1246.14 Attachment D

Asbestos Standard for
the Construction Industry
OSHA 3096
2002 (Revised)

This informational booklet provides
a generic, non-exhaustive overview of a
particular topic related to OSHA standards.
It does not alter or determine compliance
responsibilities in OSHA standards or the
Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970.
Because interpretations and enforcement
policy may change over time, you should
consult current administrative interpretations
and decisions by the Occupational Safety and
Health Review Commission and the Courts
for additional guidance on OSHA compliance
requirements.
This publication is in the public domain and
may be reproduced, fully or partially, without
permission. Source credit is requested but
not required.
This information is available to sensory
impaired individuals upon request.
Voice phone: (202) 693–1999;
Teletypewriter (TTY) number: (877) 889–5627.

Asbestos Standard
for the Construction
Industry
U.S. Department of Labor
Elaine L. Chao, Secretary
Occupational Safety and Health Administration
John L. Henshaw, Assistant Secretary
OSHA 3096
2002 (Revised)

iii

iv

Contents
Introduction
What is asbestos? ........................................................................... 1
What are the dangers of asbestos exposure? ................................... 1
What construction activities does this booklet cover? ...................... 1

Provisions of the OSHA Standard
What is work classification? ........................................................... 3
What is the permissible exposure limit for asbestos? ........................ 4
Which asbestos operations must employers
monitor and assess? ........................................................................ 4
What is the function of a competent person? ................................... 4
What is an initial exposure assessment? .......................................... 5
What is a negative exposure assessment? ....................................... 6
Are employers required to perform exposure monitoring? ............... 6
When must employers conduct periodic monitoring? ....................... 7
Is additional monitoring ever needed? ............................................. 8
Are employers required to establish medical
surveillance programs for employees? ............................................ 8
Do employers have to keep any employee records? ...................... 10
What is a regulated area? ............................................................. 12
Who is responsible for communicating
asbestos hazards at worksites? ..................................................... 14
Does the OSHA standard require the
posting of warning signs? ............................................................. 15
Must employers provide asbestos warning labels? ........................ 16
Do employers have to train employees
regarding asbestos exposure? ....................................................... 16

v

Methods of Compliance
What methods must employers use to control
asbestos exposure levels? .............................................................. 19
What are the compliance requirements for Class I work? .............. 20
What are the compliance requirements for Class II work? ............. 23
What are the compliance requirements for Class III work? ........... 27
What are the compliance requirements for Class IV work? ........... 28
Does the competent person have duties that
apply to more than one work class? .............................................. 28
What does the OSHA standard require
concerning respirators? ................................................................ 29
Do employers have to provide protective
clothing for employees? ................................................................ 31
What are the hygiene-related requirements for employees
performing Class I asbestos work involving more than
25 linear feet or 10 square feet of thermal system insulation
or surfacing ACM or PACM? ...................................................... 32
What are the hygiene-related requirements for employees
performing other Class I asbestos work and Class II and III
asbestos work where exposures exceed a PEL or where a
negative exposure assessment has not been produced? .................. 34
What are the hygiene-related requirements
for employees performing Class IV work? .................................... 35
What are an employer’s housekeeping responsibilities? ................. 35
Quick Reference of Provisions by Work Class ............................... 37

OSHA Assistance
What are safety and health system
management guidelines? ............................................................... 43
What are state programs? ............................................................ 44
How do I obtain consultation services? ......................................... 44
vi

What are Voluntary Protection Programs (VPPs)? ........................ 45
What is the Strategic Partnership Program? .................................. 46
Does OSHA offer training and education? ................................... 46
Does OSHA provide any information electronically? .................... 47
How do I learn more about related OSHA publications? .............. 48
How do I contact OSHA about emergencies, complaints,
or further assistance? ................................................................... 48

OSHA Office Directory
OSHA Regional Offices ............................................................... 49
OSHA Area Offices ..................................................................... 50
OSHA-Approved State Plans ....................................................... 53
OSHA Consultation Projects ........................................................ 56

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viii

Introduction
What is asbestos?
Asbestos is the generic term for a group of naturally
occurring, fibrous minerals with high tensile strength,
flexibility, and resistance to heat, chemicals, and electricity.
In the construction industry, asbestos is found in installed
products such as sprayed-on fireproofing, pipe insulation,
floor tiles, cement pipe and sheet, roofing felts and shingles,
ceiling tiles, fire-resistant drywall, drywall joint compounds,
and acoustical products. Because very few asbestoscontaining products are being installed today, most worker
exposures occur during the removal of asbestos and the
renovation and maintenance of buildings and structures
containing asbestos.

What are the dangers of
asbestos exposure?
Asbestos fibers enter the body when a person inhales
or ingests airborne particles that become embedded in the
tissues of the respiratory or digestive systems. Exposure
to asbestos can cause disabling or fatal diseases such as
asbestosis, an emphysema-like condition; lung cancer;
mesothelioma, a cancerous tumor that spreads rapidly in
the cells of membranes covering the lungs and body organs;
and gastrointestinal cancer. The symptoms of these diseases
generally do not appear for 20 or more years after initial
exposure.

What construction activities
does this booklet cover?
The asbestos standard for the construction industry
(29 CFR Part 1926.1101, see www.osha.gov) regulates
asbestos exposure for the following activities:
■

Demolishing or salvaging structures where asbestos is
present.
1

■

■

Removing or encapsulating asbestos-containing material
(ACM).
Constructing, altering, repairing, maintaining, or
renovating asbestos-containing structures or substrates.

■

Installing asbestos-containing products.

■

Cleaning up asbestos spills/emergencies.

■

Transporting, disposing, storing, containing, and
housekeeping involving asbestos or asbestos-containing
products on a construction site.

Note: The standard does not apply to asbestos-containing
asphalt roof coatings, cements, and mastics.

2

Provisions of
the OSHA Standard
OSHA has established strict exposure limits and
requirements for exposure assessment, medical surveillance,
recordkeeping, competent persons, regulated areas, and
hazard communication.

What is work classification?
The OSHA standard establishes a classification system
for asbestos construction work that spells out mandatory,
simple, technological work practices that employers must
follow to reduce worker exposures. Under this system, the
following four classes of construction work are matched
with increasingly stringent control requirements:
■

■

■

Class I asbestos work is the most potentially hazardous
class of asbestos jobs. This work involves the removal
of asbestos-containing thermal system insulation and
sprayed-on or troweled-on surfacing materials. Employers
must presume that thermal system insulation and surfacing
material found in pre-1981 construction is ACM. That
presumption, however, is rebuttable. If you believe that
the surfacing material or thermal system insulation is not
ACM, the OSHA standard specifies the means that you
must use to rebut that presumption. Thermal system
insulation includes ACM applied to pipes, boilers, tanks,
ducts, or other structural components to prevent heat loss
or gain. Surfacing materials include decorative plaster on
ceilings and walls; acoustical materials on decking, walls,
and ceilings; and fireproofing on structural members.
Class II work includes the removal of other types of ACM
that are not thermal system insulation such as resilient
flooring and roofing materials. Examples of Class II work
include removal of asbestos-containing floor or ceiling tiles,
siding, roofing, or transite panels.
Class III asbestos work includes repair and maintenance
operations where ACM or presumed ACM (PACM) are
disturbed.
3

■

Class IV work includes custodial activities where employees
clean up asbestos-containing waste and debris produced by
construction, maintenance, or repair activities. This work
involves cleaning dust-contaminated surfaces, vacuuming
contaminated carpets, mopping floors, and cleaning up
ACM or PACM from thermal system insulation or
surfacing material.

What is the permissible
exposure limit for asbestos?
Employers must ensure that no employee is exposed to an
airborne concentration of asbestos in excess of 0.1 f/cc as an
8-hour time-weighted average (TWA). In addition, employees
must not be exposed to an airborne concentration of asbestos
in excess of 1 f/cc as averaged over a sampling period of
30 minutes.

Which asbestos operations must
employers monitor and assess?
Employers must assess all asbestos operations for the
potential to generate airborne fibers, and use exposure
monitoring data to assess employee exposures. You must also
designate a competent person to help ensure the safety and
health of your workers.

What is the function of a
competent person?
On all construction sites with asbestos operations,
employers must designate a competent person—one who
can identify asbestos hazards in the workplace and has the
authority to correct them. This person must be qualified and
authorized to ensure worker safety and health as required
by Subpart C, General Safety and Health Provisions
for Construction (29 CFR Part 1926.20). Under these
4

requirements for safety and health prevention programs, the
competent person must frequently inspect job sites, materials,
and equipment.
The competent person must attend a comprehensive
training course for contractors and supervisors certified by
the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) or a stateapproved training provider, or a complete a course that is
equivalent in length and content.
For Class III and IV asbestos work, training must include
a course equivalent in length, stringency, and content to the
16-hour Operations and Maintenance course developed by
EPA for maintenance and custodial workers. For more
specific information, see 40 CFR Part 763.92(a)(2).

What is an initial exposure assessment?
To determine expected exposures, a competent person
must perform an initial exposure assessment to assess
exposures immediately before or as the operation begins.
This person must perform the assessment in time to comply
with all standard requirements triggered by exposure data
or the lack of a negative exposure assessment and to provide
the necessary information to ensure all control systems
are appropriate and work properly. A negative exposure
assessment demonstrates that employee exposure during
an operation is consistently below the permissible exposure
limit (PEL).
The initial exposure assessment must be based on the
following criteria:
■

■

Results of employee exposure monitoring, unless a negative
exposure assessment has been made; and
Observations, information, or calculations indicating
employee exposure to asbestos, including any previous
monitoring.
5

For Class I asbestos work, until employers document that
employees will not be exposed in excess of the 8-hour TWA
PEL and short-term exposure limit STEL, employers must
assume that employee exposures are above those limits.

What is a negative exposure assessment?
For any specific asbestos job that trained employees
perform, employers may show that exposures will be below
the PELs (i.e., negative exposure assessment) through the
following:
■

■

■

Objective data demonstrating that ACM, or activities
involving it, cannot release airborne fibers in excess of the
8-hour TWA PEL or STEL;
Exposure data obtained within the past 12 months from
prior monitoring of work operations closely resembling the
employer’s current work operations (the work operations
that were previously monitored must have been conducted
by employees whose training and experience were no more
extensive than that of current employees, and the data must
show a high degree of certainty that employee exposures
will not exceed the 8-hour TWA PEL or STEL under current
conditions); or
Current initial exposure monitoring that used breathing
zone air samples representing the 8-hour TWA and 30minute short-term exposures for each employee in those
operations most likely to result in exposures over the 8-hour
TWA PEL for the entire asbestos job.

Are employers required to perform
exposure monitoring?
Yes. Employers must determine employee exposure
measurements from breathing zone air samples representing
the 8-hour TWA and 30-minute short-term exposures for
each employee.
6

Employers must take one or more samples representing
full-shift exposure to determine the 8-hour TWA exposure
in each work area. To determine short-term employee
exposures, you must take one or more samples representing
30-minute exposures for the operations most likely to expose
employees above the excursion limit in each work area.
You must also allow affected employees and their
designated representatives to observe any employee exposure
monitoring. When observation requires entry into a regulated
area, you must provide and require the use of protective
clothing and equipment.

When must employers conduct
periodic monitoring?
For Class I and II jobs, employers must conduct
monitoring daily that is representative of each employee
working in a regulated area, unless you have produced a
negative exposure assessment for the entire operation and
nothing has changed. When all employees use supplied-air
respirators operated in positive-pressure mode, however, you
may discontinue daily monitoring. When employees perform
Class I work using control methods not recommended in the
standard, you must continue daily monitoring even when
employees use supplied-air respirators.
For operations other than Class I and II, employers must
monitor all work where exposures can possibly exceed the
PEL often enough to validate the exposure prediction.
If periodic monitoring shows that certain employee
exposures are below the 8-hour TWA PEL and the STEL,
you may discontinue monitoring these employees’ exposures.

7

Is additional monitoring ever needed?
Changes in processes, control equipment, personnel,
or work practices that could result in new or additional
exposures above the 8-hour TWA PEL or STEL require
additional monitoring regardless of a previous negative
exposure assessment for a specific job.

Are employers required to establish
medical surveillance programs for
employees?
It depends. Employers must provide a medical surveillance
program for all employees who do the following:
■

■

Engage in Class I, II, or III work or are exposed at or
above the PEL or STEL for a combined total of 30 or more
days per year; or
Wear negative-pressure respirators.

In addition, a licensed physician must perform or supervise
all medical exams and procedures that you provide at no cost
to your employees and at a reasonable time.
Employers must make medical exams and consultations
available to employees as follows:
■

■

■

Prior to employee assignment to an area where negativepressure respirators are worn;
Within 10 working days after the 30th day of combined
engagement in Class I, II, and III work and exposure at
or above a PEL, and at least annually thereafter; and
When an examining physician suggests them more
frequently.

If an employee was examined within the past 12 months
and that exam meets the criteria of the standard, however,
another medical exam is not required.
8

Medical exams must include the following:
■

■

■

■

Medical and work histories;
Completion of a standardized questionnaire with the initial
exam (see 29 CFR Part 1926.1101, Appendix D, Part 1)
and an abbreviated standardized questionnaire with annual
exams (see 29 CFR Part 1926.1101, Appendix D, Part 2);
Physical exam focusing on the pulmonary and
gastrointestinal systems; and
Any other exams or tests deemed necessary by the
examining physician.

Employers must provide the examining physician with
the following:
■

■

■

■

■

Copy of OSHA’s asbestos standard and its appendices D,
E, and I;
Description of the affected employee’s duties relating to
exposure;
Employee’s representative exposure level or anticipated
exposure level;
Description of any personal protective equipment and
respiratory equipment used; and
Information from previous medical exams not otherwise
available.

It is the employer’s responsibility to obtain the physician’s
written opinion containing results of the medical exam as well
as the following information:
■

■

Any medical conditions of the employee that increase health
risks from asbestos exposure.
Any recommended limitations on the employee or
protective equipment used.
9

■

■

A statement that the employee has been informed of the
results of the medical exam and any medical conditions
resulting from asbestos exposure.
A statement that the employee has been informed of the
increased risk of lung cancer from the combined effect of
smoking and asbestos exposure.

Note: A physician’s written opinion must not reveal
specific findings or diagnoses unrelated to occupational
exposure to asbestos. You must provide a copy of the
physician’s written opinion to the employee involved within
30 days after receipt.

Do employers have to keep
any employee records?
Yes. Employers must maintain employee records
concerning objective data, exposure monitoring, and medical
surveillance.
If using objective data to demonstrate that products
made from or containing asbestos cannot release fibers in
concentrations at or above the PEL or STEL, employers must
keep an accurate record for as long as it is relied on and
include the following information:
■

Exempt products.

■

Objective data source.

■

■

■

Testing protocol, test results, and analysis of the material
for release of asbestos.
Exempt operation and support data descriptions.
Relevant data for operations, materials, processes, or
employee exposures.

10

Employers must keep records of all employee exposure
monitoring for at least 30 years, including following
information:
■

Date of measurement.

■

Operation involving asbestos exposure that you monitored.

■

Methods of sampling and analysis that you used and
evidence of their accuracy.

■

Number, duration, and results of samples taken.

■

Type of protective devices worn.

■

Name, social security number, and exposures of the
employees involved.

Employers must also make exposure records available
when requested to affected employees, former employees,
their designated representatives, and/or OSHA’s Assistant
Secretary.
In addition to retaining a copy of the information provided
to the examining physician, employers must keep all medical
surveillance records for the duration of an employee’s
employment plus 30 years, including the following
information:
■

■

■

■

Employee’s name and social security number.
Employee’s medical exam results, including the medical
history, questionnaires, responses, test results, and
physician’s recommendations.
Physician’s written opinions.
Employee’s medical complaints related to asbestos
exposure.

11

Employers must also make employees’ medical
surveillance records available to them, as well as to anyone
having specific written consent of an employee, and to
OSHA’s Assistant Secretary.
Also, employers must maintain other records. Employers
must maintain all employee training records for 1 year
beyond the last date of employment.
If data demonstrate ACM does not contain asbestos,
building owners or employers must keep associated records
for as long as they rely on them. Building owners must
maintain written notifications on the identification, location,
and quantity of any ACM or PACM for the duration of
ownership, and transfer the records to successive owners.
When employers cease to do business without a successor
to keep their records, employers must notify the Director of
the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health
(NIOSH) at least 90 days prior to their disposal and transmit
them as requested.

What is a regulated area?
A regulated area is a marked-off site where employees
work with asbestos, including any adjoining areas where
debris and waste from asbestos work accumulates or where
airborne concentrations of asbestos exceed, or can possibly
exceed, the PEL.
All Class I, II, and III asbestos work, or any other
operations where airborne asbestos exceeds the PEL, must
be performed within regulated areas. Only persons permitted
by an employer and required by work duties to be present in
regulated areas may enter a regulated area. The designated
competent person supervises all asbestos work performed in
this area.
Employers must mark off the regulated area in a manner
that minimizes the number of persons within the area and
12

protects persons outside the area from exposure to airborne
asbestos. You may use critical barriers (i.e., plastic sheeting
placed over all openings to the work area to prevent airborne
asbestos from migrating to an adjacent area) or negativepressure enclosures to mark off a regulated area.
Posted warning signs demarcating the area must be easily
readable and understandable. The signs must bear the
following information:
DANGER
ASBESTOS
CANCER AND LUNG DISEASE HAZARD
AUTHORIZED PERSONNEL ONLY
RESPIRATORY AND PROTECTIVE CLOTHING
ARE REQUIRED IN THIS AREA
Employers must supply a respirator to all persons entering
regulated areas. (See respiratory protection requirements
elsewhere in this booklet.) Employees must not eat, drink,
smoke, chew (tobacco or gum), or apply cosmetics in
regulated areas.
An employer performing work in a regulated area must
inform other employers onsite of the following:
■

Nature of the work,

■

Regulated area requirements, and

■

Measures taken to protect onsite employees.

The contractor creating or controlling the source
of asbestos contamination must abate the hazards.
All employers with employees working near regulated
areas, must daily assess the enclosure’s integrity or the
effectiveness of control methods to prevent airborne
asbestos from migrating.
13

General contractors on a construction project must
oversee all asbestos work, even though they may not be the
designated competent person. As supervisor of the entire
project, the general contractor determines whether asbestos
contractors comply with the standard and ensures that they
correct any problems.

Who is responsible for communicating
asbestos hazards at worksites?
The communication of asbestos hazards is vital to prevent
further overexposure. Most asbestos-related construction
involves previously installed building materials. Building/
facility owners often are the only or best source of
information concerning these materials.
Building/facility owners, as well as employers of workers
who may be exposed to asbestos hazards, have specific duties
under the standard.
Before work begins, building/facility owners must identify
all thermal system insulation at the worksite, sprayed or
troweled-on surfacing materials in buildings, and resilient
flooring material installed before 1981. They also must notify
the following persons of the presence, location, and quantity
of ACM or PACM:
■

■

■

■

Prospective employers applying or bidding for work in or
adjacent to areas containing asbestos.
Building owners’ employees who work in or adjacent to
these areas.
Other employers on multi-employer worksites with
employees working in or adjacent to these areas.
All tenants who will occupy the areas containing ACM.

14

Employers discovering ACM on a worksite must notify
the building/facility owner and other employers onsite
within 24 hours regarding its presence, location, and quantity.
You also must inform owners and employees working in
nearby areas of the precautions taken to confine airborne
asbestos. Within 10 days of project completion, you must
inform building/facility owners and other employers onsite
of the current locations and quantities of remaining ACM
and any final monitoring results.
At any time, employers or building and facility owners
may demonstrate that a PACM does not contain asbestos by
inspecting the material in accordance with the requirements
of the Asbestos Hazard Emergency Response Act (AHERA)
(40 CFR Part 763, Subpart E) or by performing tests of bulk
samples collected in the manner described in 40 CFR Part
763.86. (See 29 CFR Part 1926.1101 for specific testing
requirements.)
Employers do not have to inform employees of asbestosfree building materials present; however, you must retain the
information, data, and analysis supporting the determination.
(See recordkeeping requirements elsewhere in this publication
for more specific information.)

Does the OSHA standard require
the posting of warning signs?
Yes. At the entrance to mechanical rooms or areas with
ACM or PACM, the building/facility owner must post signs
identifying the material present, its specific location, and
appropriate work practices that ensure it is not disturbed.
Also, employers must post warning signs in regulated
areas to inform employees of the dangers and necessary
protective steps to take before entering. (See the regulated
area requirements elsewhere in this publication.)

15

Must employers provide asbestos
warning labels?
Employers must attach warning labels to all products and
containers of asbestos, including waste containers, and all
installed asbestos products, when possible. Labels must be
printed in large, bold letters on a contrasting background and
used in accordance with OSHA’s Hazard Communication
Standard (29 CFR Part1910.1200). All labels must contain
a warning statement against breathing asbestos fibers and
contain the following legend:
DANGER
CONTAINS ASBESTOS FIBERS
AVOID CREATING DUST
CANCER AND LUNG DISEASE HAZARD
Labels are not required if asbestos is present in
concentrations less than 1 percent by weight. They also are
not required if bonding agents, coatings, or binders have
altered asbestos fibers, prohibiting the release of airborne
asbestos over the PEL or STEL during reasonable use,
handling, storage, disposal, processing, or transportation.
When building owners or employers identify previously
installed asbestos or PACM, employers must attach or post
clearly noticeable and readable labels or signs to inform
employees which materials contain asbestos.

Do employers have to train employees
regarding asbestos exposure?
Yes. Employers must provide a free training program for
all employees who are likely to be exposed in excess of a PEL
and for all employees performing Class I through IV asbestos
operations. Employees must be trained prior to or at initial
assignment and at least annually thereafter. Training courses
16

must be easily understandable and include the following
information:
■

Ways to recognize asbestos.

■

Adverse health effects of asbestos exposure.

■

■

■

Relationship between smoking and asbestos in causing
lung cancer.
Operations that could result in asbestos exposure and the
importance of protective controls to minimize exposure.
Purpose, proper use, fitting instruction, and limitations of
respirators.

■

Appropriate work practices for performing asbestos jobs.

■

Medical surveillance program requirements.

■

Contents of the standard.

■

■

■

Names, addresses, and phone numbers of public health
organizations that provide information and materials or
conduct smoking cessation programs.
Sign and label requirements and the meaning of their
legends.
Written materials relating to employee training and selfhelp smoking cessation programs at no cost to employees.

Also, the following additional training requirements apply
depending on the work class involved:
■

For Class I operations and for Class II operations that
require the use of critical barriers (or equivalent isolation
methods) and/or negative pressure enclosures, training
must be equivalent in curriculum, method, and length to the
EPA Model Accreditation Plan (MAP) asbestos abatement
worker training (see 40 CFR Part 763, Subpart E,
Appendix C).
17

■

■

■

For employees performing Class II operations involving one
generic category of building materials containing asbestos
(e.g., roofing, flooring, or siding materials or transite
panels), training may be covered in an 8-hour course that
includes hands-on experience.
For Class III operations, training must be equivalent in
curriculum and method to the 16-hour Operations and
Maintenance course developed by EPA for maintenance and
custodial workers whose work disturbs ACM (see 40 CFR
Part 763.92). The course must include hands-on training on
proper respirator use and work practices.
For Class IV operations, training must be equivalent in
curriculum and method to EPA awareness training (see 29
CFR Part1926.1101 for more information). Training must
focus on the locations of ACM or PACM and the ways to
recognize damage and deterioration and avoid exposure.
The course must be at least 2 hours in length.

Note: Employers must provide OSHA’s Assistant
Secretary and the Director of NIOSH all information and
training materials as requested.

18

Methods of Compliance
What methods must employers use to
control asbestos exposure levels?
For all covered work, employers must use the following
control methods to comply with the PEL and STEL:
■

■

■

■

Local exhaust ventilation equipped with HEPA-filter dust
collection systems (a high-efficiency particulate air [HEPA]
filter is capable of trapping and retaining at least 99.97
percent of all mono-dispersed particles of 0.3 micrometers
in diameter).
Enclosure or isolation of processes producing asbestos dust.
Ventilation of the regulated area to move contaminated air
away from the employees’ breathing zone and toward a
filtration or collection device equipped with a HEPA filter.
Feasible engineering and work practice controls to reduce
exposure to the lowest possible levels, supplemented by
respirators to reach the PEL or STEL or lower.

Employers must use the following engineering controls
and work practices for all operations regardless of exposure
levels:
■

■

■

Vacuum cleaners equipped with HEPA filters to collect all
asbestos-containing or presumed asbestos-containing debris
and dust.
Wet methods or wetting agents to control employee
exposures except when infeasible (e.g., due to the creation
of electrical hazards, equipment malfunction, and slipping
hazards).
Prompt cleanup and disposal in leak-tight containers of
asbestos-contaminated wastes and debris.

19

The following work practices and engineering controls are
prohibited for all asbestos-related work or work that disturbs
asbestos or PACM regardless of measured exposure levels or
the results of initial exposure assessments:
■

■

■

■

High-speed abrasive disc saws not equipped with a
point-of-cut ventilator or enclosure with HEPA-filtered
exhaust air.
Compressed air to remove asbestos or ACM unless the
compressed air is used with an enclosed ventilation system.
Dry sweeping, shoveling, or other dry cleanup of dust
and debris.
Employee rotation to reduce exposure.

In addition, OSHA’s asbestos standard has specific
requirements for each class of asbestos work in construction.

What are the compliance requirements
for Class I work?
A designated competent person must supervise all Class I
work, including installing and operating the control system.
The competent person must inspect onsite at least once during
each work shift and upon employee request.
Employers must place critical barriers over all openings to
regulated areas or use another barrier or isolation method to
prevent airborne asbestos from migrating for the following
jobs:
■

■

■

All Class I jobs removing more than 25 linear or 10 square
feet of thermal system insulation or surfacing material.
All other Class I jobs without a negative exposure
assessment.
All jobs where employees are working in areas adjacent to
a Class I regulated area.

20

If using other barriers or isolation methods instead of
critical barriers, employers must perform perimeter area
surveillance during each work shift. No asbestos dust should
be visible. Perimeter monitoring must show that clearance
levels are met (as contained in 40 CFR Part 763, Subpart E
of the EPA Asbestos in Schools rule) or that perimeter area
levels are no greater than background levels.
Employers must ensure the following for all Class I jobs:
■

■

■

■

Isolating heating, ventilating, and air-conditioning (HVAC)
systems in regulated areas by sealing with a double layer
of 6 mil plastic or the equivalent.
Placing impermeable drop cloths on surfaces beneath all
removal activity.
Covering and securing all objects within the regulated
area with impermeable drop cloths or plastic sheeting.
Ventilating the regulated area to move the contaminated
air away from the employee breathing zone and toward
a HEPA filtration or collection device for jobs without
a negative exposure assessment or where exposure
monitoring shows the PEL is exceeded.

In addition, employees performing Class I work must use
one or more of the following control methods:
■

■

■

■

Negative-pressure enclosure systems when the
configuration of the work area does not make it infeasible
to erect the enclosure.
Glove bag systems to remove ACM or PACM from piping.
Negative-pressure glove bag systems to remove asbestos or
PACM from piping.
Negative-pressure glove box systems to remove asbestos or
ACM from pipe runs.
21

■

■

Water spray process systems to remove asbestos or PACM
from cold-line piping if employees carrying out the process
have completed a 40-hour training course on its use in
addition to training required for all employees performing
Class I work.
Small walk-in enclosure that accommodates no more than
2 people (mini-enclosure) if the disturbance or removal can
be completely contained by the enclosure.

For the specifications, limitations, and recommended
work practices of these required control methods, refer to
Occupational Exposure to Asbestos, 29 CFR Part 1926.1101.
Employers may use different or modified engineering
and work practice controls if they adhere to the following
provisions:
■

■

■

Control method encloses, contains, or isolates the process
or source of airborne asbestos dust, or captures and
redirects the dust before it enters into the employees’
breathing zone.
Certified industrial hygienist or licensed professional
engineer qualified as a project designer evaluates the work
area, the projected work practices, and the engineering
controls and certifies, in writing, that based on evaluations
and data the planned control method adequately reduces
direct and indirect employee exposure to or below the PEL
under worst-case conditions. The planned control method
also must prevent asbestos contamination outside the
regulated area, as measured by sampling meeting the
requirements of the EPA Asbestos in Schools rule or
perimeter monitoring.
Employer sends a copy of the evaluation and certification
to the OSHA National Office, Office of Technical Support,
Room N3653, 200 Constitution Avenue, N.W., Washington,
DC 20210, before using alternative methods to remove

22

more than 25 linear or 10 square feet of thermal system
insulation or surfacing material.

What are the compliance requirements
for Class II work?
In addition to all indoor Class II jobs without a negative
exposure assessment, employers must use critical barriers
over all openings to the regulated area or another barrier or
isolation method to prevent airborne asbestos from migrating
for the following:
■

■

When changing conditions indicate exposure above the
PEL, or
When ACM is not removed substantially intact.

If using other barriers or isolation methods instead of
critical barriers, employers must perform perimeter area
monitoring to verify that the barrier works properly. In
addition, impermeable drop cloths must cover all surfaces
beneath removal activities.
All Class II asbestos work can use the same work
practices and requirements as Class I asbestos jobs.
Alternatively, Class II work can be performed using work
practices set out in the standard for specific jobs.
For removing vinyl and asphalt flooring materials
containing asbestos or installed in buildings constructed
before 1981 and not verified as asbestos-free, employers must
ensure that workers observe the following:
■

Do not sand flooring or its backing,

■

Do not rip up resilient sheeting,

■

Do not dry sweep,

■

Perform mechanical chipping only in a negative-pressure
enclosure,
23

■

■

■

■

■

Use vacuums equipped with HEPA filters to clean floors,
Remove resilient sheeting by cutting with wetting of the
snip point and wetting during delamination,
Use wet methods to scrape residual adhesives and/or
backing,
Remove tiles intact, unless impossible (you may omit
wetting when tiles are heated and removed intact), and
Assume resilient flooring material—including associated
mastic and backing—is asbestos-containing unless an
industrial hygienist determines that it is asbestos-free.

To remove asbestos-containing roofing materials,
employers must ensure that workers do the following:
■

Remove them intact if feasible,

■

Use wet methods when intact removal is infeasible, and

■

Mist cutting machines continuously during use, unless the
competent person determines misting to be unsafe.

When removing built-up roofs using a power roof cutter
employers must ensure that workers observe the following
procedures:
■

■

Use power cutters equipped with HEPA dust collectors or
perform HEPA vacuuming along the cut line for roofs that
have asbestos-containing roofing felts and an aggregate
surface.
Use power cutters equipped with HEPA dust collectors,
or perform HEPA vacuuming along the cut line, or gently
sweep along the cut line and then carefully and completely
wipe up the still-wet dust and debris that was acquired for
roofs that have asbestos-containing roofing felts and a
smooth surface.

24

■

■

■

■

■

■

■

Do not drop or throw to the ground ACM that has been
removed from a roof.
Carry or pass the ACM to the ground by hand, or lower
the material to the ground via covered, dust-tight chute,
crane or hoist.
Lower both intact ACM and non-intact ACM to the
ground as soon as it is practicable, but no later than the
end of the work shift.
Keep material wet if it is not intact, or place it in
impermeable waste bags, or wrap it in plastic sheeting
while it remains on the roof.
Lower to the ground, as soon as possible or by the end
of the work shift, any unwrapped or unbagged roofing
material using a covered, dust-tight chute, crane, or hoist.
Place unwrapped materials in closed containers to prevent
scattering dust after the materials reach the ground.
Isolate roof level heating and ventilation air intake sources
or shut down the ventilation system.

When removing cement-like asbestos-containing siding or
shingles, or asbestos-containing transite panels on building
exteriors other than roofs, employers must ensure that
employees adhere to the following:
■

■

Do not cut, abrade, or break siding, shingles, or transite
panels unless methods less likely to result in asbestos fiber
release cannot be used;
Spray each panel or shingle with amended water before
removing (amended water is water to which a surfactant
[wetting agent] has been added to increase the ability of
the liquid to penetrate ACM);

25

■

■

Lower immediately to the ground any unwrapped or
unbagged panels or shingles using a covered dust-tight
chute, crane, or hoist, or place them in an impervious
waste bag or wrap them in plastic sheeting and lower them
to the ground no later than the end of the work shift; and
Cut nails with flat, sharp instruments.

When removing asbestos-containing gaskets, employers
must ensure that employees do the following:
■

■

■

■

Remove gaskets within glove bags if they are visibly
deteriorated and unlikely to be removed intact;
Wet the gaskets thoroughly with amended water prior to
removing;
Place the wet gaskets in a disposal container immediately;
and
Keep the residue wet if removed by scraping.

For removal of any other Class II ACM, employers must
ensure that employees observe the following:
■

■

■

■

Do not cut, abrade, or break the material unless infeasible;
Wet the material thoroughly with amended water before
and during removal;
Remove the material intact, if possible; and
Bag or wrap removed ACM immediately or keep it wet
until transferred to a closed receptacle no later than the end
of the work shift.

Employers may use different or modified engineering and
work practice controls under the following conditions:
■

If they can demonstrate that employee exposure will not
exceed the PEL under any anticipated circumstances; and

26

■

If a competent person evaluates the work area, the
projected work practices, and the engineering controls and
certifies, in writing, that these different or modified controls
will reduce all employee exposure to or below the PELs
under all expected conditions of use and that they meet
the requirements of the standard. This evaluation must
include, and be based on, data representing employee
exposure during use of the controls under conditions closely
resembling those of the current job. Also, the employees
participating in the evaluation must not have better training
and more experience than that of the employees who are to
perform the current job.

What are the compliance requirements
for Class III work?
Employers must use wet methods and local exhaust
ventilation, to the extent feasible, during Class III work.
When drilling, cutting, abrading, sanding, chipping, breaking,
or sawing of asbestos-containing thermal system insulation or
surfacing materials occurs, employers must use impermeable
drop cloths as well as mini-enclosures, glove bag systems, or
other effective isolation methods and ensure that workers
wear respirators. If the material is not thermal system
insulation or surfacing material and a negative exposure
assessment has not been produced or monitoring shows
the PEL is exceeded, employers must contain the area
with impermeable drop cloths and plastic barriers or
other isolation methods and ensure that employees wear
respirators. (See also respirator requirements elsewhere in
this publication.) In addition, the competent person must
inspect often enough to assess changing conditions and
upon employee request.

27

What are the compliance requirements
for Class IV work?
Employees conducting Class IV asbestos work must
have attended an asbestos awareness training program.
They must use wet methods and HEPA vacuums to promptly
clean asbestos-containing or presumed asbestos-containing
debris. When cleaning debris and waste in regulated areas,
employees must wear respirators. In areas where thermal
system insulation or surfacing material is present, workers
must assume that all waste and debris contain asbestos.

Does the competent person have duties
that apply to more than one work class?
Yes. For Class II, III, and IV jobs, the competent person
must inspect often enough to assess changing conditions and
upon employee request.
For Class I or II asbestos work, the competent person
must ensure the integrity of the enclosures or other
containments by onsite inspection and supervise the
following activities:
■

■

■

■

■

Setup of regulated areas, enclosures, or other containments.
Setup procedures to control entry to and exit from the
enclosure or area.
Employee exposure monitoring by ensuring it is properly
conducted.
Use of required protective clothing and equipment by
employees working within the enclosure or using glove
bags (a plastic bag-like enclosure affixed around ACM,
with glove-like appendages through which materials and
tools may be handled).
Setup, removal, and performance of engineering controls,
work practices, and personal protective equipment through
onsite inspection.

28

■

Use of hygiene facilities by employees.

■

Required decontamination procedures.

■

Notification requirements.

What does the OSHA standard require
concerning respirators?
Employees must use respirators during the following
activities:
■

■

■

■

■

■

■

■

Class I asbestos jobs.
Class II work where ACM is not removed substantially
intact.
Class II and III work not using wet methods.
Class II and III work without a negative exposure
assessment.
Class III jobs where thermal system insulation or surfacing
ACM or PACM is cut, abraded, or broken.
Class IV work within a regulated area where respirators
are required.
Work where employees are exposed above the TWA or
excursion limit.
Emergencies.

Employers must provide respirators at no cost to workers,
selecting the appropriate type from among those certified by
NIOSH.
Employers must provide employees performing Class I
work with full-facepiece supplied air respirators operated
in pressure-demand mode and equipped with an auxiliary
positive-pressure, self-contained breathing apparatus when
exposure levels exceed 1 f/cc as an 8-hour TWA.
29

Employers must provide half-mask purifying respirators
—other than disposable respirators—equipped with highefficiency filters for Class II and III asbestos jobs where
work disturbs thermal system insulation or surfacing ACM
or PACM.
If a particular job is not Class I, II, or III and exposures
are above the PEL or STEL, the asbestos standard, 29 CFR
Part 1926.1101, contains a table specifying types of
respirators to use.
According to 29 CFR Part 1910.134, employers must
institute a respiratory program that includes the following:
■

■

■

■

■

■

■

■

Procedures for selecting respirators for use in the
workplace;
Fit testing procedures for tight-fitting respirators;
Procedures for proper use of respirators in routine and
reasonably foreseeable emergency situations;
Procedures and schedules for cleaning, disinfecting,
storing, inspecting, repairing, discarding, and maintaining
respirators;
Procedures to ensure adequate air quality, quantity, and
flow of breathing air for atmosphere-supplying respirators;
Training of employees in the respiratory hazards to which
they are potentially exposed during routine and emergency
situations;
Training of employees in the proper use and maintenance
of respirators, including putting on and removing them,
and any limitations on their use; and
Procedures for regularly evaluating the effectiveness of
the program.

(See Respiratory Protection, 29 CFR Part 1910.134, for
complete program requirements.)
30

With regard to fit testing, employers must do the
following:
■

■

■

■

Ensure that employees are fit tested with the same make,
model, style, and size of respirator that they will be using;
Ensure that employees using a tight-fitting facepiece
respirator pass an appropriate qualitative fit test (QLFT)
or quantitative fit test (QNFT);
Ensure that an employee using a tight-fitting facepiece
respirator is fit tested prior to initial use of the respirator,
whenever a different size, style, model or make of
respirator facepiece is used, and at least annually thereafter.
Conduct an additional fit test whenever an employee
reports (or the employer, physician or other licensed
health-care professional, supervisor, or program
administrator makes) visual observations of changes
in an employee’s physical condition that could affect
respirator fit. Such conditions include, but are not limited
to, facial scarring, dental changes, cosmetic surgery, or
an obvious change in body weight.

Employers must not assign any employee to tasks
requiring respirator use who, based on the most recent
physical exam and the examining physician’s recommendations,
would be unable to function normally. Employers must assign
such employees to other jobs or give them the opportunity to
transfer to different positions in the same geographical area
and with the same seniority, status, pay rate, and job benefits
as they had before transferring, if such positions are
available.

Do employers have to provide
protective clothing for employees?
Employers must provide and require the use of protective
clothing—such as coveralls or similar whole-body clothing,
head coverings, gloves, and foot coverings—for the following:
31

■

■

■

Employees exposed to airborne asbestos exceeding the PEL
or STEL;
Work without a negative exposure assessment; or
Employees performing Class I work involving the removal
of over 25 linear or 10 square feet of thermal system
insulation or surfacing ACM or PACM.

Employers must ensure that the laundering of
contaminated clothing does not release airborne asbestos
in excess of the PEL or STEL. Employers who give
contaminated clothing to other persons for laundering must
inform them of the requirement to follow procedures that do
not release airborne asbestos in excess of the PEL or STEL.
Employers must transport contaminated clothing in sealed,
impermeable bags or other closed impermeable containers
bearing appropriate labels. (See the hazard communication
section elsewhere in this publication for label requirements.)
The competent person must examine employee worksuits
at least once per work shift for rips or tears. Rips or tears
found while an employee is working must be mended or the
worksuit replaced immediately.

What are the hygiene-related requirements
for employees performing Class I asbestos
work involving more than 25 linear feet or
10 square feet of thermal system insulation
or surfacing ACM or PACM?
For this class of asbestos work, the requirements are as
follows:
■

■

Employers must create a decontamination area adjacent
to and connected with the regulated area.
Workers must enter and exit the regulated area through
the decontamination area.

32

The decontamination area must include an equipment
room, shower area, and clean room in series and comply
with the following:
■

■

■

Equipment room must have impermeable, labeled bags and
containers to store and dispose of contaminated protective
equipment.
Shower area must be adjacent to both the equipment and
clean rooms, unless work is performed outdoors or this
arrangement is not feasible (in either case, employers must
ensure that employees remove asbestos contamination
from their worksuits in the equipment room using a HEPA
vacuum before proceeding to a shower not adjacent to the
work area or remove their contaminated worksuits in the
equipment room, don clean worksuits, and proceed to a
shower not adjacent to the work area).
Clean room must have a locker or appropriate storage
container for each employee.

Note: When it is not feasible to provide a change area
adjacent to the work area, or when the work is performed
outdoors, employees may clean protective clothing with a
portable HEPA vacuum before leaving the regulated area.
Employees then must shower and change into “street
clothing” in a clean change area meeting the requirements
described above.
To enter the regulated area, employees must pass through
the equipment room. But before entering the regulated area,
employees must do the following:
■

■

■

Enter the decontamination area through the clean room.
Remove and deposit street clothing within a provided
locker.
Put on protective clothing and respiratory protection before
leaving the clean area.
33

Before exiting the regulated area, employees must do
the following:
■

■

■

Remove all gross contamination and debris.
Remove protective clothing in the equipment room
(depositing the clothing in labeled, impermeable bags or
containers).
Remove respirators in the shower and then shower before
entering the clean room to change into “street clothing.”

Note: When workers consume food or beverages at the
Class I worksite, employers must provide lunch areas with
airborne asbestos levels below the PEL and/or excursion limit.

What are the hygiene-related requirements
for employees performing other Class I
asbestos work and Class II and III asbestos
work where exposures exceed a PEL or
where a negative exposure assessment
has not been produced?
For this class of asbestos work, the requirements are as
follows:
■

■

■

Employers must establish an equipment room or area
adjacent to the regulated area for the decontamination of
employees and their equipment.
Workers must cover area with an impermeable drop cloth
on the floor or horizontal work surface and must be large
enough to accommodate equipment cleaning and personal
protective equipment removal without spreading
contamination beyond the area.
Workers must clean area with a HEPA vacuum before
removing work clothing.

34

■

■

Workers must clean all equipment and surfaces of
containers filled with ACM before removal.
Employers must ensure employees enter and exit the
regulated area through the equipment room or area.

What are the hygiene-related requirements
for employees performing Class IV work?
For this class of asbestos work, the requirements are
as follows:
■

■

Employers must ensure that workers cleaning up dust,
waste, and debris while a Class I, II, or III activity is still
in progress observe the hygiene practices required of the
workers performing that activity.
Workers cleaning up asbestos-containing surfacing material
or thermal system insulation debris from a Class I or III
activity after the activity is finished must be provided
decontamination facilities required for Class I work
involving less than 25 linear or 10 square feet of material,
or for Class III work where exposure exceeds a PEL or no
negative exposure assessment exists.

Note: For any class of asbestos work, employers must
ensure that workers do not smoke in any work area with
asbestos exposure.

What are an employer’s
housekeeping responsibilities?
Asbestos waste, scrap, debris, bags, containers,
equipment, and contaminated clothing consigned for
disposal must be collected and disposed of in sealed, labeled,
impermeable bags or other closed, labeled impermeable
containers. When vacuuming methods are selected, employees
must use and empty HEPA-filtered vacuuming equipment
carefully and in a way that will minimize asbestos reentry
into the workplace.
35

Unless the building/facility owner demonstrates that the
flooring does not contain asbestos, all vinyl and asphalt
flooring material must be maintained in accordance with
the following conditions:
■

■

■

■

■

Sanding flooring material is prohibited.
Employees stripping finishes must use wet methods and
low abrasion pads at speeds lower than 300 revolutions
per minute.
Burnishing or dry buffing may be done only on flooring
with enough finish that the pad cannot contact the flooring
material.
Employees must not dust, dry sweep, or vacuum without a
HEPA filter in an area containing thermal system insulation
or surfacing material or visibly deteriorated ACM.
Employees must promptly clean up the waste and debris
and accompanying dust, and dispose of it in leak-tight,
labeled containers.

For a quick reference to the OSHA standard’s provisions
by work class, please see the following table.

36

37

■

Initial if no negative
exposure assessment (NEA)
■ Daily unless positive pressure
mode respirator is used
■ Additional if conditions change
Note: Terminate if < permissible
exposure limits (PELs)

Must be onsite
Must inspect each workshift
Must attend supervisory
training

Must be onsite
Must inspect often
Must attend supervisory
training

Initial if no NEA
Daily unless positive pressure
mode respirator is used
■ Additional if conditions
change
Note: Terminate if < PELs

■

■

■

■

■

Required (warning signs
mandatory)

Removal of material other
than TSI or SM containing
> 1% asbestos

Class II

Must be onsite
Must inspect often
Must attend operational
and maintenance training

Initial if no NEA
Periodic to accurately
predict if > PELs
■ Additional if conditions
change
Note: Terminate if < PELs
■

■

■

■

■

Required (warning signs
mandatory)

Maintenance and repair
operations disturbing material
containing > 1% asbestos

Class III

Must be onsite
Must inspect often
Must attend operational
and maintenance training
Initial if no NEA
Periodic to accurately
predict if > PELs
■ Additional if conditions
change
Note: Terminate if < PELs
■

■

■

■

■

Required (warning signs
mandatory)

Housekeeping and custodial
cleanup of dust, waste, and
debris from Class I, II, or
III activities

Class IV

*This is an overview of the standards’ requirements. You must consult the standard for the specifics of the requirements for each class.

Air
Monitoring

■

■

■

Required (warning signs
mandatory)

Regulated
Areas

Competent
Person

Removal of thermal system
insulation (TSI) and surfacing
material (SM) containing
> 1% asbestos

Class I

Definition

Quick Reference of Provisions byWork Class*

38

Mandatory for all Class I jobs

Required for all jobs if
■ > 25 linear or 10 square
feet of TSI or
■ SM removal, or
■ No NEA, or
■ > PEL

Equivalent to EPA Model
Accreditation Plan (MAP)
asbestos abatement workers
course

Respirators

Protective
Clothing and
Equipment

Training

Equivalent to MAP course
if critical barriers required;
otherwise, train on specific
work practices and engineering
controls that must be used

Required for all jobs if
No NEA, or
■ > PEL

■

Mandatory if
Non-intact removal, or
■ No NEA, or
■ > PEL, or
■ Dry removal (except for
roofing), or
■ In emergencies

■

Required if
■ Wearing negativepressure respirator, or
■ > 30 days of work/year

Class II

Equivalent to AHERA
course for maintenance
and custodial staff

Required for all jobs if
No NEA, or
■ > PEL
■

Mandatory if
■ No NEA, or
■ TSI or SM disturbed, or
■ > PEL, or
■ Dry removal (except for
roofing), or
■ In emergencies

Required if
■ Wearing negativepressure respirator, or
■ > 30 days of work/year

Class III

Equivalent to AHERA
course for maintenance
and custodial staff

Required for all jobs if
No NEA, or
■ > PEL
■

Mandatory
■ In regulated area where
required, or
■ If > PEL, or
■ In emergencies

Required if
Wearing negativepressure respirator, or
■ > PEL for more than
30 days/year
■

Class IV

*This is an overview of the standards’ requirements. You must consult the standard for the specifics of the requirements for each class.

Required if
■ Wearing negativepressure respirator, or
■ > 30 days of work/year

Class I

Medical
Surveillance

Quick Reference of Provisions byWork Class* (continued)

39

Class I

Class II

No smoking in work area

If NEA must vacuum

Class IV

Note: If cleaning up dust,
waste, and debris while a
Class I, II, or III activity is still
in progress, the requirements
of that activity apply.

No smoking in work area

If cleaning up asbestos
containing surfacing material or
thermal system insulation debris
from a Class I or III activity
after the activity is finished
■ Equipment room/area
required
■ Dropcloths required
■ Area must accommodate
cleanup
■ Must clean work clothes
with HEPA vacuum before
removal
■ Must decontaminate all PPE
■ Must enter regulated area
through equipment room/
decon area

*This is an overview of the standards’ requirements. You must consult the standard for the specifics of the requirements for each class.

No smoking in work area

Class III

If > PEL or no NEA
If > PEL or no NEA
■ Equipment room/area
■ Equipment room/area
required
required
■ Impermeable dropcloths
■ Impermeable dropcloths
required
required
■ Area must accommodate
■ Area must accommodate
cleanup
cleanup
■ Must clean work clothes
■ Must clean work clothes
with HEPA vacuum before
with HEPA vacuum before
removal
removal
■ Must Decontaminate all
■ Must Decontaminate all
PPE
PPE
■ Must enter regulated area
■ Must enter regulated area
through equipment room/
through equipment room/
decon area
decon area
■ Must enter regulated area
■ Must enter regulated area
through equipment room/
through equipment room/
decon area
decon area

If < 25 linear or 10 square feet
TSI or SM removal
■ Equipment room/area required
No smoking in work area
■ Impermeable dropcloths
required
■ Area must accommodate cleanup
■ Must decontaminate all personal
protective equipment (PPE)
■ Must enter regulated area through
equipment room/decon area

Note: Must follow detailed
decontamination procedures (see
29 CFR Part 1926.1101(j)(1)(iii)

Employee
Required if > 25 linear or 10
and
square feet TSI or SM removal
Equipment ■ Full decon unit
Decontami- ■ Equipment room, shower, and
nation
clean room in series connected
to the regulated area; other
decon facility arrangements are
acceptable if the specified series
arrangement is not feasible
(see 29 CFR Part 1926.1101,
Subpart Z)
■ Lunch areas

Quick Reference of Provisions byWork Class* (continued)

40

■

■

■

■

■

■

■

■

■

■

■

■

■

Critical barriers/isolation
methods required if
• > 25 linear or 10 square
feet of TSI or SM removal
• < 25 linear or 10 square
feet of TSI or SM removal
only if no NEA or there
are adjacent workers
HVAC isolation required

High-speed abrasive
disc saws without HEPA
Compressed air without
capture device
Dry sweeping/shoveling

HEPA local exhaust
Enclosure or isolation
Directed ventilation
Other work practices
Respirators

Wet methods
HEPA vacuum
Prompt cleanup/disposal

Class I

High-speed abrasive disc
saws without HEPA
Compressed air without
capture device
Dry sweeping/shoveling

HEPA local exhaust
Enclosure
Directed ventilation
Other work practices
Respirators

Wet methods
HEPA vacuum
Prompt cleanup/disposal

For indoor work only
Critical barriers/isolation
methods required if
• no NEA
• likely > a PEL
• non-intact removal
■ Impermeable dropcloths
required
■

■

■

■

■

■

■

■

■

■

■

■

Class II

■

■

■

■

■

■

■

■

■

■

■

■

■

Critical barriers required
• If no NEA
• > Pel via monitoring
Impermeable dropcloths
required
Local HEPA exhaust
required

High-speed abrasive disc
saws without HEPA
Compressed air without
capture device
Dry sweeping/shoveling

HEPA local exhaust
Enclosure
Directed ventilation
Other work practices
Respirators

Wet methods
HEPA vacuum
Prompt cleanup/disposal

Class III
■

High-speed abrasive disc
saws without HEPA
Compressed air without
capture device
Employee rotation

HEPA local exhaust
Enclosure
Directed ventilation
Other work practices
Respirators

See Generally Required
Work Practices and
Engineering Controls
in this table

■

■

■

■

■

■

■

■

■

■

Wet methods
HEPA vacuum
Prompt cleanup/disposal

Class IV
■

*This is an overview of the standards’ requirements. You must consult the standard for the specifics of the requirements for each class.

Controls and
Work Practices

Prohibited Work
Practices and
Administrative
Controls

Required Work
Practices and
Engineering Controls
to Comply with
PELs

Generally Required
Work Practices and
Engineering Controls

Quick Reference of Provisions by Work Class* (continued)

41

■

(continued)

Impermeable dropcloths
required
Directed ventilation required
if no NEA or > a PEL
Objects must be covered

Class II

For removal of roofing materials
■ Intact removal if possible
■ Wet methods if feasible
■ Cutting machine misting
■ HEPA-vacuum debris
■ Lower to ground as soon as
possible but no later than day’s end
■ Control dust of unbagged material
■ Prevent intake of airborne asbestos
through roof vent system

For removal of vinyl and
asphalt flooring materials
■ No sanding
■ HEPA vacuum
■ Wet methods
■ No dry sweeping
■ Any mechanical chipping must be
done in negative-pressure enclosure
■ Intact removal if possible
■ Dry heat removal allowed
■ Assume contains asbestos
without an analysis

Class III
Note: Enclosure or isolation
of operation required if TSI
or SM is drilled, cut, abraded,
sanded, sawed, or chipped

Class IV

*This is an overview of the standards’ requirements. You must consult the standard for the specifics of the requirements for each class.

One or more of the following
controls must be used:
■ Negative-pressure enclosure
■ Glove bag
■ Negative-pressure glove bag
■ Negative pressure glove box
■ Water spray process
■ Mini enclosure

■

■

Class I

Controls and
Work Practices

Quick Reference of Provisions byWork Class* (continued)

42

Additional requirements
■ Wet methods
■ Intact removal if possible
■ Cutting, abrading, or breaking
prohibited

For removal of gaskets
■ Use glove bags if not intact
■ Wet removal
■ Prompt disposal
■ Wet scraping

For removal of cement-like siding,
shingles, or transite panels
■ Intact removal if possible
■ Wet Methods
■ Lower to ground via dust-tight
chute, crane, or hoist immediately
or place in an impervious waste
bag or wrap in plastic sheeting
and lower to ground by day’s end
■ Cut nail heads

Class II

Class III

Class IV

*This is an overview of the standards’ requirements. You must consult the standard for the specifics of the requirements for each class.

(continued)

Controls and
Work Practices

Class I

Quick Reference of Provisions by Work Class* (continued)

OSHA Assistance
OSHA can provide extensive help through a variety of
programs, including technical assistance about effective
safety and health programs, state plans, workplace
consultations, voluntary protection programs, strategic
partnerships, and training and education, and more. An
overall commitment to workplace safety and health can add
value to your business, to your workplace, and to your life.

What are safety and health system
management guidelines?
Effective management of worker safety and health
protection is a decisive factor in reducing the extent and
severity of work-related injuries and illnesses and their
related costs. In fact, an effective safety and health program
forms the basis of good worker protection and can save time
and money—about $4 for every dollar spent—and increase
productivity and reduce worker injuries, illnesses, and related
worker compensation costs.
To assist employers and employees in developing effective
safety and health programs, OSHA published recommended
Safety and Health Program Management Guidelines
(Federal Register 54(16): 3904-3916, January 26, 1989).
These voluntary guidelines can be applied to all places of
employment covered by OSHA.
The guidelines identify four general elements critical
to the development of a successful safety and health
management system:
■

Management leadership and employee involvement,

■

Worksite analysis,

■

Hazard prevention and control, and

■

Safety and health training.

43

The guidelines recommend specific actions, under each of
these general elements, to achieve an effective safety and
health program. The Federal Register notice is available
online at www.osha.gov.

What are state programs?
The Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970
(OSH Act) encourages states to develop and operate their
own job safety and health plans. OSHA approves and
monitors these plans. There are currently 26 state plans:
23 cover both private and public (state and local government)
employment; 3 states, Connecticut, New Jersey, and New
York, cover the public sector only. States and territories with
their own OSHA-approved occupational safety and health
plans must adopt standards identical to, or at least as
effective as, the federal standards.

How do I obtain consultation services?
Consultation assistance is available on request to
employers who want help in establishing and maintaining
a safe and healthful workplace. Largely funded by OSHA,
the service is provided at no cost to the employer. Primarily
developed for smaller employers with more hazardous
operations, the consultation service is delivered by state
governments employing professional safety and health
consultants. Comprehensive assistance includes an appraisal
of all mechanical systems, work practices, and occupational
safety and health hazards of the workplace and all aspects
of the employer’s present job safety and health program.
In addition, the service offers assistance to employers in
developing and implementing an effective safety and health
program. No penalties are proposed or citations issued
for hazards identified by the consultant. OSHA provides
consultation assistance to the employer with the assurance
that his or her name and firm and any information about the
44

workplace will not be routinely reported to OSHA
enforcement staff.
Under the consultation program, certain exemplary
employers may request participation in OSHA’s Safety
and Health Achievement Recognition Program (SHARP).
Eligibility for participation in SHARP includes receiving a
comprehensive consultation visit, demonstrating exemplary
achievements in workplace safety and health by abating all
identified hazards, and developing an excellent safety and
health program.
Employers accepted into SHARP may receive an
exemption from programmed inspections (not complaint
or accident investigation inspections) for a period of 1 year.
For more information concerning consultation assistance,
see the list of consultation projects listed at the end of this
publication.

What are Voluntary Protection
Programs (VPPs)?
Voluntary Protection Programs and onsite consultation
services, when coupled with an effective enforcement
program, expand worker protection to help meet the
goals of the OSH Act. The three VPPs—Star, Merit, and
Demonstration—are designed to recognize outstanding
achievements by companies that have successfully
incorporated comprehensive safety and health programs
into their total management system. The VPPs motivate
others to achieve excellent safety and health results in the
same outstanding way as they establish a cooperative
relationship between employers, employees, and OSHA.
For additional information on VPPs and how to apply,
contact the OSHA regional offices listed at the end of this
publication.

45

What is the Strategic Partnership Program?
OSHA’s Strategic Partnership Program, the newest
member of OSHA’s cooperative programs, helps encourage,
assist, and recognize the efforts of partners to eliminate
serious workplace hazards and achieve a high level of worker
safety and health. Whereas OSHA’s Consultation Program
and VPP entail one-on-one relationships between OSHA
and individual worksites, most strategic partnerships seek to
have a broader impact by building cooperative relationships
with groups of employers and employees. These partnerships
are voluntary, cooperative relationships between OSHA,
employers, employee representatives, and others (e.g., trade
unions, trade and professional associations, universities,
and other government agencies).
For more information on this program, contact your
nearest OSHA office, or visit OSHA’s website at
www.osha.gov.

Does OSHA offer training and education?
OSHA’s area offices offer a variety of information
services, such as compliance assistance, technical advice,
publications, audiovisual aids and speakers for special
engagements. OSHA’s Training Institute in Des Plaines, IL,
provides basic and advanced courses in safety and health
for federal and state compliance officers, state consultants,
federal agency personnel, and private sector employers,
employees, and their representatives.
The OSHA Training Institute also has established OSHA
Training Institute Education Centers to address the increased
demand for its courses from the private sector and from
other federal agencies. These centers are nonprofit colleges,
universities, and other organizations that have been selected
after a competition for participation in the program.

46

OSHA also provides funds to nonprofit organizations,
through grants, to conduct workplace training and education
in subjects where OSHA believes there is a lack of workplace
training. Grants are awarded annually. Grant recipients are
expected to contribute 20 percent of the total grant cost.
For more information on grants, training, and education,
contact the OSHA Training Institute, Office of Training
and Education, 1555 Times Drive, Des Plaines, IL 60018,
(847) 297–4810. For further information on any OSHA
program, contact your nearest OSHA area or regional office
listed at the end of this publication.

Does OSHA provide any information
electronically?
OSHA has a variety of materials and tools available on
its website—www.osha.gov. These include e-Tools such as
Expert Advisors, Electronic Compliance Assistance Tools
(e-CATs), Technical Links; regulations, directives, publications;
videos, and other information for employers and employees.
OSHA’s software programs and compliance assistance tools
walk you through challenging safety and health issues and
common problems to find the best solutions for your
workplace.
OSHA’s CD-ROM includes standards, interpretations,
directives, and more and can be purchased on CD-ROM
from the U.S. Government Printing Office. To order, write
to the Superintendent of Documents, P.O. Box 371954,
Pittsburgh, PA 15250-7954 or phone (202) 512–1800.

47

How do I learn more about related
OSHA publications?
OSHA has an extensive publications program.
For a listing of free or sales items, visit OSHA’s website
at www.osha.gov or contact the OSHA Publications Office,
U.S. Department of Labor, 200 Constitution Avenue, N.W.,
N-3101, Washington, DC 20210. Telephone (202) 693 –1888
or fax to (202) 693–2498.

How do I contact OSHA about
emergencies, complaints, or further
assistance?
To report an emergency, file a complaint, or seek OSHA
advice, assistance, or products, call 1–800–321–OSHA or
contact your nearest OSHA regional or area office listed at
the end of this publication. The teletypewriter (TTY) number
is 1–877–889–5627.
You can also file a complaint online and obtain more
information on OSHA federal and state programs by visiting
OSHA’s website at www.osha.gov.
For more information on grants, training, and education,
contact the OSHA Training Institute, Office of Training
and Education, 1555 Times Drive, Des Plaines, Il 60018,
(847) 297–4810, or see Outreach on OSHA’s website at
www.osha.gov.

48

OSHA Office Directory
OSHA Regional Offices
Region I

Region VI

(CT,* ME, MA, NH, RI, VT*)
JFK Federal Building, Room
E340
Boston, MA 02203
(617) 565–9860

(AR, LA, NM,* OK, TX)
525 Griffin Street, Room 602
Dallas, TX 75202
(214) 767–4731 or 4736 x224

Region II
(NJ,* NY,* PR,* VI*)
201 Varick Street, Room 670
New York, NY 10014
(212) 337–2378

(IA,* KS, MO, NE)
City Center Square
1100 Main Street, Suite 800
Kansas City, MO 64105
(816) 426–5861

Region III

Region VIII

(DE, DC, MD,* PA,* VA,* WV)
The Curtis Center
170 S. Independence Mall West
Suite 740 West
Philadelphia, PA 19106-3309
(215) 861–4900

(CO, MT, ND, SD, UT,* WY*)
1999 Broadway, Suite 1690
PO Box 46550
Denver, CO 80202-5716
(303) 844–1600

Region IV

(American Samoa, AZ,*
CA,* HI, NV,* Northern
Mariana Islands)
71 Stevenson Street, Room 420
San Francisco, CA 94105
(415) 975–4310

(AL, FL, GA, KY,* MS,
NC,* SC,* TN*)
SNAF
61 Forsyth Street SW, Room 6T50
Atlanta, GA 30303
(404) 562–2300

Region V
(IL, IN,* MI,* MN,* OH, WI)
230 South Dearborn Street,
Room 3244
Chicago, IL 60604
(312) 353–2220

Region VII

Region IX

Region X
(AK,* ID, OR,* WA*)
1111 Third Avenue, Suite 715
Seattle, WA 98101-3212
(206) 553–5930

* These states and territories operate their own OSHA-approved job safety
and health programs (Connecticut, New Jersey, and New York plans
cover public employees only). States with approved programs must have a
standard that is identical to, or at least as effective as, the federal standard.
49

OSHA Area Offices
Anchorage, AK
(907) 271–5152

Savannah, GA
(912) 652–4393

Birmingham, AL
(205) 731–1534

Smyrna, GA
(770) 984–8700

Mobile, AL
(251) 441–6131

Tucker, GA
(770) 493–6644/6742/8419

Little Rock, AR
(501) 324–6291(5818)

Des Moines, IA
(515) 284–4794

Phoenix, AZ
(602) 640–2348

Boise, ID
(208) 321–2960

Sacramento, CA
(916) 566–7471

Calumet City, IL
(708) 891–3800

San Diego, CA
(619) 557–5909

Des Plaines, IL
(847) 803–4800

Denver, CO
(303) 844–5285

Fairview Heights, IL
(618) 632–8612

Greenwood Village, CO
(303) 843–4500

North Aurora, IL
(630) 896–8700

Bridgeport, CT
(203) 579–5581

Peoria, IL
(309) 671–7033

Hartford, CT
(860) 240–3152

Indianapolis, IN
(317) 226–7290

Wilmington, DE
(302) 573–6518

Wichita, KS
(316) 269–6644

Fort Lauderdale, FL
(954) 424–0242

Frankfort, KY
(502) 227–7024

Jacksonville, FL
(904) 232–2895

Baton Rouge, LA
(225) 389–0474 (0431)

Tampa, FL
(813) 626–1177

Braintree, MA
(617) 565–6924

50

Methuen, MA
(617) 565–8110

Avenel, NJ
(732) 750–3270

Springfield, MA
(413) 785–0123

Hasbrouck Heights, NJ
(201) 288–1700

Linthicum, MD
(410) 865–2055/2056

Marlton, NJ
(856) 757–5181

Augusta, ME
(207) 622–8417

Parsippany, NJ
(973) 263–1003

Bangor, ME
(207) 941–8177

Carson City, NV
(775) 885–6963

Portland, ME
(207) 780–3178

Albany, NY
(518) 464–4338

Lansing, MI
(517) 327–0904

Bayside, NY
(718) 279–9060

Minneapolis, MN
(612) 664– 5460

Bowmansville, NY
(716) 684–3891

Kansas City, MO
(816) 483–9531

New York, NY
(212) 337–2636

St. Louis, MO
(314) 425–4249

North Syracuse, NY
(315) 451–0808

Jackson, MS
(601) 965–4606

Tarrytown, NY
(914) 524–7510

Billings, MT
(406) 247–7494

Westbury, NY
(516) 334–3344

Raleigh, NC
(919) 856–4770

Cincinnati, OH
(513) 841–4132

Bismark, ND
(701) 250–4521

Cleveland, OH
(216) 522–3818

Omaha, NE
(402) 221–3182

Columbus, OH
(614) 469–5582

Concord, NH
(603) 225–1629

Toledo, OH
(419) 259–7542

51

Oklahoma City, OK
(405) 278–9560

Dallas, TX
(214) 320–2400 (2558)

Portland, OR
(503) 326–2251

El Paso, TX
(915) 534–6251

Allentown, PA
(610) 776–0592

Fort Worth, TX
(817) 428–2470 (485–7647)

Erie, PA
(814) 833–5758

Houston, TX
(281) 591–2438 (2787)

Harrisburg, PA
(717) 782–3902

Houston, TX
(281) 286–0583/0584 (5922)

Philadelphia, PA
(215) 597–4955

Lubbock, TX
(806) 472–7681 (7685)

Pittsburgh, PA
(412) 395–4903

Salt Lake City, UT
(801) 530–6901

Wilkes–Barre, PA
(570) 826–6538

Norfolk, VA
(757) 441–3820

Guaynabo, PR
(787) 277–1560

Bellevue, WA
(206) 553–7520

Providence, RI
(401) 528–4669

Appleton, WI
(920) 734–4521

Columbia, SC
(803) 765–5904

Eau Claire, WI
(715) 832–9019

Nashville, TN
(615) 781–5423

Madison, WI
(608) 264–5388

Austin, TX
(512) 916–5783 (5788)

Milwaukee, WI
(414) 297–3315

Corpus Christi, TX
(361) 888–3420

Charleston, WV
(304) 347-5937

52

OSHA-Approved State Plans
Commissioner
Alaska Department of Labor
1111 W. 8th Street, Room 308
P.O. Box 21149
Juneau, AK 99802-1149
(907) 465–2700
Director
Industrial Commission of Arizona
800 W. Washington
Phoenix, AZ 85007
(602) 542–5795
Director
California Department of
Industrial Relations
455 Golden Gate Avenue
10th Floor
San Francisco, CA 94102
(415) 703–5050
Commissioner
Connecticut Department of Labor
200 Folly Brook Boulevard
Wethersfield, CT 06109
(860) 263–6505
Director
Hawaii Department of Labor
and Industrial Relations
830 Punchbowl Street
Honolulu, HI 96831
(808) 586–8844
Commissioner
Iowa Division of Labor
1000 E. Grand Avenue
Des Moines, IA 50319
(515) 281–3447

Commissioner
Indiana Department of Labor
State Office Building
402 West Washington Street
Room W195
Indianapolis, IN 46204
(317) 232–2378
Secretary
Kentucky Labor Cabinet
1047 U.S. Highway 127 South
Suite 4
Frankfort, KY 40601
(502) 564–3070
Commissioner
Maryland Division of Labor
and Industry
Department of Labor Licensing
and Regulation
MOSH
1100 N. Eutaw Street, Room 613
Baltimore, MD 21201-2206
(410) 767–2215
Director
Michigan Department of
Consumer and Industry Services
P.O. Box 30643
7150 Harris Drive
Lansing, MI 48909
(517) 373–7230
Commissioner
Minnesota Department of Labor
and Industry
443 Lafayette Road
St. Paul, MN 55155
(651) 284–5010

53

Commissioner
North Carolina Department
of Labor
4 West Edenton Street
Raleigh, NC 27601-1092
(919) 807–2900
Commissioner
New Jersey Department of Labor
John Fitch Plaza— Labor Building
Market and Warren Streets
P.O. Box 110
Trenton, NJ 08625-0110
(609) 292–2975
Secretary
New Mexico Environment
Department
1190 St. Francis Drive
P.O. Box 26110
Santa Fe, NM 87502
(505) 827–2850
Commissioner
New York Department of Labor
W. Averell Harriman State Office
Building-12, Room 500
Albany, NY 12240
(518) 457–2741
Administrator
Nevada Division of
Industrial Relations
400 West King Street, Suite 400
Carson City, NV 89703
(775) 684–7260

54

Administrator
Oregon Department of
Consumer and Business Services
Occupational Safety and
Health Division (OR–OSHA)
350 Winter Street, N.E. Room 430
Salem, OR 97310-3882
(503) 378–3272
Secretary
Puerto Rico Department of
Labor and Human Resources
Prudencio Rivera Martinez
Building
505 Munoz Rivera Avenue
Hato Rey, PR 00918
(787) 754–2119
Director
South Carolina Department
of Labor
Licensing and Regulation
Koger Office Park
Kingstree Building
110 Centerview Drive
P.O. Box 11329
Columbia, SC 29211
(803) 896–4300
Commissioner
Tennessee Department of Labor
and Workforce Development
710 James Robertson Parkway
Andrew Johnson Tower
Nashville, TN 37243-0659
(615) 741–2582

Commissioner
Labor Commission of Utah
160 East 300 South Street
3rd Floor
P.O. Box 146650
Salt Lake City, UT 84111
(801) 530–6901
Commissioner
Virginia Department of Labor
and Industry
Powers–Taylor Building
13 South 13th Street
Richmond, VA 23219
(804) 786–2377
Commissioner
Virgin Islands Department
of Labor
2203 Church Street
Christiansted
St. Croix, VI 00820-4660
(340) 773–1990

Commissioner
Vermont Department of Labor
and Industry
National Life Building—
Drawer 20
120 State Street
Montpelier VT 05620-3401
(802) 828–2288
Director
Washington Department of
Labor and Industries
P.O. Box 44001
Olympia, WA 98504-4001
(360) 902–4200
(360) 902–5430
Administrator
Worker’s Safety and
Compensation Division (WSC)
Wyoming Department of
Employment
Herschler Building, 2nd Floor East
122 West 25th Street
Cheyenne, WY 82002
(307) 777–7786

55

OSHA Consultation Projects
Anchorage, AK
(907) 269–4957

Indianapolis, IN
(317) 232–2688

Tuscaloosa, AL
(205) 348–3033

Topeka, KS
(785) 296–2251

Little Rock, AR
(501) 682–4522

Frankfort, KY
(502) 564–6895

Phoenix, AZ
(602) 542–1695

Baton Rouge, LA
(225) 342–9601

Sacramento, CA
(916) 263–2856

West Newton, MA
(617) 727–3982

Fort Collins, CO
(970) 491–6151

Laurel, MD
(410) 880–4970

Wethersfield, CT
(860) 566–4550

Augusta, ME
(207) 624–6400

Washington, DC
(202) 541–3727

Lansing, MI
(517) 322–1809

Wilmington, DE
(302) 761–8219

Saint Paul, MN
(651) 284–5060

Tampa, FL
(813) 974–9962

Jefferson City, MO
(573) 751–3403

Atlanta, GA
(404) 894–2643

Pearl, MS
(601) 939–2047

Tiyam, GU
9–1–(671) 475–1101

Helena, MT
(406) 444–6418

Honolulu, HI
(808) 586–9100

Raleigh, NC
(919) 807–2905

Des Moines, IA
(515) 281–7629

Bismarck, ND
(701) 328–5188

Boise, ID
(208) 426–3283

Lincoln, NE
(402) 471–4717

Chicago, IL
(312) 814–2337

Concord, NH
(603) 271–2024

56

Trenton, NJ
(609) 292–3923

Nashville, TN
(615) 741–7036

Santa Fe, NM
(505) 827–4230

Austin, TX
(512) 804–4640

Henderson, NV
(702) 486–9140

Salt Lake City, UT
(801) 530–6901

Albany, NY
(518) 457–2238

Richmond, VA
(804) 786–6359

Columbus, OH
(614) 644–2631

Christiansted St. Croix, VI
(809) 772–1315

Oklahoma City, OK
(405) 528–1500

Montpelier, VT
(802) 828–2765

Salem, OR
(503) 378–3272

Olympia, WA
(360) 902–5638

Indiana, PA
(724) 357–2396

Madison, WI
(608) 266–9383

Hato Rey, PR
(787) 754–2171

Waukesha, WI
(262) 523–3044

Providence, RI
(401) 222–2438

Charleston, WV
(304) 558–7890

Columbia, SC
(803) 734–9614

Cheyenne, WY
(307) 777–7786

Brookings, SD
(605) 688–4101

57

58