Safety question

[wurli_gig]

I have a wurlitzer 4037 I'm working on, and found that the spectra-tone is insulated from the rest of the organ with a board that is apparently thought to be asbestos? Any idea if that's true or not? Pic attached.

[KC9UDX]

Even if it is, unless you grind the whole thing into a powder and manage to inhale the whole thing, you're not in much danger. Certain ambulance chasers will disagree with me.

[myorgan]

I have a wurlitzer 4037 I'm working on, and found that the spectra-tone is insulated from the rest of the organ with a board that is apparently thought to be asbestos? Any idea if that's true or not? Pic attached.

Even if it is, unless you grind the whole thing into a powder and manage to inhale the whole thing, you're not in much danger. Certain ambulance chasers will disagree with me.

There are two basic types of asbestos--friable and non-friable (sp?). The difference is that the friable asbestos used for insulation (usually on water pipes) had particles that could easily become airborne if the outer protective surface was broken. The non-friable asbestos, sometimes used for siding on houses in the early 20^th century, is generally stable unless cracked or broken while you're breathing it in.

Either way, the board you have appears to be non-friable. For that, you only need a spray bottle of water to damp the asbestos dust if you break it. Any other airborne particles are probably just that--dust. Breathing protection won't hurt, but may not be necessary depending on how you handle the product.

Hope this is helpful.

Michael

[toodles]

It is probably some type of fiberboard rather than asbestos. The sort of thing bulletin boards, acoustic insulation panels, and ceiling tiles are made from. It is intended as an acoustic insulation. Asbestos was used more for fire insulation than just acoustic, for which cheaper materials suffice.

As always, dust is not a good thing to inhale regardless of the material.

[myorgan]

As always, dust is not a good thing to inhale regardless of the material.

Awwww, c'mon! It's always so much fun!O:-)

This reminds me of the other thread I started related to the Swell shoe enclosures. I had not thought of particleboard--or even peg-board material painted black. Great idea!

Michael

P.S. I just couldn't resist--I need to work on that.

[toodles]

P.S. I just couldn't resist--I need to work on that.

Why? It won't do any good!:->

Yes, hardboard will work (used to be called Masonite), but you'll have to make corners out of, perhaps, L-shaped aluminum stock.