1910.1001(j)(5)(i): Labels for Asbestos Materials
Employers must put labels on all raw materials, mixtures, scrap, waste, debris and other products containing asbestos fibers, or on their containers. When a building owner or employer identifies installed asbestos-containing or presumed asbestos-containing material, labels or signs must tell employees which materials contain it, placed where exposed workers will clearly notice them, such as entrances to mechanical rooms.
Key takeaways
- 1910.1001(j)(5)(i) is part of OSHA's general industry standards (29 CFR Part 1910).
- OSHA cited it 30 times in the last 3 years, in 30 inspections, with $120,107 in current penalties.
- Most citations: NJ (14), OH (2), VA (2).
- Related part: 1910.1001(j) Communication of hazards to employees—Introduction (467 citations).
- Free 5-minute toolbox talk for your crew below.
In this article
What this rule covers
29 CFR 1910.1001(j)(5)(i) ("Labeling") is one requirement inside 1910.1001 Asbestos, an OSHA general industry standard (Part 1910). The official text below is copied word for word from the Electronic Code of Federal Regulations (eCFR). The numbers, injury cases and training on this page show how OSHA enforces it on real job sites.
Official text
(i) Labeling. Labels shall be affixed to all raw materials, mixtures, scrap, waste, debris, and other products containing asbestos fibers, or to their containers. When a building owner or employer identifies previously installed ACM and/or PACM, labels or signs shall be affixed or posted so that employees will be notified of what materials contain ACM and/or PACM. The employer shall attach such labels in areas where they will clearly be noticed by employees who are likely to be exposed, such as at the entrance to mechanical room/areas. Signs required by paragraph (j) of this section may be posted in lieu of labels so long as they contain the information required for labeling. 30 citations
Source: eCFR, text current as of 2026-10-15. Read all of 1910.1001.
Where and how often it was cited
| Year | Citations |
|---|---|
| 2024 | 22 |
| 2025 | 6 |
| 2026 | 2 |
Top states: NJ (14), OH (2), VA (2), NY (2), NC (1)
Largest penalties
| Employer | Location | Penalty for this rule |
|---|---|---|
| CENTRAL RAILROAD COMPANY OF INDIANAPOLIS | LIMA, OH | $9,678 |
| UNION COUNTY DIVISION OF FACILITIES MANAGEMENT | ELIZABETH, NJ | $7,000 |
| HOBOKEN CITY HALL | HOBOKEN, NJ | $7,000 |
| CITY OF NEWARK FIRE DEPARTMENT | NEWARK, NJ | $7,000 |
| CITY OF NEWARK FIRE DEPARTMENT | NEWARK, NJ | $7,000 |
Free toolbox talk
A 5-minute crew talk on 1910.1001(j)(5)(i), plus alerts when this rule changes. Free.
OSHA interpretation letters
None exist. OSHA has not published a letter of interpretation for 1910.1001(j)(5)(i).
Related parts of this rule
- 1910.1001(j) Communication of hazards to employees—Introduction 467 citations
- 1910.1001(j)(3) Duties of employers and building and facility owners 265 citations
- 1910.1001(j)(3)(i) 197 citations
- 1910.1001(j)(7) Employee information and training 133 citations
- 1910.1001(j)(7)(iv) 125 citations
- 1910.1001(j)(3)(iii) 64 citations
- 1910.1001(j)(5) Warning labels 31 citations
- 1910.1001(j)(4) Warning signs 20 citations
- 1910.1001(j)(1) Hazard communication—general 14 citations
- 1910.1001(j)(4)(iv) 11 citations
- 1910.1001(j)(6)(i) 1 citations
- 1910.1001(j)(6) 1 citations
Get your crew competent
Trainers on Black Belt Safety: Marc Harvey, Dana Reyes
Trainers and suppliers: feature your business on this rule for $25/month.
Frequently asked questions
What must be labeled under this rule?
All raw materials, mixtures, scrap, waste, debris and other products containing asbestos fibers, or their containers.
Where should labels for installed asbestos material go?
In areas where employees likely to be exposed will clearly notice them, such as the entrance to mechanical rooms or areas.
Can a sign be used instead of a label?
Yes, signs required by the rule may be posted instead of labels if they contain the information required for labeling.
About this page
Sources
- 29 CFR 1910.1001 (eCFR), text current as of 2026-10-15
- U.S. Department of Labor enforcement data: OSHA inspections, citations and accident records, copied nightly; data as of 2026-10-20
3-year window. Federal OSHA only; state-plan rules are not counted. Plain-language text is a summary, not legal advice; the official text controls. Black Belt Safety is not part of OSHA or the Department of Labor.