This difference in cost is one reason why some people still choose to use these parts even if there are non-asbestos parts available. Perhaps the industry can help by convincing customers to choose non-asbestos replacement parts for health reasons. Working on brakes, clutches or removing gaskets can be dirty, so cleaning down the job before starting work is usually one of the first tasks. The best way of protecting yourself is to avoid any work practice that allows fibres or dust to be generated and become airborne. When you work on jobs which could involve asbestos, make sure you use the safety equipment provided by your employer and that the respiratory protection is the correct type and adequate to protect your health.
Employers have a responsibility to provide suitable safety equipment designed for the task at hand.
To be effective, this equipment must be in good working order and used correctly and training for employees in the proper selection, fitting, use, storage and maintenance of respiratory protective devices is essential. Here are some other ways you can protect yourself from fibres or dust that may contain asbestos. The most dangerous work practice is using compressed air to clean parts that could contain asbestos. Never use compressed air to clean brake and clutch parts or to help remove gaskets . Compressed air spreads fibres from the job throughout the workplace and breathing in these fibres would be a certainty.