Babel State Polman Holds FGD Discussing Dangers of Asbestos in Brake Linings, Highlighting Health and Safety Impacts
The Bangka Belitung State Manufacturing Polytechnic (Polman Babel) held a Focus Group Discussion (FGD) on Saturday (05/10/2024), to discuss the dangerous impacts of using asbestos in motor vehicle brake linings.
This FGD presented expert speakers from various fields, including representatives of Yamaha, Honda, brake lining experts who joined via Zoom from Bandung, and representatives of the Bangka branch of the Indonesian Doctors Association (IDI).
This event was opened by Indra Dwi Saputra, M.T., Head of the Polman Babel Center for Research and Community Service.
In his speech, Indra emphasized the important role of lecturers in implementing the Tri Dharma of Higher Education, especially in obtaining research grants that have an impact on society, as achieved by the DR team. Sukanto, M.Eng.," he said.
Sanusi, M.Kes., one of the speakers, reminded MSMEs and motorbike repair shops to be more selective in choosing asbestos-free brake pads.
"Asbestos not only has a negative impact on health, but also work safety," he said.
Arief Wahyudi from Yamaha explained that although brake linings made from asbestos are sold at a cheaper price, this material has weaknesses in heat resistance, so it breaks quickly. "Yamaha itself has stopped using asbestos brake linings since 2006," he said.
Honda, according to its representative Age Sugiyarto, S.Kom., has also been using asbestos-free brake linings since 2006. He said that Honda serves more than 469,000 motorbikes per year in Bangka Belitung, with non-asbestos brake linings that can last up to 70,000 km. he said.
Sadiyo, M.T., manufacturer of CMH and BSA brake linings, added that although asbestos brake linings are cheaper, their service life is only around 20% -50% compared to non-asbestos brake linings," he said.
In addition, the physical differences between the two types of canvas are now difficult to distinguish due to advances in dyeing technology.
From a medical point of view, Dr. Liyah Giovana, Sp.P(K) Onk., from IDI, explained that asbestos is a serious threat to health. He revealed that around 233,000 people die every year from exposure to asbestos, which can cause mesothelioma.
"Symptoms of this disease can appear up to 40 years after exposure," he said, while emphasizing the importance of using personal protective equipment (PPE) for workers.
Dr. Sukanto, head of the FGD organizers, hopes that this discussion can produce concrete solutions from various related parties, including manufacturers, workshops, medical personnel and vehicle users, to support the use of non-asbestos brake linings in the future," he stressed.
After that, the activity will be closed by handing over souvenirs to Dr. "Liyah Giovana as a form of appreciation for her contribution to this FGD," he concluded.
