1910.1001(j)(5): Asbestos Warning Labels
Employers must label all raw materials, mixtures, scrap, waste, debris and other products containing asbestos fibers, or their containers, and label or sign previously installed ACM and PACM where exposed workers will notice, such as mechanical room entrances. Labels on bags or 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
- 1910.1001(j)(5) is part of OSHA's general industry standards (29 CFR Part 1910).
- OSHA cited it 31 times in the last 3 years, in 31 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) ("Warning labels") is one requirement inside 1910.1001 Asbestos, an OSHA general industry standard (Part 1910). 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
(5) Warning labels — 31 citations
(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. Open (j)(5)(i) 30 citations
(ii) Label specifications. In addition to the requirements of paragraph (j)(1), the employer shall ensure that labels of bags or containers of protective clothing and equipment, scrap, waste, and debris containing asbestos fibers include the following information: 1 citations
DANGER
CONTAINS ASBESTOS FIBERS
MAY CAUSE CANCER
CAUSES DAMAGE TO LUNGS
DO NOT BREATHE DUST
AVOID CREATING DUST
(iii) 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 (j)(1)(i) and (j)(5)(ii) of this section:
DANGER
CONTAINS ASBESTOS FIBERS
AVOID CREATING DUST
CANCER AND LUNG DISEASE HAZARD
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 | 7 |
| 2026 | 2 |
Top states: NJ (14), OH (2), VA (2), NY (2), IL (2)
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), 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).
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)(i) Labeling 30 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?
All raw materials, mixtures, scrap, waste, debris and other products containing asbestos fibers, or their containers.
Where should labels for installed ACM or PACM go?
In areas where they will clearly be noticed by employees likely to be exposed, such as at the entrance to mechanical rooms.
Can signs be used instead of labels?
Yes, signs required by paragraph (j) may be posted in lieu of labels if they contain the required labeling information.
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.