1926.1101(g)(1)(ii): Wet Methods for Asbestos Work
Employers must use wet methods or wetting agents to control employee exposure during asbestos handling, mixing, removal, cutting, application and cleanup. The exception is where employers show wet methods are infeasible, for example due to electrical hazards or equipment malfunction, and in roofing as provided in paragraph (g)(8)(ii).
Key takeaways
- 1926.1101(g)(1)(ii) is part of OSHA's construction standards (29 CFR Part 1926, Subpart Z).
- OSHA cited it 16 times in the last 3 years, in 16 inspections, with $26,726 in current penalties.
- Most citations: OR (5), VA (3), NV (3).
- Related part: 1926.1101(g) Methods of compliance (297 citations).
- Free 5-minute toolbox talk for your crew below.
In this article
What this rule covers
29 CFR 1926.1101(g)(1)(ii) 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
(ii) Wet methods, or wetting agents, to control employee exposures during asbestos handling, mixing, removal, cutting, application, and cleanup, except where employers demonstrate that the use of wet methods is infeasible due to for example, the creation of electrical hazards, equipment malfunction, and, in roofing, except as provided in paragraph (g)(8)(ii) of this section; and 16 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 | 10 |
| 2025 | 4 |
| 2026 | 2 |
Top states: OR (5), VA (3), NV (3), NY (2), NC (1)
Largest penalties
| Employer | Location | Penalty for this rule |
|---|---|---|
| THERMAL SOLUTIONS, INC. | GLEN LYN, VA | $5,500 |
| TOWNSHIP OF TOMS RIVER DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC WORKS | TOMS RIVER, NJ | $5,000 |
| EDGE RESTORATION LAS VEGAS, LLC | LAS VEGAS, NV | $4,839 |
| BLUE CITY CONSTRUCTION CORP. | MIDDLE VILLAGE, NY | $3,547 |
| 317735846 - BOULDER CREEK CONSTRUCTION LLC OF WASHINGTON | PORTLAND, OR | $2,882 |
Free toolbox talk
A 5-minute crew talk on 1926.1101(g)(1)(ii), plus alerts when this rule changes. Free.
OSHA interpretation letters
- Construction industry asbestos standard definition of "regulated area" and requirements for work involving materials of <1% asbestos for demolition and sheetrock projects. (2005-02-01)
- Application of construction standard to demolition operations involving material less than 1% asbestos. (2003-10-27)
- Application of the asbestos standard to demolition of buildings with ACM in place. (2002-08-26)
Related parts of this rule
- 1926.1101(g) Methods of compliance 297 citations
- 1926.1101(g)(1) 105 citations
- 1926.1101(g)(8) Additional Controls for Class II work 71 citations
- 1926.1101(g)(7) Work practices and engineering controls for Class II work 40 citations
- 1926.1101(g)(5) Specific control methods for Class I work 29 citations
- 1926.1101(g)(8)(i) 28 citations
- 1926.1101(g)(7)(i) 25 citations
- 1926.1101(g)(8)(ii) 18 citations
- 1926.1101(g)(4) Class I Requirements 15 citations
- 1926.1101(g)(5)(i) 15 citations
- 1926.1101(g)(8)(iii) 15 citations
- 1926.1101(g)(1)(iii) 13 citations
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Frequently asked questions
When are wet methods required for asbestos?
During asbestos handling, mixing, removal, cutting, application, and cleanup.
When can wet methods be skipped?
When the employer demonstrates they are infeasible, for example due to electrical hazards or equipment malfunction, and in roofing as provided in paragraph (g)(8)(ii).
What can be used besides plain water?
Wetting agents.
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.