ave., NW., 
Washington, DC 20460-0001; telephone number: (202) 566-0517; e-mail 
address: simons.tom@epa.gov or Robert Courtnage, National Program 
Chemicals Division (7404T), Office Pollution Prevention and Toxics, 
Environmental Protection Agency, 1200 Pennsylvania Ave., NW., 
Washington, DC 20460-0001; telephone number: (202) 566-1081; e-mail 
address: courtnage.robert@epa.gov.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

I. General Information

A. Does this Action Apply to Me?

    You may be potentially affected by this action if you conduct 
automotive repair work. Individuals covered by this action may include 
those in the professional automotive repair industry, State and local 
government employees who perform brake and clutch work in States 
without OSHA-approved State plans, and people performing do-it-yourself 
automotive repair. In addition, those involved in the manufacture and/
or import of automotive brake and clutch products that may contain 
asbestos, and those involved in regulatory compliance may be affected 
by the notice.
    This listing is not intended to be exhaustive, but rather provides 
a guide for readers regarding entities likely to be affected by this 
action. Other types of entities not listed in this unit could also be 
affected. To determine whether you or your business may be affected by 
this action, you should carefully examine the applicability provisions 
in 29 CFR 1910.1001, specifically paragraph (f)(3) and Appendix F or 40 
CFR part 763, subpart G. If you have any questions regarding the 
applicability of this action to a particular entity, consult either 
technical person listed under FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT.

B. What Should I Consider as I Prepare My Comments for EPA?

    1. Submitting CBI. Do not submit this information to EPA through 
regulations.gov or e-mail. Clearly mark the part or all of the 
information that you claim to be CBI. For CBI information in a disk or 
CD ROM that you mail to EPA, mark the outside of the disk or CD ROM as 
CBI and then identify electronically within the disk or CD ROM the 
specific information that is claimed CBI. In addition to one complete 
version of the comment that includes information claimed as CBI, a copy 
of the comment that does not contain the information claimed as CBI 
must be submitted for inclusion in the public docket. Information so 
marked will not be disclosed except in accordance with procedures set 
forth in 40 CFR part 2.
    2. Tips for preparing your comments. When submitting comments, 
remember to:
    i. Identify the document by docket ID number and other identifying 
information (subject heading, Federal Register date and page number).
    ii. Follow directions. The Agency may ask you to respond to 
specific questions or organize comments by referencing a Code of 
Federal Regulations (CFR) part or section number.
    iii. Explain why you agree or disagree; suggest alternatives and 
substitute language for your requested changes.
    iv. Describe any assumptions and provide any technical information 
and/or data that you used.
    v. If you estimate potential costs or burdens, explain how you 
arrived at the estimate.
    vi. Provide specific examples to illustrate your concerns, and 
suggested alternatives.
    vii. Explain your views as clearly as possible, avoiding the use of 
profanity or personal threats.
    viii. Make sure to submit your comments by the comment period 
deadline identified.

II. What Action is the Agency Taking?

    EPA is announcing the release of a draft brochure entitled, Current 
Best Practices for Preventing Asbestos Exposure Among Brake and Clutch 
Repair Workers. This brochure, when finalized, will provide information 
for automotive professionals, including State and local government 
employees who perform brake and clutch work, and home mechanics on 
preventing exposure to brake and clutch dust that may contain asbestos 
fibers. The draft brochure summarizes work practices that may be used 
to avoid asbestos exposure and identifies pertinent OSHA regulatory 
requirements for professional automotive mechanics, which are found at 
29 CFR 1910.1001, specifically paragraph (f)(3) and Appendix F. EPA's 
Worker Protection Rule, found at 40 CFR part 763, subpart G, contains 
identical requirements and applies to State and local government 
employees who perform brake and clutch work in States without OSHA-
approved State plans. The draft brochure also provides related 
information specifically for the consideration of home mechanics, who 
are not subject to the OSHA (or EPA) work practice standards. When 
finalized, this brochure will update and replace the existing document 
entitled, Guidance for Preventing Asbestos Disease Among Auto Mechanics 
(EPA-560-OPTS-86-002), commonly referred to as the ``Gold Book.'' The 
public is encouraged to provide comments to EPA regarding this draft 
brochure, which can be found at https://www.epa.gov/asbestos.
    Asbestos is the common name given to a number of naturally 
occurring mineral fibers that have been used in manufactured goods due 
to their high tensile strength, resistance to heat, and chemical 
stability. Because of these properties, asbestos fibers have been used 
in a wide range of manufactured goods, including roofing shingles, 
ceiling and floor tiles, paper and cement products, textiles, and 
coatings and friction products such as automobile clutch, brake, and 
transmission parts. Exposure to asbestos is potentially harmful to 
human health if microscopic asbestos fibers, released into the air when 
asbestos is disturbed or in poor condition, are inhaled into the lungs. 
Asbestos exposure has been associated with a number of serious health 
problems and diseases, including asbestosis, lung cancer, and 
mesothelioma.
    In 2004, EPA contacted nine auto manufacturers that cumulatively 
accounted for over 96% of the light vehicles sold in the United States 
and asked whether they used asbestos brakes in new vehicles or 
replacement parts sold in the United States. All nine companies 
responded that they no longer sold asbestos brakes in new vehicles or 
as replacement parts in the United States. These responses did not 
address aftermarket brakes (replacement parts not supplied by the 
vehicle manufacturer). Aftermarket brakes that contain asbestos may, in 
some cases, still be available for purchase in the United States. 
Accordingly, while the use of asbestos in automotive brake and clutch 
products appears to be declining domestically, this remains a source of

[[Page 50062]]

potential asbestos exposure. EPA did not seek information on clutches 
because the Congressional inquiry to which the Agency was responding 
when seeking this information was limited to brakes. It should be noted 
that the aftermarket for clutches is significantly smaller than the 
aftermarket for brakes.
    This draft brochure contains current information and, when 
finalized, will supersede the currently available Guidance for 
Preventing Asbestos Disease Among Auto Mechanics (EPA-560-OPTS-86-002). 
The purpose of the brochure, once finalized, will be to provide the 
public and workers involved in brake and clutch repair work with a 
simple, easy-to-understand summary of the OSHA work practice standards, 
which are mandatory for certain professional automotive mechanics. Also 
discussed in this brochure is EPA's Worker Protection Rule, which 
contains identical requirements, and is mandatory for State and local 
government employees who perform brake and clutch work in States 
without OSHA-approved State plans. EPA believes that home mechanics 
also may benefit from information discussed in the brochure regarding 
these work practice standards and additional advice on steps they can 
consider taking to prevent possible asbestos exposure when working with 
asbestos-containing friction products. Neither the draft nor final 
brochure is intended to provide comprehensive technical information 
regarding work practices, or a comprehensive assessment of the possible 
health effects from exposure to asbestos in brakes and clutches. 
Additionally, neither the draft nor final brochure is a substitute for 
any applicable legal requirements, or a regulation. Thus, they do not 
impose legally binding requirements on any party, including EPA, 
States, or the regulated community. Interested professional mechanics 
engaged in commercial brake and clutch repair are encouraged to contact 
OSHA regarding compliance with the mandatory work practice standards 
highlighted in this draft brochure (https://www.osha.gov). Similarly, 
interested State and local government employees who perform brake and 
clutch work in States without OSHA-approved State plans are encouraged 
to contact EPA regarding compliance with EPA's Worker Protection Rule. 
Finally, home mechanics may contact EPA with any specific questions not 
addressed in the brochure by visiting the EPA asbestos website at 
https://www.epa.gov/asbestos.
    EPA is seeking public comment on all aspects of the new brochure's 
design and content. This includes the tone of the brochure and the 
extent to which the current wording and design tend to support its 
effectiveness as an educational tool. One issue that EPA has considered 
is the need to balance technical accuracy with clarity and freedom from 
overly technical terminology, while still maintaining consistency with 
the OSHA mandatory work practice standards and the identical 
requirements contained in EPA's Worker Protection Rule. The extent to 
which the current draft is clear and understandable is of primary 
concern to the Agency. In designing the layout of the brochure, EPA has 
been aware of the need to develop a dynamic and engaging document while 
ensuring that the brochure can be easily and inexpensively reprinted. 
This approach has led the Agency to incorporate a layout and 
illustrations that anchor many of the brochure's key points while 
providing visual interest. EPA requests comment on whether the draft 
images may be altered in any way to increase their effectiveness.
    EPA welcomes all comments and suggestions for improving the draft 
brochure and will, where appropriate, incorporate changes to the final 
brochure. However, EPA does not plan to develop or publish a formal 
document that summarizes and responds to the comments received. EPA 
will announce the availability of the final brochure through a future 
Federal Register notice and, once finalized, the brochure will be 
available on the EPA asbestos website at https://www.epa.gov/asbestos.

List of Subjects

    Environmental protection, Asbestos, Automotive brake and clutch 
repair, Health.


    Dated: August 17, 2006.
James B. Gulliford,
Assistant Administrator, Office of Prevention, Pesticides and Toxic 
Substances.

[FR Doc. E6-14057 Filed 8-23-06; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 6560-50-S
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