1926.1101(k)(7): Asbestos Regulated Area Warning Signs
Employers must post warning signs at every asbestos regulated area, far enough away that workers can read them and protect themselves before entering. Signs must read DANGER ASBESTOS MAY CAUSE CANCER CAUSES DAMAGE TO LUNGS AUTHORIZED PERSONNEL ONLY, add respirator and protective clothing wording where required, and employers must make sure nearby workers understand them, for example with other languages or pictures.
Key takeaways
- 1926.1101(k)(7) is part of OSHA's construction standards (29 CFR Part 1926, Subpart Z).
- OSHA cited it 10 times in the last 3 years, in 10 inspections, with $17,660 in current penalties.
- Most citations: VA (3), NV (2), MD (1).
- Related part: 1926.1101(k) Communication of hazards (631 citations).
- Free 5-minute toolbox talk for your crew below.
In this article
What this rule covers
29 CFR 1926.1101(k)(7) ("Signs") is one requirement inside 1926.1101 Asbestos, an OSHA construction standard (Part 1926, Subpart Z). It includes 7 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
(7) Signs. 10 citations
(i) Warning signs that demarcate the regulated area shall be provided and displayed at each location where a regulated area is required to be established by paragraph (e) of this section. Signs shall be posted at such a distance from such a location that an employee may read the signs and take necessary protective steps before entering the area marked by the signs. Open (k)(7)(i) 10 citations
(ii)
(A) The warning signs required by paragraph (k)(7) of this section shall bear the following information.
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:
(C) Prior to June 1, 2016, employers may use the following legend in lieu of that specified in paragraph (k)(7)(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 (k)(7)(ii)(B) of this section:
(iii) The employer shall ensure that employees working in and contiguous to regulated areas comprehend the warning signs required to be posted by paragraph (k)(7)(i) of this section. Means to ensure employee comprehension may include the use of foreign languages, pictographs and graphics.
Source: eCFR, text current as of 2026-10-15. Read all of 1926.1101.
Where and how often it was cited
| Year | Citations |
|---|---|
| 2024 | 3 |
| 2025 | 4 |
| 2026 | 3 |
Top states: VA (3), NV (2), MD (1), MO (1), MN (1)
Largest penalties
| Employer | Location | Penalty for this rule |
|---|---|---|
| TOWNSHIP OF TOMS RIVER DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC WORKS | TOMS RIVER, NJ | $5,000 |
| SARONIC INVESTMENTS | RENO, NV | $4,839 |
| PEREZ BROTHERS LLC | RENO, NV | $4,839 |
| MSP ENVIRONMENTAL LLC | HIGGINSVILLE, MO | $2,128 |
| 109277 - PREMIERE RESTORATION LLC | MANKATO, MN | $854 |
Free toolbox talk
A 5-minute crew talk on 1926.1101(k)(7), plus alerts when this rule changes. Free.
OSHA interpretation letters
- Compliance requirements for renovation work involving material containing less than 1% asbestos (2003-11-24)
Related parts of this rule
- 1926.1101(k) Communication of hazards 631 citations
- 1926.1101(k)(3) 269 citations
- 1926.1101(k)(9) Employee Information and Training 160 citations
- 1926.1101(k)(3)(i) 144 citations
- 1926.1101(k)(3)(ii) 124 citations
- 1926.1101(k)(2) Duties of building and facility owners 121 citations
- 1926.1101(k)(9)(i) 105 citations
- 1926.1101(k)(2)(ii) 64 citations
- 1926.1101(k)(2)(i) 57 citations
- 1926.1101(k)(5) 31 citations
- 1926.1101(k)(9)(iv) 28 citations
- 1926.1101(k)(9)(iv)(A) 26 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 an asbestos warning sign say?
DANGER, ASBESTOS, MAY CAUSE CANCER, CAUSES DAMAGE TO LUNGS, AUTHORIZED PERSONNEL ONLY.
Where should the signs be posted?
At each regulated area, at a distance where an employee can read them and take protective steps before entering.
What if workers do not read English?
The employer must make sure workers understand the signs, which may include foreign languages, pictographs and graphics.
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.