1926.1101(g)(1): Required Asbestos Controls for All Operations
Employers must use these controls in all asbestos operations, regardless of exposure levels: HEPA-filtered vacuums to collect asbestos debris and dust, wet methods or wetting agents during handling, removal, cutting, application and cleanup, and prompt cleanup and disposal of asbestos waste in leak-tight containers. Limited exceptions apply to roofing and where wet methods are shown infeasible.
Key takeaways
- 1926.1101(g)(1) is part of OSHA's construction standards (29 CFR Part 1926, Subpart Z).
- OSHA cited it 105 times in the last 3 years, in 94 inspections, with $211,075 in current penalties.
- Most citations: MI (54), NV (12), OR (10).
- 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) is one requirement inside 1926.1101 Asbestos, an OSHA construction standard (Part 1926, Subpart Z). 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
(1) Engineering controls and work practices for all operations covered by this section. The employer shall use the following engineering controls and work practices in all operations covered by this section, regardless of the levels of exposure: 105 citations
(i) Vacuum cleaners equipped with HEPA filters to collect all debris and dust containing ACM and PACM, except as provided in paragraph (g)(8)(ii) of this section in the case of roofing material. 7 citations
(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 Open (g)(1)(ii) 16 citations
(iii) Prompt clean-up and disposal of wastes and debris contaminated with asbestos in leak-tight containers except in roofing operations, where the procedures specified in paragraph (g)(8)(ii) of this section apply. Open (g)(1)(iii) 13 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 | 6 |
| 2024 | 49 |
| 2025 | 30 |
| 2026 | 20 |
Top states: MI (54), NV (12), OR (10), IL (7), VA (7)
Largest penalties
| Employer | Location | Penalty for this rule |
|---|---|---|
| SEPTON DEVELOPMENT GROUP, LLC | RENO, NV | $42,560 |
| MAXMARK HOMES, L.L.C. DBA BUILDTEK SOLUTIONS, L.L.C. | LEXINGTON, VA | $26,000 |
| MEDICAL ASSOCIATES CLINIC, P.C. | DUBUQUE, IA | $14,895 |
| EDGE RESTORATION LAS VEGAS, LLC | LAS VEGAS, NV | $14,517 |
| GGG DEMOLITION, INC. | LAS VEGAS, NV | $11,292 |
Free toolbox talk
A 5-minute crew talk on 1926.1101(g)(1), plus alerts when this rule changes. Free.
OSHA interpretation letters
- Drywall replacement after removing water damaged asbestos-containing materials (ACM) (2026-05-07)
- 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)
- Compliance requirements for renovation work involving material containing less than 1% asbestos (2003-11-24)
- 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)(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)(1)(ii) 16 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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Trainers on Black Belt Safety: Marc Harvey, Dana Reyes
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Frequently asked questions
Do these controls depend on exposure levels?
No. They apply in all covered operations regardless of the levels of exposure.
When may wet methods be skipped?
Where the employer demonstrates they are infeasible, for example due to electrical hazards or equipment malfunction, and in certain roofing work.
How must asbestos waste be handled?
Cleaned up and disposed of promptly in leak-tight containers, except roofing operations under (g)(8)(ii).
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.