Usage:
Reference: Engine News, August 8, 1984, Page 2, "Use Caution When Handling Components That Contain Asbestos".
OSHA (Occupational Safety and Health Administration) in the U.S. requires labeling of parts containing asbestos as stated in 29 CFR (Code of Federal Register) 1910.1001. This Code requires that all materials containing asbestos be so labeled except "where asbestos fibers have been modified by a bonding agent", thus preventing an airborne concentration of fibers. Most Caterpillar parts containing asbestos have been modified by a bonding agent.
On March 21, 1986, the European Economic Community (EEC) Council Directive 83/478/EEC became effective. This regulation requires labeling of any part containing asbestos that enters the EEC and does NOT provide for an exception of bonded asbestos fibers. In order to assure compliance with both OSHA and EEC regulations, a combination label has been developed, although OSHA labeling is not required for many of the parts on which it will appear. See illustration.
The new label now put on all parts worldwide that contain asbestos in any form.
All parts that have asbestos in any form will now have the new label because their destination is unknown when they enter the Caterpillar Inc. worldwide distribution system. This is why you will see the label on service parts where formerly the same service parts did not have a label.
NOTE: Refer to the Reference Article for handling of any parts that you think may contain asbestos.