1926.1101(j)(1)(i): Asbestos Decontamination Area
Employers must set up a decontamination area next to and connected to the asbestos regulated area, made up of an equipment room, shower area and clean room in series, and make workers enter and exit through it. The equipment room needs labeled impermeable bags, showers must meet 1910.141(d)(3) unless not feasible, and the clean room needs a locker or storage for each worker.
Key takeaways
- 1926.1101(j)(1)(i) is part of OSHA's construction standards (29 CFR Part 1926, Subpart Z).
- OSHA cited it 33 times in the last 3 years, in 32 inspections, with $25,845 in current penalties.
- Most citations: MI (23), VA (3), NV (2).
- Related part: 1926.1101(j) Hygiene facilities and practices for employees (116 citations).
- Free 5-minute toolbox talk for your crew below.
In this article
What this rule covers
29 CFR 1926.1101(j)(1)(i) ("Decontamination areas") is one requirement inside 1926.1101 Asbestos, an OSHA construction standard (Part 1926, Subpart Z). It includes 3 sub-paragraphs. 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) 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. 33 citations
(A) Equipment room. The equipment room shall be supplied with impermeable, labeled bags and containers for the containment and disposal of contaminated protective equipment.
(B) Shower area. Shower facilities shall be provided which comply with 29 CFR 1910.141(d)(3), 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: Open (j)(1)(i)(b) 8 citations
(1) 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
(2) 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.
(C) 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.
Source: eCFR, text current as of 2026-10-15. Read all of 1926.1101.
Where and how often it was cited
| Year | Citations |
|---|---|
| 2024 | 9 |
| 2025 | 12 |
| 2026 | 12 |
Top states: MI (23), VA (3), NV (2), TN (1), OR (1)
Largest penalties
| Employer | Location | Penalty for this rule |
|---|---|---|
| SEMCO SERVICES, INC. | WAYNESBORO, VA | $7,570 |
| MIDWEST ENVIRONMENTAL, INC. | ROMULUS, MI | $6,000 |
| EDGE RESTORATION LAS VEGAS, LLC | LAS VEGAS, NV | $4,839 |
| RIGHTWAY REMEDIATION LLC | BLOOMFIELD HILLS, MI | $2,800 |
| MIDWEST ENVIRONMENTAL, INC. | WARREN, MI | $1,500 |
Free toolbox talk
A 5-minute crew talk on 1926.1101(j)(1)(i), plus alerts when this rule changes. Free.
OSHA interpretation letters
- Clarification of decontamination procedures for employees involved in Class I asbestos work. (2007-03-01)
Related parts of this rule
- 1926.1101(j) Hygiene facilities and practices for employees 116 citations
- 1926.1101(j)(1) 60 citations
- 1926.1101(j)(2) 56 citations
- 1926.1101(j)(2)(i) 46 citations
- 1926.1101(j)(1)(iii) Decontamination area exit procedures 13 citations
- 1926.1101(j)(1)(ii) Decontamination area entry procedures 12 citations
- 1926.1101(j)(1)(i)(B) Shower area 8 citations
- 1926.1101(j)(4) Smoking in work areas
Get your crew competent
Trainers on Black Belt Safety: Marc Harvey, Dana Reyes
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Frequently asked questions
What makes up the decontamination area?
An equipment room, shower area and clean room in series.
How must workers enter and leave the regulated area?
Through the decontamination area.
What if the shower cannot be placed between rooms?
Workers must HEPA vacuum their worksuits or remove them and put on clean ones in the equipment room before going to the shower.
About this page
Sources
- 29 CFR 1926.1101 (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 2026-10-23
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.