OSHA Asbestos Summary
Summary of OSHA Asbestos Standard
(29 CFR 1926.1101)
Scope and Applicability
The standard for the construction industry regulates asbestos exposure for the following activities:
- demolition or salvaging structures
- abatement (removal or encapsulation of asbestos)
- construction, alteration, repair, maintenance or renovation of asbestos or substrates
- installation of asbestos
- transportation, disposal, storage and housekeeping
Work Classification
Class I: Removal of asbestos-containing thermal system insulation (TSI) and surfacing materials.
Class II: Removal of other asbestos-containing materials.
Class III:Maintenance and repair of TSI and surfacing materials.
Class IV:Maintenance/custodial work involving contact with or cleanup of asbestos.
Permissible Exposure Limit (PEL) and Short Term Exposure Limit (STEL)
PEL0.1 f/cc (8-hour time weighted average)
STEL1.0 f/cc (maximum concentration in a 30-minute period)
Exposure Assessment
Initial Exposure Assessment
Negative Exposure Assessment
Periodic Exposure Assessment
Medical Surveillance
Medical exams provided to employees performing Class I, II or III work for more than 30 days, any employees exposed at or above the PEL or STEL, and any employees required to wear a respirator.
Recordkeeping
Objective Data Records
Monitoring Records
Medical Surveillance Records
Training Records
Notifications of Asbestos-containing Materials
Documentation of Non-asbestos Containing Materials
Competent Person
Construction sites with asbestos operations must have a qualified (by EPA) and authorized person to perform inspections, supervise and ensure worker safety and health.
Regulated Area
An area that is marked off where employees work with asbestos and where airborne concentrations of asbestos may exceed the PEL.
Communications of Hazards
Notification of presence, location and quantity of asbestos in buildings.
Signs posted at mechanical rooms/areas.
Signs posted at regulated areas.
Labels attached to products or waste.
Methods of Compliance
Control Measures (for Classes of Work and types of Materials)
Respiratory Protection (and Fit Testing)
Protective Clothing
Hygiene Facilities (and Decontamination Procedures)
Housekeeping (and Waste Handling)
Training
General Requirements
Based on Work Class
