OSHA Asbestos Rules

OSHA's current permissible exposure limit for asbestos is 0.1 fiber per cubic centimeter of air, averaged over an eight-hour workday, with a separate short-term excursion limit. Employers must use engineering controls, such as wet methods and ventilation, and safe work practices to keep exposures below these limits. When controls are not enough, workers must wear appropriate respirators. Regulated areas must be marked and access limited. These limits are far lower than those allowed when OSHA first regulated asbestos. Specific tasks, such as brake and clutch repair, have their own required work practices.

Workers who may be exposed to asbestos must receive training on hazards, safe practices and protective equipment. Construction and general industry have separate standards with specific training requirements, and refresher training is typically required each year. Employers must provide medical surveillance for workers exposed at or above certain levels or for certain durations. This usually includes medical history questionnaires, physical exams and lung function tests. These exams create a record that can help detect health changes early. Workers can ask for copies of their exam results at any time.

Employers must keep records of exposure monitoring and medical surveillance for long periods, often decades beyond employment. Workers have the right to access their own records. OSHA also requires employers to inform workers about the presence of asbestos in buildings they work in. If you believe rules are not being followed, you can file a confidential complaint with OSHA. Historical OSHA inspection records for workplaces can sometimes help show that asbestos hazards existed at a site. Knowing these rights makes it easier to request records if you need them for medical care or a claim.

1. 1

   Ask your employer for copies of your exposure and medical surveillance records.

2. 2

   Confirm you have received current asbestos training before working near asbestos materials.

3. 3

   Wear the respirator and protective equipment your employer provides for asbestos tasks.

4. 4

   Report unsafe asbestos practices to OSHA if your employer does not address them.