Product Description

Emsco (Continental Emsco Company) drawworks — the hoisting heart of a drilling rig — allegedly relied on woven asbestos brake bands and asbestos-composition brake blocks on both the main drum brake and the auxiliary Hydromatic-style brake, according to publicly filed asbestos litigation records. Drillers allegedly rode these brakes for every trip in and out of the hole, and rig mechanics allegedly changed and adjusted the bands as they wore, allegedly grinding and cutting asbestos-containing friction material to fit.

Workers Exposed

Drillers and assistant drillers allegedly operated the drawworks brake handle within inches of the brake band. Rig mechanics and toolpushers allegedly performed brake changes and adjustments. Roughnecks and roustabouts allegedly cleaned brake dust from the drawworks house after the work.