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(continued)
(5) Prohibited activities. The employer shall ensure that employees do not eat, drink, smoke, chew tobacco or gum, or apply cosmetics in the regulated area.
(6) Competent Persons. The employer shall ensure that all asbestos work performed within regulated areas is supervised by a competent person, as defined in subsection (b) of this section. The duties of the competent person are set out in subsection (o) of this section.
(f) Exposure assessments and monitoring.
(1) General monitoring criteria.
(A) Each employer who has a workplace or work operation where exposure monitoring is required under this section shall perform monitoring to determine accurately the airborne concentrations of asbestos to which employees may be exposed.
(B) Determinations of employee exposure shall be made from breathing zone air samples that are representative of the 8-hour TWA and 30-minute short-term exposures of each employee.
(C) Representative 8-hour TWA employee exposure shall be determined on the basis of one or more samples representing full-shift exposure for employees in each work area. Representative 30-minute short-term employee exposures shall be determined on the basis of one or more samples representing 30 minute exposures associated with operations that are most likely to produce exposures above the excursion limit for employees in each work area.

(2) Initial Exposure Assessment.
(A) Each employer who has a workplace or work operation covered by this standard shall ensure that a "competent person" conducts an exposure assessment immediately before or at the initiation of the operation to ascertain expected exposures during that operation or workplace. The assessment must be completed in time to comply with requirements which are triggered by exposure data or the lack of a "negative exposure assessment," and to provide information necessary to assure that all control systems planned are appropriate for that operation and will work properly.
(B) Basis of Initial Exposure Assessment: Unless a negative exposure assessment has been made pursuant to subsection (f)(2)(C) of this section, the initial exposure assessment shall, if feasible, be based on monitoring conducted pursuant to subsection (f)(1)(C) of this section. The assessment shall take into consideration both the monitoring results and all observations, information or calculations which indicate employee exposure to asbestos, including any previous monitoring conducted in the workplace, or of the operations of the employer which indicate the levels of airborne asbestos likely to be encountered on the job. For Class I asbestos work, until the employer conducts exposure monitoring and documents that employees on that job will not be exposed in excess of the PELs, or otherwise makes a negative exposure assessment pursuant to subsection (f)(2)(C) of this section, the employer shall presume that employees are exposed in excess of the TWA and excursion limit.
(C) Negative Exposure Assessment: For any one specific asbestos job which will be performed by employees who have been trained in compliance with the standard, the employer may demonstrate that employee exposures will be below the PELs by data which conform to the following criteria;
1. Objective data demonstrating that the product or material containing asbestos minerals or the activity involving such product or material cannot release airborne fibers in concentrations exceeding the TWA and excursion limit under those work conditions having the greatest potential for releasing asbestos; or
2. Where the employer has monitored prior asbestos jobs for the PEL and the excursion limit within 12 months of the current or projected job, the monitoring and analysis were performed in compliance with the asbestos standard in effect; and the data were obtained during work operations conducted under workplace conditions "closely resembling" the
processes, type of material, control methods, work practices, and environmental conditions used and prevailing in the employer's current operations, the operations were conducted by employees whose training and experience are no more extensive than that of employees performing the current job, and these data show that under the conditions prevailing and which will prevail in the current workplace there is a high degree of certainty that employee exposures will not exceed the TWA and excursion limit; or
3. The results of initial exposure monitoring of the current job made from breathing zone air samples that are representative of the 8-hour TWA and 30- minute short-term exposures of each employee covering operations which are most likely during the performance of the entire asbestos job to result in exposures over the PELs.
(3) Periodic monitoring.
(A) Class I and II operations. The employer shall conduct daily monitoring that is representative of the exposure of each employee who is assigned to work within a regulated area who is performing Class I or II work, unless the employer pursuant to subsection (f)(2)(C) of this section, has made a negative exposure assessment for the entire operation.
(B) All operations under the standard other than Class I and II operations. The employer shall conduct periodic monitoring of all work where exposures are expected to exceed a PEL, at intervals sufficient to document the validity of the exposure prediction.
(C) Exception: When all employees required to be monitored daily are equipped with supplied-air respirators operated in the pressure demand mode, or other positive pressure mode respirator, the employer may dispense with the daily monitoring required by this subsection. However, employees performing class I work using a control method which is not listed in subsection (g)(4)(A), (B), or (C) of this section or using a modification of a listed control method, shall continue to be monitored daily even if they are equipped with supplied-air respirators.
(4) Termination of monitoring. (A) If the periodic monitoring required by subsection (f)(3) of this section reveals that employee exposures, as indicated by statistically reliable measurements, are below the permissible exposure limit and excursion limit the employer may discontinue monitoring for those employees whose exposures are represented by such monitoring.
(B) Additional monitoring. Notwithstanding the provisions of subsections (f)(2), (f)(3), and (f)(4) of this section, the employer shall institute the exposure monitoring required under subsection (f)(3) of this section whenever there has been a change in process, control equipment, personnel or work practices that may result in new or additional exposures above the permissible exposure limit and/or excursion limit or when the employer has any reason to suspect that a change may result in new or additional exposures above the permissible exposure limit and/or excursion limit. Such additional monitoring is required regardless of whether a "negative exposure assessment" was previously produced for a specific job.
(5) Employee Notification of Monitoring Results.
(A) As soon as possible but not later than 5 working days following receipt of monitoring results required by this section, the employer shall notify affected employees of the monitoring results.
(B) The employer shall notify affected employees of the results of monitoring representing the employee's exposure in writing either individually or by posting at a centrally located place that is accessible to affected employees.
(C) The written notification required by subsection (f)(5)(A) of this section shall include the corrective action being taken by the employer to reduce employee exposure to or below the PEL and/or excursion limit wherever monitoring results have indicated that the PEL and/or excursion limit has been exceeded.
(6) Observation of monitoring.
(A) The employer shall provide affected employees and their designated representatives an opportunity to observe any monitoring of employee exposure to asbestos conducted in accordance with this section.
(B) When observation of the monitoring of employee exposure to asbestos requires entry into an area where the use of protective clothing or equipment is required, the observer shall be provided with and be required to use such clothing and equipment and shall comply with all other applicable safety and health procedures.
(g) Methods of compliance

(1) Engineering controls and work practices for all operations covered by this section. The employer shall use the following engineering controls and work practices in all operations covered by this section, regardless of the levels of exposure:
(A) Vacuum cleaners equipped with HEPA filters to collect all debris and dust containing ACM and PACM, except as provided in subsection (g)(8)(B) of this section in the case of roofing material.
(B) Wet methods, or wetting agents, to control employee exposures during asbestos handling, mixing, removal, cutting, application, and cleanup, except where employers demonstrate that the use of wet methods is infeasible due to for example, the creation of electrical hazards, equipment malfunction, and, in roofing, except as provided in subsection (g)(8)(B) of this section; and
(C) Prompt clean-up and disposal of wastes and debris contaminated with asbestos in leak-tight containers except in roofing operations, where the procedures specified in subsection (g)(8)(B) of this section apply.
(2) In addition to the requirements of subsection (g)(1) of this section, the employer shall use the following control methods to achieve compliance with the TWA permissible exposure limit and excursion limit prescribed by subsection (c) of this section;
(A) Local exhaust ventilation equipped with HEPA filter dust collection systems;
(B) Enclosure or isolation of processes producing asbestos dust;
(C) Ventilation of the regulated area to move contaminated air away from the breathing zone of employees and toward a filtration or collection device equipped with a HEPA filter;
(D) Use of other work practices and engineering controls that the Assistant Secretary can show to be feasible.
(E) Wherever the feasible engineering and work practice controls described above are not sufficient to reduce employee exposure to or below the permissible exposure limit and/or excursion limit prescribed in subsection (c) of this section, the employer shall use them to reduce employee exposure to the lowest levels attainable by these controls and shall supplement them by the use of respiratory protection that complies with the requirements of subsection (h) of this section.
(3) Prohibitions. The following work practices and engineering controls shall not be used for work related to asbestos or for work which disturbs ACM or PACM, regardless of measured levels of asbestos exposure or the results of initial exposure assessments:
(A) High-speed abrasive disc saws that are not equipped with point of cut ventilator or enclosures with HEPA filtered exhaust air.
(B) Compressed air used to remove asbestos, or materials containing asbestos, unless the compressed air is used in conjunction with an enclosed ventilation system designed to capture the dust cloud created by the compressed air.
(C) Dry sweeping, shoveling or other dry clean-up of dust and debris containing ACM and PACM.
(D) Employee rotation as a means of reducing employee exposure to asbestos.
(4) Class I Requirements. In addition to the provisions of subsections (g)(1) and (2) of this section, the following engineering controls and work practices and procedures shall be used.
(A) All Class I work, including the installation and operation of the control system shall be supervised by a competent person as defined in subsection (b) of this section;
(B) For all Class I jobs involving the removal of more than 25 linear or 10 square feet of thermal system insulation or surfacing material; for all other Class I jobs, where the employer cannot produce a negative exposure assessment pursuant to subsection (f)(2)(C) of this section, or where employees are working in areas adjacent to the regulated area, while the Class I work is or being performed, the employer shall use one of the following methods to ensure that airborne asbestos does not migrate from the regulated area:
1. Critical barriers shall be placed over all the openings to the regulated area, except where activities are performed outdoors; or
2. The employer shall use another barrier or isolation method which prevents the migration of airborne asbestos from the regulated area, as verified by perimeter area surveillance during each work shift at each boundary of the regulated area, showing no visible asbestos dust; and perimeter area monitoring showing that clearance levels contained in 40 CFR Part 763, Subpart E, of the EPA Asbestos in Schools Rule are met, or that perimeter area levels, measured by Phase Contrast Microscopy (PCM) are no more than background levels representing the same area before the asbestos work began. The results of such monitoring shall be made known to the employer no later than 24 hours from the end of the work shift represented by such monitoring.
Exception: For work completed outdoors where employees are not working in areas adjacent to the regulated areas, this subsection (g)(4)(B) is satisfied when the specific control methods in subsection (g)(5) of this section are used.
(C) For all Class I jobs, HVAC systems shall be isolated in the regulated area by sealing with a double layer of 6 mil plastic or the equivalent; (D) For all Class I jobs, impermeable dropcloths shall be placed on surfaces beneath all removal activity;
(E) For all Class I jobs, all objects within the regulated area shall be covered with impermeable dropcloths or plastic sheeting which is secured by duct tape or an equivalent.

(F) For all Class I jobs where the employer cannot produce a negative exposure assessment, or where exposure monitoring shows that a PEL is exceeded, the employer shall ventilate the regulated area to move contaminated air away from the breathing zone of employees toward a HEPA filtration or collection device.
(5) Specific control methods for Class I work. In addition, Class I asbestos work shall be performed using one or more of the following control methods pursuant to the limitations stated below:
(A) Negative Pressure Enclosure (NPE) systems: NPE systems may be used where the configuration of the work area does not make the erection of the enclosure infeasible, with the following specifications and work practices.
1. Specifications:
a. The negative pressure enclosure (NPE) may be of any configuration,
b. At least 4 air changes per hour shall be maintained in the NPE,
c. A minimum of -0.02 column inches of water pressure differential, relative to outside pressure, shall be maintained within the NPE as evidenced by manometric measurements,
d. The NPE shall be kept under negative pressure throughout the period of its use, and
e. Air movement shall be directed away from employees performing asbestos work within the enclosure, and toward a HEPA filtration or a collection device.
2. Work Practices:
a. Before beginning work within the enclosure and at the beginning of each shift, the NPE shall be inspected for breaches and smoke- tested for leaks, and any leaks sealed.
b. Electrical circuits in the enclosure shall be deactivated, unless equipped with ground-fault circuit interrupters.
(B) Glove bag systems my be used to remove PACM and/or ACM from straight runs of piping and elbows and other connections with the following specifications and work practices:

1. Specifications:
a. Glovebags shall he made of 6 mil thick plastic and shall be seamless at the bottom.
b. Glovebags used on elbows and other connections must be designed for that purpose and used without modifications.
2. Work Practices:
a. Each glovebag shall be installed so that it completely covers the circumference of pipe or other structure where the work is to be done.
b. Glovebags shall be smoke-tested for leaks and any leaks sealed prior to use.
c. Glovebags may be used only once and may not be moved.
d. Glovebags shall not be used on surfaces whose temperature exceeds 150 [FNo] F.
e. Prior to disposal, glovebags shall be collapsed by removing air within them using a HEPA vacuum.
f. Before beginning the operation, loose and friable material adjacent to the glovebag/box operation shall be wrapped and sealed in two layers of six mil plastic or otherwise rendered intact,
g. Where system uses attached waste bag, such bag shall be connected to collection bag using hose or other material which shall withstand pressure of ACM waste and water without losing its integrity:
h. Sliding valve or other device shall separate waste bag from hose to ensure no exposure when waste bag is disconnected:
i. At least two persons shall perform Class I glovebag removal operations.
(C) Negative Pressure Glove Bag Systems. Negative pressure glove bag systems may be used to remove ACM or PACM from piping.
1. Specifications: In addition to specifications for glove bag systems above, negative pressure glove bag systems shall attach HEPA vacuum systems or other devices to bag to prevent collapse during removal.

2. Work Practices:
a. The employer shall comply with the work practices for glove bag systems in subsection (g)(5)(B)2.d. of this section.
b. The HEPA vacuum cleaner or other device used to prevent collapse of bag during removal shall run continually during the operation until it is completed at which time the bag shall be collapsed prior to removal of the bag from the pipe.
c. Where a separate waste bag is used along with a collection bag and discarded after one use, the collection bag my be reused if rinsed clean with amended water before reuse.
(D) Negative Pressure Glove Box Systems: Negative pressure glove boxes may be used to remove ACM or PACM from pipe runs with the following specifications and work practices.
1. Specifications:

a. Glove boxes shall be constructed with rigid sides and made from metal or other material which can withstand the weight of the ACM and PACM and water used during removal:
b. A negative pressure generator shall be used to create negative pressure in the system:
c. An air filtration unit shall be attached to the box:
d. The box shall be fitted with gloved apertures:
e. An aperture at the base of the box shall serve as a bagging outlet for waste ACM and water:
f. A back-up generator shall be present on site:
g. Waste bags shall consist of 6 mil thick plastic double-bagged before they are filled or plastic thicker than 6 mil.
2. Work practices:

a. At least two persons shall perform the removal:
b. The box shall be smoke-tested for leaks and any leaks sealed prior to each use.
c. Loose or damaged ACM adjacent to the box shall be wrapped and sealed in two layers of 6 mil plastic prior to the job, or otherwise made intact prior to the job.
d. A HEPA filtration system shall be used to maintain pressure barrier in box.
(E) Water Spray Process System. A water spray process system may be used for removal of ACM and PACM from cold line piping if, employees carrying out such process have completed a 40-hour separate training course in its use, in addition to training required for employees performing Class I work. The system shall meet the following specifications and shall be performed by employees using the following work practices.
1. Specifications:
a. Piping shall be surrounded on 3 sides by rigid framing,

b. A 360 degree water spray, delivered through nozzles supplied by a high pressure separate water line, shall be formed around the piping.
c. The spray shall collide to form a fine aerosol which provides a liquid barrier between workers and the ACM and PACM.
2. Work Practices:
a. The system shall be run for at least 10 minutes before removal begins.
b. All removal shall take place within the water barrier.
c. The system shall be operated by at least three persons, one of whom shall not perform removal, but shall check equipment, and ensure proper operation of the system.
d. After removal, the ACM and PACM shall be bagged while still inside the water barrier.
(F) A small walk-in enclosure which accommodates no more than two persons (mini-enclosure) may be used if the disturbance or removal can be completely contained by the enclosure with the following specifications and work practices.
1. Specifications:
a. The fabricated or job-made enclosure shall be constructed of 6 mil plastic or equivalent:
b. The enclosure shall be placed under negative pressure by means of a HEPA filtered vacuum or similar ventilation unit:
2. Work practices:
a. Before use, the mini-enclosure shall be inspected for leaks and smoke tested to detect breaches, and any breaches sealed.
b. Before reuse, the interior shall be completely washed with amended water and HEPA-vacuumed.
c. During use, air movement shall be directed away from the employee's breathing zone within the mini-enclosure.
(6) Alternative control methods for Class I work. Class I work may be performed using a control method which is not referenced in subsection (g)(5) of this section, or which modifies a control method referenced in subsection (g)(5) of this section, if the following provisions are complied with:
(A) The control method shall enclose, contain or isolate the processes or source of airborne asbestos dust, or otherwise capture or redirect such dust before it enters the breathing zone of employees.
(B) A certified industrial hygienist or licensed professional engineer who is also qualified as a project designer as defined in subsection (b) of this section, shall evaluate the work area, the projected work practices and the engineering controls and shall certify in writing that the planned control method is adequate to reduce direct and indirect employee exposure to below the PELs under worst-case conditions of use, and that the planned control method will prevent asbestos contamination outside the regulated area, as measured by clearance sampling which meets the requirements of EPA's Asbestos in Schools rule issued under AHERA, or perimeter monitoring which meets the criteria in subsection (g)(4)(B)2. of this section.

1. Where the TSI or surfacing material to be removed is 25 linear or 10 square feet or less, the evaluation required in subsection (g)(6) of this section may be performed by a "competent person", and may omit consideration of perimeter or clearance monitoring otherwise required.
2. The evaluation of employee exposure required in subsection (g)(6) of this section, shall include and be based on sampling and analytical data representing employee exposure during the use of such method under worst-case conditions and by employees whose training and experience are equivalent to employees who are to perform the current job.
(7) Work Practices and Engineering Controls for Class II work.
(A) All Class II work, shall be supervised by a competent person as defined in subsection (b) of this section.
(B) For all indoor Class II jobs, where the employer has not produced a negative exposure assessment pursuant to subsection (f)(2)(C) of this section, or where during the job, changed conditions indicate there may be exposure above the PEL or where the employer does not remove the ACM in a substantially intact state, the employer shall use one of the following methods to ensure that airborne asbestos does not migrate from the regulated area;
1. Critical barriers shall be placed over all openings to the regulated area; or,
2. The employer shall use another barrier or isolation method which prevents the migration of airborne asbestos from the regulated area, as verified by perimeter area monitoring or clearance monitoring which meets the criteria set out in subsection (g)(4)(B)2. of this section.
(C) Impermeable dropcloths shall be placed on surfaces beneath all removal activity;
(D) All Class II asbestos work shall be performed using the work practices and requirements set out above in subsection (g)(1)(A) through (C) of this section.
(8) Additional Controls for Class II work. Class II asbestos work shall also be performed by complying with the work practices and controls designated for each type of asbestos work to be performed, set out in this subsection. Where more than one control method may be used for a type of asbestos work, the employer may choose one or a combination of designated control methods. Class II work also may be performed using a method allowed for Class I work, except that glove bags and glove boxes are allowed if they fully enclose the Class II material to be removed.
(A) For removing vinyl and asphalt flooring materials which contain ACM or for which, in buildings constructed no later than 1980, the employer has not verified the absence of ACM pursuant to subsection (g)(8)(A)9. of this section. The employer shall ensure that employees comply with the following work practices and that employees are trained in these practices pursuant to subsection (k)(9) of this section:
1. Flooring or its backing shall not be sanded.
2. Vacuums equipped with HEPA filter, disposable dust bag, and metal floor tool (no brush) shall be used to clean floors.
3. Resilient sheeting shall be removed by cutting with wetting of the snip point and wetting during delamination. Rip-up of resilient sheet floor material is prohibited.

4. All scraping of residual adhesive and/or backing shall be performed using wet methods.
5. Dry sweeping is prohibited.
6. Mechanical chipping is prohibited unless performed in a negative pressure enclosure which meets the requirements of subsection (g)(5)(A) of this section.
7. Tiles shall be removed intact, unless the employer demonstrates that intact removal is not possible.
8. When tiles are heated and can be removed intact, wetting may be omitted.
9. Resilient flooring material including associated mastic and backing shall be assumed to be asbestos-containing unless an industrial hygienist determines that it is asbestos-free using recognized analytical techniques.
(B) For removing roofing material which contains ACM the employer shall ensure that the following work practices are followed:
1. Roofing material shall be removed in an intact state to the extent feasible.

2. Wet methods shall be used to remove roofing materials that are not intact, or that will be rendered not intact during removal, unless such wet methods are not feasible or will create safety hazards.
3. Cutting machines shall be continuously misted during use, unless a competent person determines that misting substantially decreases worker safety.
4. When removing built-up roofs with asbestos-containing roofing felts and an aggregate surface using a power roof cutter, all dust resulting from the cutting operation shall be collected by a HEPA dust collector, or shall be HEPA vacuumed by vacuuming along the cut line. When removing built-up roofs with asbestos containing roofing felts and a smooth surface using a power roof cutter, the dust resulting from the cutting operation shall be collected either by a HEPA dust collector or HEPA vacuuming along the cut line, or by gently sweeping and then carefully and completely wiping up the still-wet dust and debris left along the cut line. The dust and debris shall be immediately bagged or placed in covered containers.
5. Asbestos-containing material that has been removed from a roof shall not be dropped or thrown to the ground. Unless the material is carried or passed to the ground by hand, it shall he lowered to the ground via covered, dust-tight chute, crane or hoist:
a. Any ACM that is not intact shall be lowered to the ground as soon as is practicable, but in any event no later than the end of the work shift. While the material remains on the roof it shall either be kept wet, placed in an impermeable waste bag, or wrapped in plastic sheeting.
b. Intact ACM shall be lowered to the ground as soon as is practicable, but in any event no later than the end of the work shift.
6. Upon being lowered, unwrapped material shall be transferred to a closed receptacle in such manner so as to preclude the dispersion of dust.
7. Roof level heating and ventilation air intake sources shall be isolated or the ventilation system shall he shut down.
8. Notwithstanding any other provision of this section, removal or repair of sections of intact roofing less than 25 square feet in area does not require use of wet methods or HEPA vacuuming as long as manual methods which do not render the material nonintact are used to remove the material and no visible dust is created by the removal method used. In determining whether a job involves less than 25 square feet, the employer shall include all removal and repair work performed on the same roof on the same day.
(C) When removing cementitious asbestos-containing siding and shingles or transite panels containing ACM on building exteriors (other than roofs, where subsection (g)(8)(B) of this section applies) the employer shall ensure that the following work practices are followed:
1. Cutting, abrading or breaking siding, shingles, or transite panels, shall be prohibited unless the employer can demonstrate that methods less likely to result in asbestos fiber release cannot be used.
2. Each panel or shingle shall be sprayed with amended water prior to removal.
3. Unwrapped or unbagged panels or shingles shall be immediately lowered to the ground via covered dust-tight chute, crane or hoist, or placed in an impervious waste bag or wrapped in plastic sheeting and lowered to the ground no later than the end of the work shift.
4. Nails shall be cut with flat, sharp instruments.

(D) When removing gaskets containing ACM, the employer shall ensure that the following work practices are followed:
1. If a gasket is visibly deteriorated and unlikely to be removed intact, removal shall be undertaken within a glovebag as described in subsection (g)(5)(B) of this section.
2. The gasket shall be immediately placed in a disposal container.
3. Any scraping to remove residue must be performed wet.
(E) When performing any other Class II removal of asbestos containing material for which specific controls have not been listed in subsections (g)(8)(A) through (D) of this section, the employer shall ensure that the following work practices are complied with.
1. The material shall be thoroughly wetted with amended water prior to and during its removal.
2. The material shall be removed in an intact state unless the employer demonstrates that intact removal is not possible.
3. Cutting, abrading or breaking the material shall be prohibited unless the employer can demonstrate that methods less likely to result in asbestos fiber release are not feasible.
4. Asbestos-containing material removed, shall be immediately bagged or wrapped, or kept wetted until transferred to a closed receptacle, no later than the end of the work shift.
(F) Alternative Work Practices and Controls. Instead of the work practices and controls listed in subsection (g)(8)(A) through (E) of this section, the employer may use different or modified engineering and work practice controls if the following provisions are complied with.
1. The employer shall demonstrate by data representing employee exposure during the use of such method under conditions which closely resemble the conditions under which the method is to be used, that employee exposure will not exceed the PELs under any anticipated circumstances.
2. A competent person shall evaluate the work area, the projected work practices and the engineering controls, and shall certify in writing, that the different or modified controls are adequate to reduce direct and indirect employee exposure to below the PELs under all expected conditions of use and that the method meets the requirements of this standard. The evaluation shall include and be based on data representing employee exposure during the use of such method under conditions which closely resemble the conditions under which the method is to be used for the current job, and by employees whose training and experience are equivalent to employees who are to perform the current job.
(9) Work Practices and Engineering Controls for Class III asbestos work. Class III asbestos work shall be conducted using engineering and work practice controls which minimize the exposure to employees performing the asbestos work and to bystander employees.
(A) The work shall be performed using wet methods.
(B) To the extent feasible, the work shall be performed using local exhaust ventilation.
(C) Where the disturbance involves drilling, cutting, abrading, sanding, chipping, breaking, or sawing of thermal system insulation or surfacing material, the employer shall use impermeable dropcloths, and shall isolate the operation using mini-enclosures or glove bag systems pursuant to subsection (g)(5) of this section or another isolation method.
(D) Where the employer does not produce a "negative exposure assessment" for a job, or where monitoring results show the PEL has been exceeded, the employer shall contain the area using impermeable dropcloths and plastic barriers or their equivalent, or shall isolate the operation using a control system listed in and in compliance with subsection (g)(5) of this section.
(E) Employees performing Class III jobs, which involve the disturbance of thermal system insulation or surfacing material, or where the employer does not produce a "negative exposure assessment" or where monitoring results show a PEL has been exceeded, shall wear respirators which are selected, used and fitted pursuant to provisions of subsection (h) of this section.
(10) Class IV asbestos work. Class IV asbestos jobs shall be conducted by employees trained pursuant to the asbestos awareness training program set out in subsection (k)(9) of this section. In addition, all Class IV jobs shall be conducted in conformity with the requirements set out in subsection (g)(1) of this section, mandating wet methods, HEPA vacuums, and prompt clean up of debris containing ACM or PACM.
(A) Employees cleaning up debris and waste in a regulated area where respirators are required shall wear respirators which are selected, used and fitted pursuant to provisions of subsection (h) of this section.
(B) Employers of employees who clean up waste and debris in, and employers in control of, areas where friable thermal system insulation or surfacing material is accessible, shall assume that such waste and debris contain asbestos.
(11) Alternative methods of compliance for installation, removal, repair, and maintenance of certain roofing and pipeline coating materials. Notwithstanding any other provision of this section, an employer who complies with all provisions of this subsection (g)(11) when installing, removing, repairing, or maintaining intact pipeline asphaltic wrap, or roof cements, mastics, coatings, or flashings which contain asbestos fibers encapsulated or coated by bituminous or resinous compounds shall be deemed to be in compliance with this section. If an employer does not comply with all provisions of this subsection (g)(11), or if during the course of the job the material does not remain intact, the provisions of subsection (g)(8) of this section apply instead of this subsection (g)(11).

(A) Before work begins and as needed during the job, a competent person who is capable of identifying asbestos hazards in the workplace and selecting the appropriate control strategy for asbestos exposure, and who has the authority to take prompt corrective measures to eliminate such hazards, shall conduct an inspection of the worksite and determine that the roofing material is intact and will likely remain intact.
(B) All employees performing work covered by this subsection (g)(11) shall be trained in a training program that meets the requirements of subsection (k)(9)(H).
(C) The material shall not be sanded, abraded, or ground. Manual methods which do not render the material non-intact shall be used.
(D) Material that has been removed from a roof shall not be dropped or thrown to the ground. Unless the material is carried or passed to the ground by hand, it shall be lowered to the ground via covered, dust-tight chute, crane or hoist. All such material shall be removed from the roof as soon as is practicable, but in any event no later than the end of the work shift.

(E) Where roofing products which have been labeled as containing asbestos pursuant to subsection (k)(8) of this section are installed on non-residential roofs during operations covered by this subsection (g)(11), the employer shall notify the building owner of the presence and location of such materials no later than the end of the job.
(F) All removal or disturbance of pipeline asphaltic wrap shall be performed using wet methods.
(h) Respiratory protection.
(1) General. For employees who use respirators required by this section, the employer must provide respirators that comply with the requirements of this subsection. Respirators must be used during:
(A) Class I asbestos work.
(B) Class II asbestos work where the ACM is not removed in a substantially intact state,
(C) Class II and III asbestos work which is not performed using wet methods, except for removal of ACM from sloped roofs when a negative exposure assessment has been made and the ACM is removed in an intact state.
(D) Class II and III asbestos work for which a "negative exposure assessment" has not been conducted.
(E) Class III asbestos work when TSI or surfacing ACM or PACM is being disturbed.
(F) Class IV asbestos work performed within regulated areas where employees performing other work are required to use respirators.
(G) Work operations covered by this section where employees are exposed above the TWA or excursion limit.
(H) Emergencies.
(2) Respirator program.
(A) The employer must implement a respiratory protection program in accordance with section 5144(b) through (d) (except (d)(1)(C)), and (f) through (m).

(B) No employee shall be assigned to asbestos work that requires respirator use if, based on their most recent medical examination, the examining physician determines that the employee will be unable to function normally while using a respirator, or that the safety or health of the employee or other employees will be impaired by the employee's respirator use. Such employees must be assigned to another job or given the opportunity to transfer to a different position that they can perform. If such a transfer position is available, it must be with the same employer, in the same geographic area, and with the same seniority, status, rate of pay, and other job benefits the employee had just prior to such transfer.
(3) Respirator selection.
(A) The employer shall select the appropriate respirator as specified in Table 1.
Table 1 Respiratory Protection for Asbestos Fibers


Airborne concentration of asbestos

or conditions of use ................ Required respirator
Not in excess of 1 f/cc ............. Half-mask air purifying respirator
(10 X PEL), or otherwise ............ other than a disposable respirator,
as required independent ............. equipped with high efficiency
of exposure pursuant to ............. filters.
(h)(2)(D)of this section.
Not in excess of 5 f/cc ............. Full facepiece air-purifying
(50 X PEL)........................... respirator equipped with high
efficiency filters.
Not in excess of 10 f/cc ............ Any powered air-purifying
(100 X PEL)......................... respirator equipped with high
efficiency filters or any
supplied air respirator operated
in continuous flow mode.
Not in excess of 100 f/cc ........... Full facepiece supplied air
(1,000 X PEL)....................... respirator operated in pressure
demand mode.
Greater than 100 f/cc ............... Full facepiece supplied air
(1,000 X PEL) or unknown ........... respirator operated in pressure
concentration....................... demand mode, equipped with
an auxiliary positive pressure

self-contained breathing
apparatus.






Note: a. Respirators assigned for high environmental concentrations may be used at lower concentrations, or when required respirator use is independent of concentration.


Note:b. A high efficiency filter means a filter that is at least 99.97 percent efficient against mono-dispersed particles of 0.3 micrometers in diameter or larger.

(B) The employer shall provide a tight fitting powered, air- purifying respirator in lieu of any negative-pressure respirator specified in Table 1 whenever:

1. An employee chooses to use this type of respirator; and

2. This respirator will provide adequate protection to the employee.

(C) The employer shall provide a half-mask air purifying respirator, other than a disposable respirator, equipped with high efficiency filters whenever the employee performs:

1. Class II and III asbestos work and a negative exposure assessment has not been conducted by the employer;

2. Class III jobs where TSI or surfacing ACM or PACM is being disturbed.

(D) In addition to the above selection criteria, when employees are in a regulated area where Class I work is being performed, a negative exposure assessment of the area has not been produced, and the exposure assessment of the area indicates the exposure level will not exceed 1 f/cc as an 8-hour time weighted average, employers must provide the employees with one of the following respirators:

1. A tight-fitting powered air-purifying respirator equipped with high efficiency filters;

2. A full facepiece supplied air-respirator operated in the pressure-demand mode equipped with HEPA egress cartridges; or

3. A full facepiece supplied-air respirator operated in the pressure demand mode equipped with an auxiliary positive pressure self-contained breathing apparatus. A full facepiece supplied-air respirator operated in the pressure-demand mode equipped with an auxiliary positive pressure self-contained breathing apparatus must be provided under such conditions when the exposure, assessment indicates exposure levels above 1 f/cc as an 8-hour time weighted average.

(i) Protective clothing.

(1) General. The employer shall provide or require the use of protective clothing, such as coveralls or similar whole-body clothing, head coverings, gloves, and foot coverings for any employee exposed to airborne concentrations of asbestos that exceed the TWA and/or excursion limit prescribed in subsection (c) of this section, or for which a required negative exposure assessment is not produced, and for any employee performing Class I operations which involve the removal of over 25 linear or 10 square feet of TSI or surfacing ACM and PACM. The employer shall prohibit the removal of asbestos from protective clothing and equipment by blowing, shaking, or brushing.

(2) Laundering.

(A) The employer shall ensure that laundering of contaminated clothing is done so as to prevent the release of airborne asbestos in excess of the TWA or excursion limit prescribed in subsection (c) of this section.

(B) Any employer who gives contaminated clothing to another person for laundering shall inform such person of the requirement in subsection (i)(2)(A) of this section to effectively prevent the release of airborne asbestos in excess of the TWA and excursion limit prescribed in subsection (c) of this section.

(3) Contaminated clothing. Contaminated clothing shall be transported in sealed impermeable bags, or other closed, impermeable containers, and be labeled in accordance with subsection (k) of this section.

(4) Inspection of protective clothing.

(A) The competent person shall examine worksuits worn by employees at least once per workshift for rips or tears that may occur during performance of work.

(B) When rips or tears are detected while an employee is working, rips and tears shall be immediately mended, or the worksuit shall be immediately replaced.

(j) Hygiene facilities and practices for employees.

(1) Requirements for employees performing Class I asbestos jobs involving over 25 linear or 10 square feet of TSI or surfacing ACM and PACM.

(A) Decontamination areas: the employer shall establish a decontamination area that is adjacent and connected to the regulated area for the decontamination of such employees. The decontamination area shall consist of an equipment room, shower area, and clean room in series. The employer shall ensure that employees enter and exit the regulated area through the decontamination area.

1. Equipment room. The equipment room shall be supplied with impermeable, labeled bags and containers for the containment and disposal of contaminated protective equipment.

2. Shower area. Shower facilities shall be provided which comply with Section 3366(f) of the General Industry Safety Orders, unless the employer can demonstrate that they are not feasible. The showers shall be adjacent both to the equipment room and the clean room, unless the employer can demonstrate that this location is not feasible. Where the employer can demonstrate that it is not feasible to locate the shower between the equipment room and the clean room, or where the work is performed outdoors, the employers shall ensure that employees:

A. Remove asbestos contamination from their worksuits in the equipment room using a HEPA vacuum before proceeding to a shower that is not adjacent to the work area; or

B. Remove their contaminated worksuits in the equipment room, then don clean worksuits, and proceed to a shower that is not adjacent to the work area.

3. Clean change room. The clean room shall be equipped with a locker or appropriate storage container for each employee's use. When the employer can demonstrate that it is not feasible to provide a clean change area adjacent to the work area or where the work is performed outdoors, the employer may permit employees engaged in Class I asbestos jobs to clean their protective clothing with a portable HEPA-equipped vacuum before such employees leave the regulated area. Following showering, such employees however must then change into street clothing in clean change areas provided by the employer which otherwise meet the requirements of this section.

(B) Decontamination area entry procedures. The employer shall ensure that employees:

1. Enter the decontamination area through the clean room;

2. Remove and deposit street clothing within a locker provided for their use; and

3. Put on protective clothing and respiratory protection before leaving the clean room.

4. Before entering the regulated area, the employer shall ensure that employees pass through the equipment room.

(C) Decontamination area exit procedures. The employer shall ensure that:

1. Before leaving the regulated area, employees shall remove all gross contamination and debris from their protective clothing.

2. Employees shall remove their protective clothing in the equipment room and deposit the clothing in labeled impermeable bags or containers.

3. Employees shall not remove their respirators in the equipment room.

4. Employees shall shower prior to entering the clean room.

5. After showering, employees shall enter the clean room before changing into street clothes.

(D) Lunch Areas. Whenever food or beverages are consumed at the worksite where employees are performing Class I asbestos work, the employer shall provide lunch areas in which the airborne concentrations of asbestos are below the permissible exposure limit and/or excursion limit.

(2) Requirements for Class I work involving less than 25 linear or 10 square feet of TSI or surfacing ACM and PACM, and for Class II and Class III asbestos work operations where exposures exceed a PEL or where there is no negative exposure assessment produced before the operation.

(A) The employer shall establish an equipment room or area that is adjacent to the regulated area for the decontamination of employees and their equipment which is contaminated with asbestos which shall consist of an area covered by a impermeable drop cloth on the floor or horizontal working surface.

(B) The area must be of sufficient size as to accommodate cleaning of equipment and removing personal protective equipment without spreading contamination beyond the area (as determined by visible accumulations).

(C) Work clothing must be cleared with a HEPA vacuum before it is removed.

(D) All equipment and surfaces of containers filled with ACM must be cleaned prior to removing them from the equipment room or area.

(E) The employer shall ensure that employees enter and exit the regulated area through the equipment room or area.

(3) Requirements for Class IV work. Employers shall ensure that employees performing Class IV work within a regulated area comply with the hygiene practice required of employees performing work which has a higher classification within that regulated area. Otherwise employers of employees cleaning up debris and material which is TSI or surfacing ACM or identified as PACM shall provide decontamination facilities for such employees which are required by subsection (j)(2) of this section.

(4) Smoking in work areas. The employer shall ensure that employees do not smoke in work areas where they are occupationally exposed to asbestos because of activities in that work area.

(k) Communication of hazards. (1) This section applies to the communication of information concerning asbestos hazards in construction activities to facilitate compliance with this standard. Most asbestos-related construction activities involve previously installed building materials. Building owners often are the only and/or best sources of information concerning them. Therefore, they, along with employers of potentially exposed employees, are assigned specific information conveying and retention duties under this section. (continued)