1910.1001(j)(4): Asbestos Warning Signs
Employers must post warning signs at each asbestos regulated area and at all approaches so workers can read them before entering. Signs must carry the required DANGER legend, add the respirator and protective clothing line where those are required, and be understood by workers in and next to the area. Building owners must post signs at mechanical rooms containing asbestos materials.
Key takeaways
- 1910.1001(j)(4) is part of OSHA's general industry standards (29 CFR Part 1910).
- OSHA cited it 20 times in the last 3 years, in 20 inspections, with $31,490 in current penalties.
- Most citations: NJ (5), OR (4), MA (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)(4) ("Warning signs") is one requirement inside 1910.1001 Asbestos, an OSHA general industry standard (Part 1910). It includes 8 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
(4) Warning signs — 20 citations
(i) Posting. Warning signs shall be provided and displayed at each regulated area. In addition, warning signs shall be posted at all approaches to regulated areas so that an employee may read the signs and take necessary protective steps before entering the area. 8 citations
(ii) Sign specifications: Open (j)(4)(ii) 1 citations
(A) The warning signs required by paragraph (j)(4)(i) of this section shall bear the following legend: Open (j)(4)(ii)(a)
DANGER
ASBESTOS
MAY CAUSE CANCER
CAUSES DAMAGE TO LUNGS
AUTHORIZED PERSONNEL ONLY
(B) In addition, where the use of respirators and protective clothing is required in the regulated area under this section, the warning signs shall include the following:
WEAR RESPIRATORY PROTECTION AND PROTECTIVE CLOTHING IN THIS AREA
(C) Prior to June 1, 2016, employers may use the following legend in lieu of that specified in paragraph (j)(4)(ii)(A) of this section:
DANGER
ASBESTOS
CANCER AND LUNG DISEASE
HAZARD
AUTHORIZED PERSONNEL ONLY
(D) Prior to June 1, 2016, employers may use the following legend in lieu of that specified in paragraph (j)(4)(ii)(B) of this section:
RESPIRATORS AND PROTECTIVE CLOTHING ARE REQUIRED IN THIS AREA
(iii) The employer shall ensure that employees working in and contiguous to regulated areas comprehend the warning signs required to be posted by paragraph (j)(4)(i) of this section. Means to ensure employee comprehension may include the use of foreign languages, pictographs and graphics.
(iv) At the entrance to mechanical rooms/areas in which employees reasonably can be expected to enter and which contain ACM and/or PACM, the building owner shall post signs which identify the material which is present, its location, and appropriate work practices which, if followed, will ensure that ACM and/or PACM will not be disturbed. The employer shall ensure, to the extent feasible, that employees who come in contact with these signs can comprehend them. Means to ensure employee comprehension may include the use of foreign languages, pictographs, graphics, and awareness training. Open (j)(4)(iv) 11 citations
Source: eCFR, text current as of 2026-10-15. Read all of 1910.1001.
Where and how often it was cited
| Year | Citations |
|---|---|
| 2023 | 1 |
| 2024 | 14 |
| 2025 | 4 |
| 2026 | 1 |
Top states: NJ (5), OR (4), MA (2), TX (1), NY (1)
Largest penalties
| Employer | Location | Penalty for this rule |
|---|---|---|
| HACKENSACK POLICE DEPARTMENT | HACKENSACK, NJ | $7,000 |
| EDISON TOWNSHIP BUILDING | EDISON, NJ | $7,000 |
| EAST ORANGE MUNICIPAL COURT | EAST ORANGE, NJ | $7,000 |
| PATERSON DEPT OF PUBLIC WORKS | PATERSON, NJ | $4,950 |
| LYDIA PATTERSON INSTITUTE OF THE METHODIST CHURCH | EL PASO, TX | $4,500 |
Free toolbox talk
A 5-minute crew talk on 1910.1001(j)(4), plus alerts when this rule changes. Free.
OSHA interpretation letters
- Changes to asbestos warning signs and ANSI warning signs (2015-10-13)
- Current studies on the use of engineering controls to decrease asbestos exposures to mechanics performing brake and clutch repair. (2004-02-10)
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)(5)(i) Labeling 30 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
Where must asbestos warning signs be posted?
At each regulated area and at all approaches to regulated areas.
What must the sign say?
DANGER ASBESTOS MAY CAUSE CANCER CAUSES DAMAGE TO LUNGS AUTHORIZED PERSONNEL ONLY, plus a line on respiratory protection and protective clothing where required.
What if workers do not read English?
The employer must ensure workers comprehend the signs, which may include foreign languages, pictographs and graphics.
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.