Health
Asbestos
Fibers released when asbestos-containing material is disturbed during renovation or demolition. 29 CFR 1926.1101 sets a permissible exposure limit of 0.1 fiber per cubic centimeter as an 8-hour average.
Where it shows up
- Pipe and boiler insulation in older buildings
- Sprayed-on fireproofing and textured ceilings
- Floor tile and mastic
- Roofing and siding materials
Controls, most effective first
Work down the list. Rely on PPE only for the risk the controls above it cannot remove.
| Level | Control |
|---|---|
| Eliminate or substitute | Have a survey done before renovation or demolition, and abate before other trades start |
| Engineering | Regulated areas, wet methods, and HEPA-filtered equipment for asbestos work |
| Administrative | Stop work if you find suspect material, and report it |
| Only trained and qualified workers handle asbestos | |
| Treat thermal system insulation and surfacing material in buildings built in 1980 or earlier, and asphalt and vinyl flooring installed by 1980, as asbestos until tested | |
| PPE | Respirator and disposable coveralls for asbestos work |
PPE to list on the JHA
Respirator1926.103
OSHA standards
| Citation | Title |
|---|---|
| 29 CFR 1926.1101 | Asbestos |
Federal OSHA construction standards. State plans can be stricter, and owners or contracts can add requirements. This page is general information. Check the full standard for your work.