Release of Brochure on Current Best Practices to Prevent Asbestos Exposure Among Brake and Clutch Repair Workers, 15690-15692 [E7-6057]
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hsrobinson on PROD1PC76 with NOTICES
15690
Federal Register / Vol. 72, No. 62 / Monday, April 2, 2007 / Notices
available electronically. Once in the
system, select ‘‘docket search,’’ then key
in the docket ID number identified
above. Please note that EPA’s policy is
that public comments, whether
submitted electronically or in paper,
will be made available for public
viewing at www.regulations.gov, as EPA
receives them and without change,
unless the comment contains
copyrighted material, CBI, or other
information whose public disclosure is
restricted by statute. For further
information about the electronic docket,
go to www.regulations.gov.
Title: NESHAP for Halogenated
Solvent Cleaning/Halogenated
Hazardous Air Pollutants (Renewal).
Numbers: EPA ICR Number 1652.06;
OMB Control Number 2060–0273.
ICR Status: This ICR is scheduled to
expire on April 30, 2007. Under OMB
regulations, the Agency may continue to
conduct or sponsor the collection of
information while this submission is
pending at OMB. An Agency may not
conduct or sponsor, and a person is not
required to respond to, a collection of
information unless it displays a
currently valid OMB control number.
The OMB control numbers for EPA’s
regulations in title 40 of the CFR, after
appearing in the Federal Register when
approved, are listed in 40 CFR part 9,
are displayed either by publication in
the Federal Register or by other
appropriate means, such as on the
related collection instrument or form, if
applicable. The display of OMB control
numbers in certain EPA regulations is
consolidated in 40 CFR part 9.
Abstract: The National Emission
Standards for Hazardous Air Pollutants
(NESHAP) for Halogenated Solvent
Cleaning/Halogenated Hazardous Air
Pollutants (40 CFR part 63, subpart T),
was proposed on November 29, 1993,
promulgated on December 2, 1994, and
corrected to final rule June 5, 1995.
The monitoring, recordkeeping, and
reporting requirements outlined in the
rule are similar to those required for
other NESHAP regulations. Plants must
demonstrate compliance with the
emission standards by monitoring their
control devices and performing annual
emissions testing. This information
notifies EPA when a source becomes
subject to the regulations, informs the
Agency if a source is in compliance,
when it begins operation, and informs
the Agency if the source remained in
compliance during any period of
operation.
In the Administrator’s judgment,
emissions of hazardous air pollutants
(HAPs) from halogenated solvent
cleaners may cause or contribute to air
pollution that may reasonably be
VerDate Aug<31>2005
18:39 Mar 30, 2007
Jkt 211001
anticipated to endanger public health or
welfare. Therefore, NESHAP standards
were promulgated for this source
category, as required under Section 112
of the Clean Air Act. HAP emissions
from halogenated solvent cleaners are
the result of inadequate equipment
design and work practices.
These standards rely on the proper
design and operation of halogenated
solvent cleaning machines such as
working-mode covers, a freeboard ratio
of 1.0, and reduced room draft to reduce
solvent emissions from halogenated
solvent cleaners. Certain records and
reports are necessary to enable EPA to
identify sources subject to the standards
and to ensure that the standards are
being achieved.
Owners/operators of halogenated
solvent cleaners must provide EPA with
an initial notification of existing or new
solvent cleaning machines, initial
statements of compliance, and annual
control device monitoring report
(owners/operators of batch vapor and
in-line cleaning machines), an annual
solvent emission report (owners/
operators of batch vapor and in-line
cleaning machines complying with the
alternative standard), and exceedance of
monitoring parameters or emissions.
The records that the facilities maintain
indicate to EPA whether they are
operating and maintaining the
halogenated solvent cleaners properly to
control emissions. In order to ensure
compliance with the standards
promulgated to protect public health,
adequate reporting and recordkeeping is
necessary. In the absence of such
information, enforcement personnel
would be unable to determine whether
the standards are being met on a
continuous basis, as required by the
Clean Air Act.
An agency may not conduct or
sponsor, and a person is not required to
respond to, a collection of information
unless it displays a currently valid OMB
Control Number. The OMB control
numbers for EPA’s regulations are listed
in 40 CFR part 9 and 48 CFR chapter 15,
and are identified on the form and/or
instrument, if applicable.
Burden Statement: The annual public
reporting and recordkeeping burden for
this collection of information are
estimated to average approximately 14
hour per response. Burden means the
total time, effort, or financial resources
expended by persons to generate,
maintain, retain, or disclose or provide
information to or for a Federal agency.
This includes the time needed to review
instructions; develop, acquire, install,
and utilize technology and systems for
the purposes of collecting, validating,
and verifying information, processing
PO 00000
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Fmt 4703
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and maintaining information, and
disclosing and providing information;
adjust the existing ways to comply with
any previously applicable instructions
and requirements; train personnel to be
able to respond to a collection of
information; search data sources;
complete and review the collection of
information; and transmit or otherwise
disclose the information.
Respondents/Affected Entities:
Halogenated Solvent Cleaners.
Estimated Number of Respondents:
1,431.
Frequency of Response: Initially,
quarterly, semiannually, and annually.
Estimated Total Annual Hour Burden:
41,035.
Estimated Total Costs: $3,852,448
which includes $0 annualized Capital
Start Up costs, $1,015,000 annualized
Operation and Maintenance (O&M)
costs, and $2,837,448 annualized labor
costs.
Changes in the Estimates: There is no
change in the labor hours or cost in this
ICR compared to the previous ICR. This
is due to two considerations. First, the
regulations have not changed over the
past three years and are not anticipated
to change over the next three years.
Secondly, the growth rate for the
industry is very low, negative or nonexistent, so there is no significant
change in the overall burden.
Since there are no changes in the
regulatory requirements and there is no
significant industry growth, the labor
hours and cost figures in the previous
ICR are used in this ICR and there is no
change in burden to industry.
Dated: March 26, 2007.
Oscar Morales,
Director, Collection Strategies Division.
[FR Doc. E7–6055 Filed 3–30–07; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 6560–50–P
ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION
AGENCY
[EPA–HQ–OPPT–2006–0398; FRL–8109–6]
Release of Brochure on Current Best
Practices to Prevent Asbestos
Exposure Among Brake and Clutch
Repair Workers
Environmental Protection
Agency (EPA).
ACTION: Notice.
AGENCY:
SUMMARY: EPA is announcing the release
of the final brochure entitled, Current
Best Practices for Preventing Asbestos
Exposure Among Brake and Clutch
Repair Workers. On August 24, 2006,
EPA released a draft version of the
brochure for a 60–day public comment
E:\FR\FM\02APN1.SGM
02APN1
Federal Register / Vol. 72, No. 62 / Monday, April 2, 2007 / Notices
period. After reviewing and, where
appropriate, incorporating public
comments on the draft brochure, EPA is
now issuing the final brochure. The
brochure is intended to provide
information for automotive
professionals and home mechanics on
preventing exposure to brake and clutch
dust that may contain asbestos fibers. A
copy of the new brochure can be found
at https://www.epa.gov/asbestos. This
brochure replaces the existing 1986
document entitled, Guidance for
Preventing Asbestos Disease Among
Auto Mechanics (EPA–560–OPTS–86–
002), commonly referred to as the ‘‘Gold
Book.’’
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:
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 or 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.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
hsrobinson on PROD1PC76 with NOTICES
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 Occupational Safety and
Health Administration (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, as well as
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
VerDate Aug<31>2005
18:39 Mar 30, 2007
Jkt 211001
affected by this action. Other types of
entities not listed in this unit also could
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. How Can I Get Copies of this
Document and Other Related
Information?
1. Docket. EPA has established a
docket for this action under docket
identification (ID) number EPA–HQ–
OPPT–2006–0398. All documents in the
docket are listed in the docket’s index
available at https://www.regulations.gov.
Although listed in the index, some
information is not publicly available,
e.g., Confidential Business Information
(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
electronically at https://
www.regulations.gov, or, if only
available in hard copy, at the OPPT
Docket. The OPPT Docket is located in
the EPA Docket Center (EPA/DC) at Rm.
3334, EPA West Bldg., 1301
Constitution Ave., NW., Washington,
DC. The EPA/DC Public Reading Room
hours of operation are 8:30 a.m. to 4:30
p.m., Monday through Friday, excluding
Federal holidays. The telephone number
of the EPA/DC Public Reading Room is
(202) 566–1744, and the telephone
number for the OPPT Docket is (202)
566–0280. Docket visitors are required
to show photographic identification,
pass through a metal detector, and sign
the EPA visitor log. All visitor bags are
processed through an X-ray machine
and subject to search. Visitors will be
provided an EPA/DC badge that must be
visible at all times in the building and
returned upon departure.
2. Electronic access. You may access
this Federal Register document
electronically through the EPA Internet
under the ‘‘Federal Register’’ listings at
https://www.epa.gov/fedrgstr.
II. What Action is the Agency Taking?
EPA is announcing the release of the
final brochure entitled, Current Best
Practices for Preventing Asbestos
Exposure Among Brake and Clutch
Repair Workers. EPA released and
published in the Federal Register of
August 24, 2006 (71 FR 50060) (FRL–
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15691
8086–6) a draft of the brochure for a 60–
day public comment period. After
reviewing and, where appropriate,
incorporating public comments into the
brochure, EPA is now issuing the final
brochure. The brochure provides
information for automotive
professionals, including State and local
government employees, and home
mechanics on preventing exposure to
brake and clutch dust that may contain
asbestos fibers. The brochure
summarizes work practices that can
help to reduce or eliminate 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. Also discussed in this
brochure is EPA’s Worker Protection
Rule, found at 40 CFR part 763, subpart
G, which contains requirements
identical to the OSHA regulatory
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, who
are not subject to the OSHA or EPA
standards, also may benefit from the
information discussed in the brochure
regarding the OSHA and EPA work
practice standards and the additional
advice provided on steps home
mechanics can consider taking to
prevent possible asbestos exposure
when working with asbestos-containing
friction products. A copy of the final
brochure is available at https://
www.epa.gov/asbestos. This brochure
replaces the existing 1986 document
entitled, Guidance for Preventing
Asbestos Disease Among Auto
Mechanics (EPA–560–OPTS–86–002),
commonly referred to as the ‘‘Gold
Book.’’
Asbestos is the common name given
to a number of naturally occurring
mineral fibers that are known for their
high tensile strength, resistance to heat,
and chemical stability. Because of these
properties, asbestos has 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. If
products containing asbestos are
disturbed, thin, lightweight asbestos
fibers can be released into the air.
Persons breathing the air may then
inhale asbestos fibers. Continued
exposure can increase the amount of
fibers deposited in the lung. Fibers
embedded in the lung tissue over time
may result in lung diseases such as
E:\FR\FM\02APN1.SGM
02APN1
hsrobinson on PROD1PC76 with NOTICES
15692
Federal Register / Vol. 72, No. 62 / Monday, April 2, 2007 / Notices
asbestosis, lung cancer, or
mesothelioma. It can take from 10 to 40
years or more for symptoms of an
asbestos-related condition to appear.
Smoking increases the risk of
developing illness from asbestos
exposure.
During the 60–day comment period
beginning on August 24, 2006, EPA
received a number of comments on the
draft brochure. After considering those
comments, EPA has modified the
brochure in the following ways:
• EPA has added language to the
brochure that explains that asbestosrelated disease can take 10 to 40 years
or more for symptoms of an asbestosrelated condition to appear.
• EPA has incorporated language
referring to information resources that
are available to consumers, including
Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS),
labels, and information from the
product manufacturer, to aid in
determining whether brake or clutch
components contain asbestos.
• EPA has incorporated information
from OSHA’s recent Safety and Health
Information Bulletin (SHIB) addressing
brake and clutch repair, which notes the
difficulty of distinguishing asbestoscontaining brake and clutch
components from non-asbestos brake
and clutch components. A copy of the
OSHA SHIB may be found at https://
www.osha.gov/dts/shib/
shib072606.html. EPA also has included
a reference to the OSHA SHIB in the
final brochure.
• EPA has added a reference to the
spray can/solvent method of controlling
the spread of brake and clutch dust,
since it is an equivalent alternative
asbestos control method approved by
OSHA under 29 CFR 1910.1001,
specifically paragraph (f)(3) and
Appendix F.
• EPA included advice similar to
OSHA’s advice (in the recent OSHA
SHIB) that individuals who perform
brake or clutch work change into clean
clothes before going inside the home,
that they wash soiled clothes separately,
and that bystanders, as well as food and
drink, be kept out of the work area to
minimize exposure to others.
• EPA clarified that employers of
professional automotive technicians
must ensure that asbestos waste is
disposed of properly pursuant to the
OSHA regulations and recommended
that home mechanics (who are not
subject to OSHA regulations) double-bag
asbestos waste and dispose of it
following appropriate local regulations
to minimize exposure.
EPA believes this final brochure
provides the public and workers
involved in brake and clutch repair
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18:39 Mar 30, 2007
Jkt 211001
work with a simple, easy-to-understand
summary of the OSHA work practice
standards, which are mandatory for
certain professional automotive
mechanics, and provides a discussion of
the possible health effects associated
with asbestos exposure that is sufficient.
The brochure is not intended to provide
comprehensive technical information
regarding work practices, nor is it a
comprehensive assessment of the
possible health effects that might arise
if one is exposed to asbestos in
performing brake and clutch repair
work. Finally, the brochure is not a
substitute for any applicable legal
requirements or regulations. Thus, the
brochure does 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 brochure
(https://www.osha.gov). Similarly,
interested State and local government
employees who perform brake and
clutch work in States without OSHAapproved 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, or by calling the Toxic
Substances Control Act Assistance
Information Service (TAIS) at (202) 554–
1404.
List of Subjects
Environmental protection, Asbestos,
Automotive brake and clutch repair,
Health.
Dated: March 23, 2007.
Wendy C. Hamnett,
Acting Assistant Administrator, Office of
Prevention, Pesticides and Toxic Substances.
[FR Doc. E7–6057 Filed 3–30–07; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 6560–50–S
FEDERAL RESERVE SYSTEM
Proposed Agency Information
Collection Activities; Comment
Request
Board of Governors of the
Federal Reserve System
SUMMARY: Background.
On June 15, 1984, the Office of
Management and Budget (OMB)
delegated to the Board of Governors of
the Federal Reserve System (Board) its
approval authority under the Paperwork
AGENCY:
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Reduction Act, as per 5 CFR 1320.16, to
approve of and assign OMB control
numbers to collection of information
requests and requirements conducted or
sponsored by the Board under
conditions set forth in 5 CFR 1320
Appendix A.1. Board–approved
collections of information are
incorporated into the official OMB
inventory of currently approved
collections of information. Copies of the
Paperwork Reduction Act Submission,
supporting statements and approved
collection of information instruments
are placed into OMB’s public docket
files. The Federal Reserve may not
conduct or sponsor, and the respondent
is not required to respond to, an
information collection that has been
extended, revised, or implemented on or
after October 1, 1995, unless it displays
a currently valid OMB control number.
Request for comment on information
collection proposals
The following information
collections, which are being handled
under this delegated authority, have
received initial Board approval and are
hereby published for comment. At the
end of the comment period, the
proposed information collections, along
with an analysis of comments and
recommendations received, will be
submitted to the Board for final
approval under OMB delegated
authority. Comments are invited on the
following:
a. Whether the proposed collection of
information is necessary for the proper
performance of the Federal Reserve’s
functions; including whether the
information has practical utility;
b. The accuracy of the Federal
Reserve’s estimate of the burden of the
proposed information collection,
including the validity of the
methodology and assumptions used;
c. Ways to enhance the quality,
utility, and clarity of the information to
be collected; and
d. Ways to minimize the burden of
information collection on respondents,
including through the use of automated
collection techniques or other forms of
information technology.
DATES: Comments must be submitted on
or before June 1, 2007.
ADDRESSES: You may submit comments,
identified by FR 4008, FR 4010, FR
4013, or FR 4014, by any of the
following methods:
• Agency Web Site: https://
www.federalreserve.gov. Follow the
instructions for submitting comments at
https://www.federalreserve.gov/
generalinfo/foia/ProposedRegs.cfm.
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]]>Agencies
[Federal Register Volume 72, Number 62 (Monday, April 2, 2007)]
[Notices]
[Pages 15690-15692]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: E7-6057]
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY
[EPA-HQ-OPPT-2006-0398; FRL-8109-6]
Release of Brochure on Current Best Practices to Prevent Asbestos
Exposure Among Brake and Clutch Repair Workers
AGENCY: Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).
ACTION: Notice.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
SUMMARY: EPA is announcing the release of the final brochure entitled,
Current Best Practices for Preventing Asbestos Exposure Among Brake and
Clutch Repair Workers. On August 24, 2006, EPA released a draft version
of the brochure for a 60-day public comment
[[Page 15691]]
period. After reviewing and, where appropriate, incorporating public
comments on the draft brochure, EPA is now issuing the final brochure.
The brochure is intended to provide information for automotive
professionals and home mechanics on preventing exposure to brake and
clutch dust that may contain asbestos fibers. A copy of the new
brochure can be found at https://www.epa.gov/asbestos. This brochure
replaces the existing 1986 document entitled, Guidance for Preventing
Asbestos Disease Among Auto Mechanics (EPA-560-OPTS-86-002), commonly
referred to as the ``Gold Book.''
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: 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 or 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.
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 Occupational Safety and Health Administration (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, as well as 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 also could 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. How Can I Get Copies of this Document and Other Related Information?
1. Docket. EPA has established a docket for this action under
docket identification (ID) number EPA-HQ-OPPT-2006-0398. All documents
in the docket are listed in the docket's index available at https://
www.regulations.gov. Although listed in the index, some information is
not publicly available, e.g., Confidential Business Information (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 electronically at https://www.regulations.gov, or, if only
available in hard copy, at the OPPT Docket. The OPPT Docket is located
in the EPA Docket Center (EPA/DC) at Rm. 3334, EPA West Bldg., 1301
Constitution Ave., NW., Washington, DC. The EPA/DC Public Reading Room
hours of operation are 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday,
excluding Federal holidays. The telephone number of the EPA/DC Public
Reading Room is (202) 566-1744, and the telephone number for the OPPT
Docket is (202) 566-0280. Docket visitors are required to show
photographic identification, pass through a metal detector, and sign
the EPA visitor log. All visitor bags are processed through an X-ray
machine and subject to search. Visitors will be provided an EPA/DC
badge that must be visible at all times in the building and returned
upon departure.
2. Electronic access. You may access this Federal Register document
electronically through the EPA Internet under the ``Federal Register''
listings at https://www.epa.gov/fedrgstr.
II. What Action is the Agency Taking?
EPA is announcing the release of the final brochure entitled,
Current Best Practices for Preventing Asbestos Exposure Among Brake and
Clutch Repair Workers. EPA released and published in the Federal
Register of August 24, 2006 (71 FR 50060) (FRL-8086-6) a draft of the
brochure for a 60-day public comment period. After reviewing and, where
appropriate, incorporating public comments into the brochure, EPA is
now issuing the final brochure. The brochure provides information for
automotive professionals, including State and local government
employees, and home mechanics on preventing exposure to brake and
clutch dust that may contain asbestos fibers. The brochure summarizes
work practices that can help to reduce or eliminate 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. Also discussed in this brochure is
EPA's Worker Protection Rule, found at 40 CFR part 763, subpart G,
which contains requirements identical to the OSHA regulatory
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, who are not subject to the
OSHA or EPA standards, also may benefit from the information discussed
in the brochure regarding the OSHA and EPA work practice standards and
the additional advice provided on steps home mechanics can consider
taking to prevent possible asbestos exposure when working with
asbestos-containing friction products. A copy of the final brochure is
available at https://www.epa.gov/asbestos. This brochure replaces the
existing 1986 document entitled, Guidance for Preventing Asbestos
Disease Among Auto Mechanics (EPA-560-OPTS-86-002), commonly referred
to as the ``Gold Book.''
Asbestos is the common name given to a number of naturally
occurring mineral fibers that are known for their high tensile
strength, resistance to heat, and chemical stability. Because of these
properties, asbestos has 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. If products
containing asbestos are disturbed, thin, lightweight asbestos fibers
can be released into the air. Persons breathing the air may then inhale
asbestos fibers. Continued exposure can increase the amount of fibers
deposited in the lung. Fibers embedded in the lung tissue over time may
result in lung diseases such as
[[Page 15692]]
asbestosis, lung cancer, or mesothelioma. It can take from 10 to 40
years or more for symptoms of an asbestos-related condition to appear.
Smoking increases the risk of developing illness from asbestos
exposure.
During the 60-day comment period beginning on August 24, 2006, EPA
received a number of comments on the draft brochure. After considering
those comments, EPA has modified the brochure in the following ways:
EPA has added language to the brochure that explains that
asbestos-related disease can take 10 to 40 years or more for symptoms
of an asbestos-related condition to appear.
EPA has incorporated language referring to information
resources that are available to consumers, including Material Safety
Data Sheets (MSDS), labels, and information from the product
manufacturer, to aid in determining whether brake or clutch components
contain asbestos.
EPA has incorporated information from OSHA's recent Safety
and Health Information Bulletin (SHIB) addressing brake and clutch
repair, which notes the difficulty of distinguishing asbestos-
containing brake and clutch components from non-asbestos brake and
clutch components. A copy of the OSHA SHIB may be found at https://
www.osha.gov/dts/shib/shib072606.html. EPA also has included a
reference to the OSHA SHIB in the final brochure.
EPA has added a reference to the spray can/solvent method
of controlling the spread of brake and clutch dust, since it is an
equivalent alternative asbestos control method approved by OSHA under
29 CFR 1910.1001, specifically paragraph (f)(3) and Appendix F.
EPA included advice similar to OSHA's advice (in the
recent OSHA SHIB) that individuals who perform brake or clutch work
change into clean clothes before going inside the home, that they wash
soiled clothes separately, and that bystanders, as well as food and
drink, be kept out of the work area to minimize exposure to others.
EPA clarified that employers of professional automotive
technicians must ensure that asbestos waste is disposed of properly
pursuant to the OSHA regulations and recommended that home mechanics
(who are not subject to OSHA regulations) double-bag asbestos waste and
dispose of it following appropriate local regulations to minimize
exposure.
EPA believes this final brochure provides 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, and provides a
discussion of the possible health effects associated with asbestos
exposure that is sufficient. The brochure is not intended to provide
comprehensive technical information regarding work practices, nor is it
a comprehensive assessment of the possible health effects that might
arise if one is exposed to asbestos in performing brake and clutch
repair work. Finally, the brochure is not a substitute for any
applicable legal requirements or regulations. Thus, the brochure does
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 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, or by calling the Toxic Substances Control
Act Assistance Information Service (TAIS) at (202) 554-1404.
List of Subjects
Environmental protection, Asbestos, Automotive brake and clutch
repair, Health.
Dated: March 23, 2007.
Wendy C. Hamnett,
Acting Assistant Administrator, Office of Prevention, Pesticides and
Toxic Substances.
[FR Doc. E7-6057 Filed 3-30-07; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 6560-50-S
