Mechanics and garage workers use grinding machines to grind machine parts like brake linings to bring them to their finished dimensions. The American Journal of Industrial Medicine states that approximately 10,000 tons of asbestos (also known as chrysotile) are used for the production of friction materials in Germany every year.

Exposure to Asbestos

Coated abrasives generally release high quantities of fine asbestos dust during the actual grinding process and during blowing out of car brakes. Inhaling this dust can lead to several asbestos-related diseases.

In recognition of the danger of exposure to mechanics and other workers, the Government has laid down certain regulations for grinding machine operators. For instance, companies are required to install an LEV (Local Exhaust Ventilation) that can suck asbestos dust while grinding so that this dust cannot escape into the atmosphere. Employees are also required to wear a respirator that protects them from inhaling the deadly dust.

However, many garage workers and mechanics are unaware of these regulations. Additionally, exhaust fans are sometimes not capable of sucking in all the dust into the disposable bags attached to them. Thus, most workers agree that it was their normal routine to “work through a haze of white dust”. In the normal course of work, they had to sweep floors and many of them had to shake the dust out of the vacuum bags before they could carry on. “The dust would fly all over the place on a windy day”, says Alex Conner, a machine operator.

How Are Grinding Machine Operatives Exposed to Asbestos?

The risk of asbestos exposure is directly proportional to the amount of grinding work undertaken. The fine asbestos dust released into the air remains airborne for long periods and it sticks to surfaces. Even after it settles down, vacuuming or dusting can bring the particles back into the atmosphere. Swabbing the area with a wet towel is the only way in which this stubborn dust can be removed. This is often not done in work places with the result that employees take in a lot of the dust and even carry it home.

Danger of Asbestos Exposure

Asbestos dust is lethal because it can lead to a number of fatal diseases like malignant mesothelioma, asbestosis, and lung cancer. This is why, anyone who thinks they may have been exposed to asbestos dust, should take steps to protect themselves. Contact us for more information.