Governing Regulations
The Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970 created the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA). OSHA, an agency of the U.S. Department of Labor, is charged with the enforcement of safety and health conditions of workers through the use of regulations published in the Code of Federal Regulations. OSHA standards are published in Title 29 of the Code of Federal Regulations. Part 1926 is reserved for construction industry standards. OSHA's asbestos standard can be found in 29 CFR 1926.1101 Subpart Z.
Both OSHA and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) regulate asbestos exposure. EPA regulations specify control measures and work practices to reduce the release of asbestos into the environment. The OSHA asbestos standard protects workers who handle materials that contain or may potentially contain asbestos.
