1926.1101(k)(8): Asbestos Warning Labels
Employers must put labels on all products containing asbestos and on their containers, including waste containers, and on installed asbestos products where feasible. Bags and containers of asbestos clothing, equipment, scrap, waste and debris must read: DANGER, CONTAINS ASBESTOS FIBERS, MAY CAUSE CANCER, CAUSES DAMAGE TO LUNGS, DO NOT BREATHE DUST, AVOID CREATING DUST.
Key takeaways
- 1926.1101(k)(8) is part of OSHA's construction standards (29 CFR Part 1926, Subpart Z).
- OSHA cited it 13 times in the last 3 years, in 13 inspections, with $5,947 in current penalties.
- Most citations: NV (4), TN (2), OR (2).
- Related part: 1926.1101(k) Communication of hazards (631 citations).
- Free 5-minute toolbox talk for your crew below.
In this article
What this rule covers
29 CFR 1926.1101(k)(8) ("Labels") is one requirement inside 1926.1101 Asbestos, an OSHA construction standard (Part 1926, Subpart Z). It includes 11 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
(8) Labels. 13 citations
(i) Labels shall be affixed to all products containing asbestos and to all containers containing such products, including waste containers. Where feasible, installed asbestos products shall contain a visible label. Open (k)(8)(i) 5 citations
(ii) The employer shall ensure that such labels comply with paragraphs (k) of this section.
(iii) The employer shall ensure that labels of bags or containers of protective clothing and equipment, scrap, waste, and debris containing asbestos fibers bear the following information: Open (k)(8)(iii) 5 citations
DANGER
CONTAINS ASBESTOS FIBERS
MAY CAUSE CANCER
CAUSES DAMAGE TO LUNGS
DO NOT BREATHE DUST
AVOID CREATING DUST
(iv)
(A) Prior to June 1, 2015, employers may include the following information on raw materials, mixtures or labels of bags or containers of protective clothing and equipment, scrap, waste, and debris containing asbestos fibers in lieu of the labeling requirements in paragraphs (k)(8)(ii) and (k)(8)(iii) of this section:
DANGER
CONTAINS ASBESTOS FIBERS
AVOID CREATING DUST
CANCER AND LUNG DISEASE HAZARD
(B) Labels shall also contain a warning statement against breathing asbestos fibers.
(v) [Reserved]
(vi) The provisions for labels required by paragraphs (k)(8)(i) through (k)(8)(iii) of this section do not apply where: Open (k)(8)(vi)
(A) Asbestos fibers have been modified by a bonding agent, coating, binder, or other material, provided that the manufacturer can demonstrate that, during any reasonably foreseeable use, handling, storage, disposal, processing, or transportation, no airborne concentrations of asbestos fibers in excess of the permissible exposure limit and/or excursion limit will be released, or Open (k)(8)(vi)(a)
(B) Asbestos is present in a product in concentrations less than 1.0 percent.
(vii) When a building owner or employer identifies previously installed PACM and/or ACM, labels or signs shall be affixed or posted so that employees will be notified of what materials contain PACM and/or ACM. 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 (k)(6) of this section may be posted in lieu of labels so long as they contain information required for labelling. The employer shall ensure, to the extent feasible, that employees who come in contact with these signs or labels can comprehend them. Means to ensure employee comprehension may include the use of foreign languages, pictographs, graphics, and awareness training. 3 citations
Source: eCFR, text current as of 2026-10-15. Read all of 1926.1101.
Where and how often it was cited
| Year | Citations |
|---|---|
| 2023 | 1 |
| 2024 | 6 |
| 2025 | 6 |
Top states: NV (4), TN (2), OR (2), IA (1), IL (1)
Largest penalties
| Employer | Location | Penalty for this rule |
|---|---|---|
| SEPTON DEVELOPMENT GROUP, LLC | RENO, NV | $3,547 |
| ATKINS ENTERPRISE, LLC | NASHVILLE, TN | $1,200 |
| 317740761 - SCOTT LEPMAN COMPANY | ALBANY, OR | $1,200 |
| CENTIMARK CORPORATION | FORT DODGE, IA | $0 |
| AAA ROOFING AND RESTORATION LLC | MOLINE, IL | $0 |
Free toolbox talk
A 5-minute crew talk on 1926.1101(k)(8), plus alerts when this rule changes. Free.
OSHA interpretation letters
- Labeling and waste disposal requirements for glovebags in OSHA’s asbestos standard for construction (2018-03-19)
- Application of the asbestos standard and labeling requirements to gaskets or packings containing >1% asbestos. (2003-12-22)
- Compliance requirements for renovation work involving material containing less than 1% asbestos (2003-11-24)
- Application of the asbestos standard to demolition of buildings with ACM in place. (2002-08-26)
Related parts of this rule
- 1926.1101(k) Communication of hazards 631 citations
- 1926.1101(k)(3) 269 citations
- 1926.1101(k)(9) Employee Information and Training 160 citations
- 1926.1101(k)(3)(i) 144 citations
- 1926.1101(k)(3)(ii) 124 citations
- 1926.1101(k)(2) Duties of building and facility owners 121 citations
- 1926.1101(k)(9)(i) 105 citations
- 1926.1101(k)(2)(ii) 64 citations
- 1926.1101(k)(2)(i) 57 citations
- 1926.1101(k)(5) 31 citations
- 1926.1101(k)(9)(iv) 28 citations
- 1926.1101(k)(9)(iv)(A) 26 citations
Get your crew competent
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Frequently asked questions
What must be labeled under 1926.1101(k)(8)?
All products containing asbestos and all containers holding them, including waste containers.
What must the label on asbestos waste bags say?
DANGER, CONTAINS ASBESTOS FIBERS, MAY CAUSE CANCER, CAUSES DAMAGE TO LUNGS, DO NOT BREATHE DUST, AVOID CREATING DUST.
Are any products exempt from labeling?
Yes, such as products with less than 1.0 percent asbestos, or bonded fibers the manufacturer shows will not release fibers above the limits.
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 2026-10-20
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.