Product Description

Otis marine-grade hydraulic elevators were installed aboard U.S. Navy aviation ships, amphibious ships, auxiliaries, and larger merchant vessels for personnel, stores, and ammunition handling between decks. According to publicly filed asbestos litigation records, the hoist-motor holding brakes allegedly used woven asbestos-fabric brake linings, the hydraulic power unit allegedly sealed with compressed asbestos-sheet gaskets at pump and reservoir flanges, and the vertical ram-cylinder shaft glands allegedly were packed with braided asbestos rope. Brake reline, packing renewal, and pump-unit gasket work allegedly disturbed these components in enclosed elevator machinery rooms.

Workers Exposed

  • Shipyard elevator constructors installing and overhauling marine elevators
  • Navy machinist mates and merchant marine engineers servicing hydraulic power units and ram cylinders
  • Marine electricians working around hoist-motor brakes and controllers