1926.1101(m)(1)(i)(B): Fitness to Wear a Negative Pressure Respirator for Asbestos Work
For employees required by the asbestos standard to wear a negative pressure respirator, employers must ensure the employees are physically able to perform the work and use the equipment. A physician must supervise this determination.
Key takeaways
- 1926.1101(m)(1)(i)(B) is part of OSHA's construction standards (29 CFR Part 1926, Subpart Z).
- OSHA cited it 12 times in the last 3 years, in 12 inspections, with $5,693 in current penalties.
- Most citations: MI (7), IL (1), NV (1).
- Related part: 1926.1101(m) Medical surveillance— (130 citations).
- Free 5-minute toolbox talk for your crew below.
In this article
What this rule covers
29 CFR 1926.1101(m)(1)(i)(B) is one requirement inside 1926.1101 Asbestos, an OSHA construction standard (Part 1926, Subpart Z). 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
(B) For employees otherwise required by this standard to wear a negative pressure respirator, employers shall ensure employees are physically able to perform the work and use the equipment. This determination shall be made under the supervision of a physician. 12 citations
Source: eCFR, text current as of 2026-10-15. Read all of 1926.1101.
Where and how often it was cited
| Year | Citations |
|---|---|
| 2024 | 2 |
| 2025 | 6 |
| 2026 | 4 |
Top states: MI (7), IL (1), NV (1), PA (1), MN (1)
Largest penalties
| Employer | Location | Penalty for this rule |
|---|---|---|
| EDGE RESTORATION LAS VEGAS, LLC | LAS VEGAS, NV | $4,839 |
| 109277 - PREMIERE RESTORATION LLC | MANKATO, MN | $854 |
| K.L.F. ENTERPRISES, INC. | WAUKEGAN, IL | $0 |
| SAFEWAY ENVIRONMENTAL | BETHLEHEM, PA | $0 |
| SHAW CONTRACTING CO. | BAY CITY, MI | $0 |
Free toolbox talk
A 5-minute crew talk on 1926.1101(m)(1)(i)(B), plus alerts when this rule changes. Free.
OSHA interpretation letters
None exist. OSHA has not published a letter of interpretation for 1926.1101(m)(1)(i)(B).
Related parts of this rule
- 1926.1101(m) Medical surveillance— 130 citations
- 1926.1101(m)(2) Medical examinations and consultations 70 citations
- 1926.1101(m)(4) Physician's written opinion 42 citations
- 1926.1101(m)(4)(i) 42 citations
- 1926.1101(m)(2)(ii) Content 42 citations
- 1926.1101(m)(2)(i) Frequency 28 citations
- 1926.1101(m)(1) General 18 citations
- 1926.1101(m)(1)(i) Employees covered 18 citations
- 1926.1101(m)(2)(ii)(C) 8 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
Who needs this medical determination?
Employees required by the asbestos standard to wear a negative pressure respirator.
What must be determined?
That the employee is physically able to perform the work and use the equipment.
Who makes the determination?
It must be made under the supervision of a physician.
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.