Is Your Facility OSHA Compliant? What You Need to Know About Asbestos Regulations
What is OSHA 1910.1001?
Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) regulation 1910.1001 sets strict guidelines for the handling, identification, and management of asbestos in general industry settings. This regulation mandates that building and facility owners determine the presence, location, and quantity of Asbestos-Containing Material (ACM) and Presumed Asbestos-Containing Material (PACM) within their premises. Additionally, the rule requires appropriate record-keeping, employee notification, and hazard communication to minimize asbestos exposure risks.
How This Affects Your Facility
If your facility contains ACM or PACM, compliance with OSHA 1910.1001 is critical to ensuring the safety of employees, contractors, and visitors. Failure to meet these requirements can lead to regulatory penalties, potential health hazards, and increased liability. Key responsibilities for facility owners include:
- Conducting thorough inspections to identify ACM/PACM
- Maintaining records of asbestos-containing materials
- Informing employees and contractors about asbestos locations and hazards
- Affixing warning labels to identified asbestos materials
- Implementing appropriate housekeeping procedures to prevent asbestos fiber release
For construction-related activities, OSHA regulation 1926.1101 mandates similar requirements, focusing on the safe handling of asbestos during renovations, demolitions, and other construction-related tasks. Additionally, the EPA provides guidance for Operations & Maintenance (O&M) programs to help building owners manage asbestos safely while minimizing exposure risks.
How Encorus Can Help
Our Regulated Building Materials division is equipped to help facilities comply with OSHA’s asbestos regulations through the following steps:
- Review of Historical Data
- Facility Inspections
- Sampling & Laboratory Analysis
- Labeling & Hazard Communication
- O&M Plan Development
- Abatement Recommendations
Ensuring compliance with OSHA 1910.1001 regulations can be complex, but Encorus Group is here to help. If you need assistance in identifying and managing asbestos in your facility, contact the Director of RBM, Sean Fitzgerald at 716.592.3980.
