Federal, state, and local laws regulate the use of and exposure to asbestos in the workplace. Legally businesses are required to maintain certain standards when handling asbestos material. Businesses are also required to train employees in safety and maintenance related information.
OSHA (Occupational Safety and Health Administration) has set standards that cover workers exposed to asbestos. Employees cannot be exposed to levels of asbestos that exceed 0.1 fiber per cubic centimeter (f/cc) of air, over an 8-hour work shift. Short-term exposure should also be limited to no more than 1 f/cc, over 30 minutes. Additionally, rotating employees to achieve compliance is prohibited. Employees are required to monitor their exposure to asbestos. The employer must provide and employees are required to use regulated areas or controlled zones designed to protect employees from areas where asbestos work is performed. In such areas smoking, drinking, eating, or even chewing gum is prohibited. Signs are required to warn workers of these zones and the regulations related. OSHA also provides for protected areas for employees to rest and eat. Changing and showering areas must provide for separation of exposed and unexposed clothing.
