1926.1101(j)(2): Asbestos Equipment Room for Smaller Jobs
For small Class I jobs and for Class II and III asbestos work where exposures exceed a PEL or there is no negative exposure assessment, employers must set up an equipment room or area next to the regulated area, covered with an impermeable drop cloth and big enough to clean equipment and remove PPE without spreading contamination. Work clothing must be HEPA vacuumed before removal, containers cleaned before leaving, and employees must enter and exit through this area.
Key takeaways
- 1926.1101(j)(2) is part of OSHA's construction standards (29 CFR Part 1926, Subpart Z).
- OSHA cited it 56 times in the last 3 years, in 55 inspections, with $21,657 in current penalties.
- Most citations: MI (53), MO (1), VA (1).
- Related part: 1926.1101(j) Hygiene facilities and practices for employees (116 citations).
- Free 5-minute toolbox talk for your crew below.
In this article
What this rule covers
29 CFR 1926.1101(j)(2) is one requirement inside 1926.1101 Asbestos, an OSHA construction standard (Part 1926, Subpart Z). It includes 5 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
(2) Requirements for Class I work involving less than 25 linear or 10 square feet of TSI or surfacing ACM and PACM, and for Class II and Class III asbestos work operations where exposures exceed a PEL or where there is no negative exposure assessment produced before the operation. 56 citations
(i) The employer shall establish an equipment room or area that is adjacent to the regulated area for the decontamination of employees and their equipment which is contaminated with asbestos which shall consist of an area covered by an impermeable drop cloth on the floor or horizontal working surface. Open (j)(2)(i) 46 citations
(ii) The area must be of sufficient size as to accommodate cleaning of equipment and removing personal protective equipment without spreading contamination beyond the area (as determined by visible accumulations).
(iii) Work clothing must be cleaned with a HEPA vacuum before it is removed. 8 citations
(iv) All equipment and surfaces of containers filled with ACM must be cleaned prior to removing them from the equipment room or area.
(v) The employer shall ensure that employees enter and exit the regulated area through the equipment room or area. 2 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 | 4 |
| 2024 | 19 |
| 2025 | 21 |
| 2026 | 12 |
Top states: MI (53), MO (1), VA (1), OR (1)
Largest penalties
| Employer | Location | Penalty for this rule |
|---|---|---|
| RIGHTWAY REMEDIATION LLC | FLINT, MI | $10,000 |
| NORTHERN HOME IMPROVEMENT, INC. | LANSING, MI | $5,000 |
| MSP ENVIRONMENTAL LLC | HIGGINSVILLE, MO | $4,257 |
| SLOAN ENVIRONMENTAL SERVICES, INC. | CHELSEA, MI | $1,000 |
| ENVIRONMENTAL SPECIALTY SERVICES, INC. | PELLSTON, MI | $900 |
Free toolbox talk
A 5-minute crew talk on 1926.1101(j)(2), plus alerts when this rule changes. Free.
OSHA interpretation letters
- Clarification of the terms street clothing and work clothing as used in the asbestos standard for construction work. (2010-08-17)
Related parts of this rule
- 1926.1101(j) Hygiene facilities and practices for employees 116 citations
- 1926.1101(j)(1) 60 citations
- 1926.1101(j)(2)(i) 46 citations
- 1926.1101(j)(1)(i) Decontamination areas 33 citations
- 1926.1101(j)(1)(iii) Decontamination area exit procedures 13 citations
- 1926.1101(j)(1)(ii) Decontamination area entry procedures 12 citations
- 1926.1101(j)(1)(i)(B) Shower area 8 citations
- 1926.1101(j)(4) Smoking in work areas
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 is the equipment room floor covered with?
An impermeable drop cloth on the floor or horizontal working surface.
How is work clothing cleaned before removal?
With a HEPA vacuum.
How do employees enter and leave the regulated area?
Through the equipment room or area.
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 2026-10-23
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.