1246.14 Attachment E

"Building/facility owner" is the legal
entity, including a lessee, which exercises
control over management and record
keeping functions relating to a building
and/or facility in which activities covered
by this standard take place.

29 CFR 1910.1001

Asbestos in General
Industry
(a) Scope and application.

"Certified Industrial Hygienist (CIH)"
means one certified in the practice of
industrial hygiene by the American Board
of Industrial Hygiene.

(a)(1) This section applies to all
occupational exposures to asbestos in all
industries covered by the Occupational
Safety and Health Act, except as provided
in paragraph (a)(2) and (3) of this section.

"Director" means the Director of the
National Institute for Occupational Safety
and Health, U.S. Department of Health
and Human Services, or designee.

(a)(2) This section does not apply to
construction work as defined in 29 CFR
1910.12(b). (Exposure to asbestos in
construction work is covered by 29 CFR
1926.1101.)

"Employee exposure" means that exposure
to airborne asbestos that would occur if
the employee were not using respiratory
protective equipment.

(a)(3) This section does not apply to ship
repairing, shipbuilding and shipbreaking
employments and related employments as
defined in 29 CFR 1915.4. (Exposure to
asbestos in these employments is covered
by 29 CFR 1915.1001).

"Fiber" means a particulate form of
asbestos 5 micrometers or longer,with a
length-to-diameter ratio of at least 3 to 1.
"High-efficiency particulate air (HEPA)
filter" means a filter capable of trapping
and retaining at least 99.97 percent of 0.3
micrometer diameter mono-disperse
particles.

(b) Definitions.
"Asbestos" includes chrysotile, amosite,
crocidolite, tremolite asbestos,
anthophyllite asbestos, actinolite asbestos,
and any of these minerals that have been
chemically treated and/or altered.

"Homogeneous area" means an area of
surfacing material or thermal system
insulation that is uniform in color and
texture.

"Asbestos-containing material (ACM)"
means any material containing more than
1% asbestos.

"Industrial hygienist" means a professional
qualified by education, training, and
experience to anticipate, recognize,
evaluate and develop controls for
occupational health hazards.

"Assistant Secretary" means the Assistant
Secretary of Labor for Occupational
Safety and Health, U.S. Department of
Labor, or designee.

"PACM" means presumed asbestos
containing material.

"Authorized person" means any person
authorized by the employer and required
by work duties to be present in regulated
areas.
AAA Environmental
864-582-1222

"Presumed asbestos containing material"
means thermal system insulation and
1

OSHA 1910.1001 Asbestos
General Industry

airborne concentration of asbestos in
excess of 1.0 fiber per cubic centimeter of
air (1 f/cc) as averaged over a sampling
period of thirty (30) minutes as
determined by the method prescribed in
Appendix A to this section, or by an
equivalent method.

surfacing material found in buildings
constructed no later than 1980. The
designation of a material as "PACM" may
be rebutted pursuant to paragraph (j)(8) of
this section.
"Regulated area" means an area
established by the employer to demarcate
areas where airborne concentrations of
asbestos exceed, or there is a reasonable
possibility they may exceed, the
permissible exposure limits.

(d) Exposure monitoring. -(d)(1) General.
(d)(1)(i) Determinations of employee
exposure shall be made from breathing
zone air samples that are representative of
the 8-hour TWA and 30-minute short-term
exposures of each employee.

"Surfacing ACM" means surfacing
material which contains more than 1
percent asbestos.
"Surfacing material" means material that
is sprayed, troweled-on or otherwise
applied to surfaces (such as acoustical
plaster on ceilings and fireproofing
materials on structural members, or other
materials on surfaces for acoustical,
fireproofing, and other purposes).

(d)(1)(ii) Representative 8-hour TWA
employee exposures shall be determined
on the basis of one or more samples
representing full-shift exposures for each
shift for each employee in each job
classification in each work area.
Representative 30-minute short-term
employee exposures shall be determined
on the basis of one or more samples
representing 30 minute exposures
associated with operations that are most
likely to produce exposures above the
excursion limit for each shift for each job
classification in each work area.

"Thermal System Insulation (TSI)" means
ACM applied to pipes, fittings, boilers,
breeching, tanks, ducts or other structural
components to prevent heat loss or gain.
"Thermal System Insulation ACM" means
thermal system insulation which contains
more than 1 percent asbestos.

(d)(2) Initial monitoring.
(c) Permissible exposure limit (PELS)
(c)(1) Time-weighted average limit
(TWA). The employer shall ensure that no
employee is exposed to an airborne
concentration of asbestos in excess of 0.1
fiber per cubic centimeter of air as an eight
(8)-hour time-weighted average (TWA) as
determined by the method prescribed in
Appendix A to this section, or by an
equivalent method.

(d)(2)(i) Each employer who has a
workplace or work operation covered by
this standard, except as provided for in
paragraphs (d)(2)(ii) and (d)(2)(iii) of this
section, shall perform initial monitoring of
employees who are, or may reasonably be
expected to be exposed to airborne
concentrations at or above the TWA
permissible exposure limit and/or
excursion limit.

(c)(2) Excursion limit. The employer shall
ensure that no employee is exposed to an

(d)(2)(ii) Where the employer has
monitored after March 31, 1992, for the

AAA Environmental
864-582-1222

2

OSHA 1910.1001 Asbestos
General Industry

in the production, process, control
equipment, personnel or work practices
that may result in new or additional
exposures above the TWA permissible
exposure limit and/or excursion limit or
when the employer has any reason to
suspect that a change may result in new or
additional exposures above the PEL and/or
excursion limit.

TWA permissible exposure limit and/or
the excursion limit, and the monitoring
satisfies all other requirements of this
section, the employer may rely on such
earlier monitoring results to satisfy the
requirements of paragraph (d)(2)(i) of this
section.
(d)(2)(iii) Where the employer has relied
upon objective data that demonstrate that
asbestos is not capable of being released in
airborne concentrations at or above the
TWA permissible exposure limit and/or
excursion limit under the expected
conditions of processing, use, or handling,
then no initial monitoring is required.

(d)(6) Method of monitoring.
(d)(6)(i) All samples taken to satisfy the
monitoring requirements of paragraph (d)
of this section shall be personal samples
collected following the procedures
specified in Appendix A.

(d)(3) Monitoring frequency (periodic
monitoring) and patterns. After the initial
determinations required by paragraph
(d)(2)(i) of this section, samples shall be
of such frequency and pattern as to
represent with reasonable accuracy the
levels of exposure of the employees. In no
case shall sampling be at intervals greater
than six months for employees whose
exposures may reasonably be foreseen to
exceed the TWA permissible exposure
limit and/or excursion limit.

(d)(6)(ii) All samples taken to satisfy the
monitoring requirements of paragraph (d)
of this section shall be evaluated using the
OSHA Reference Method (ORM)
specified in Appendix A of this section, or
an equivalent counting method.
(d)(6)(iii) If an equivalent method to the
ORM is used, the employer shall ensure
that the method meets the following
criteria:

(d)(4) Changes in monitoring frequency.
If either the initial or the periodic
monitoring required by paragraphs (d)(2)
and (d)(3) of this section statistically
indicates that employee exposures are
below the TWA permissible exposure
limit and/or excursion limit, the employer
may discontinue the monitoring for those
employees whose exposures are
represented by such monitoring.

(d)(6)(iii)(A) Replicate exposure data
used to establish equivalency are collected
in side-by-side field and laboratory
comparisons; and
(d)(6)(iii)(B) The comparison indicates
that 90% of the samples collected in the
range 0.5 to 2.0 times the permissible limit
have an accuracy range of plus or minus
25 percent of the ORM results at a 95%
confidence level as demonstrated by a
statistically valid protocol; and

(d)(5) Additional monitoring.
Notwithstanding the provisions of
paragraphs (d)(2)(ii) and (d)(4) of this
section, the employer shall institute the
exposure monitoring required under
paragraphs (d)(2)(i) and (d)(3) of this
section whenever there has been a change
AAA Environmental
864-582-1222

(d)(6)(iii)(C) The equivalent method is
documented and the results of the
comparison testing are maintained.

3

OSHA 1910.1001 Asbestos
General Industry

(d)(6)(iv) To satisfy the monitoring
requirements of paragraph (d) of this
section, employers must use the results of
monitoring analysis performed by
laboratories which have instituted quality
assurance programs that include the
elements as prescribed in Appendix A of
this section.

persons authorized by the Act or
regulations issued pursuant thereto.

(d)(7) Employee notification of
monitoring results.

(e)(5) Prohibited activities. The employer
shall ensure that employees do not eat,
drink, smoke, chew tobacco or gum, or
apply cosmetics in the regulated areas.

(e)(4) Provision of respirators. Each
person entering a regulated area shall be
supplied with and required to use a
respirator, selected in accordance with
paragraph (g)(2) of this section.

(d)(7)(i) The employer shall, within 15
working days after the receipt of the
results of any monitoring performed under
the standard, notify the affected employees
of these results in writing either
individually or by posting of results in an
appropriate location that is accessible to
affected employees.

(f) Methods of compliance
(f)(1) Engineering controls and work
practices.
(f)(1)(i) The employer shall institute
engineering controls and work practices to
reduce and maintain employee exposure to
or below the TWA and/or excursion limit
prescribed in paragraph (c) of this section,
except to the extent that such controls are
not feasible.

(d)(7)(ii) The written notification required
by paragraph (d)(7)(i) of this section shall
contain the corrective action being taken
by the employer to reduce employee
exposure to or below the TWA and/or
excursion limit, wherever monitoring
results indicated that the TWA and/or
excursion limit had been exceeded.

(f)(1)(ii) Wherever the feasible
engineering controls and work practices
that can be instituted are not sufficient to
reduce employee exposure to or below the
TWA and/or excursion limit prescribed in
paragraph (c) of this section, the employer
shall use them to reduce employee
exposure to the lowest levels achievable
by these controls and shall supplement
them by the use of respiratory protection
that complies with the requirements of
paragraph (g) of this section.

(e) Regulated Areas.
(e)(1) Establishment. The employer shall
establish regulated areas wherever
airborne concentrations of asbestos and/or
PACM are in excess of the TWA and/or
excursion limit prescribed in paragraph (c)
of this section.
(e)(2) Demarcation. Regulated areas shall
be demarcated from the rest of the
workplace in any manner that minimizes
the number of persons who will be
exposed to asbestos.

(f)(1)(iii) For the following operations,
wherever feasible engineering controls and
work practices that can be instituted are
not sufficient to reduce the employee
exposure to or below the TWA and/or
excursion limit prescribed in paragraph (c)
of this section, the employer shall use
them to reduce employee exposure to or

(e)(3) Access. Access to regulated areas
shall be limited to authorized persons or to

AAA Environmental
864-582-1222

4

OSHA 1910.1001 Asbestos
General Industry

unless the usefulness of the product would
be diminished thereby.

below 0.5 fiber per cubic centimeter of air
(as an eight-hour time-weighted average)
or 2.5 fibers/cc for 30 minutes (short-term
exposure) and shall supplement them by
the use of any combination of respiratory
protection that complies with the
requirements of paragraph (g) of this
section, work practices and feasible
engineering controls that will reduce
employee exposure to or below the TWA
and to or below the excursion limit
permissible prescribed in paragraph (c) of
this section: Coupling cutoff in primary
asbestos cement pipe manufacturing;
sanding in primary and secondary asbestos
cement sheet manufacturing; grinding in
primary and secondary friction product
manufacturing; carding and spinning in
dry textile processes; and grinding and
sanding in primary plastics manufacturing.

(f)(1)(vii) [Reserved]
(f)(1)(viii) Particular products and
operations. No asbestos cement, mortar,
coating, grout, plaster, or similar material
containing asbestos, shall be removed
from bags, cartons, or other containers in
which they are shipped, without being
either wetted, or enclosed, or ventilated so
as to prevent effectively the release of
airborne fibers.
(f)(1)(ix) Compressed air. Compressed air
shall not be used to remove asbestos or
materials containing asbestos unless the
compressed air is used in conjunction with
a ventilation system which effectively
captures the dust cloud created by the
compressed air.

(f)(1)(iv) Local exhaust ventilation. Local
exhaust ventilation and dust collection
systems shall be designed, constructed,
installed, and maintained in accordance
with good practices such as those found in
the American National Standard
Fundamentals Governing the Design and
Operation of Local Exhaust Systems,
ANSI Z9.2-1979.

(f)(1)(x) Flooring. Sanding of asbestoscontaining flooring material is prohibited.
(f)(2) Compliance program.
(f)(2)(i) Where the TWA and/or excursion
limit is exceeded, the employer shall
establish and implement a written program
to reduce employee exposure to or below
the TWA and to or below the excursion
limit by means of engineering and work
practice controls as required by paragraph
(f)(1) of this section, and by the use of
respiratory protection where required or
permitted under this section.

(f)(1)(v) Particular tools. All handoperated and power-operated tools which
would produce or release fibers of
asbestos, such as, but not limited to, saws,
scorers, abrasive wheels, and drills, shall
be provided with local exhaust ventilation
systems which comply with paragraph
(f)(1)(iv) of this section.

(f)(2)(ii) Such programs shall be reviewed
and updated as necessary to reflect
significant changes in the status of the
employer's compliance program.

(f)(1)(vi) Wet methods. Insofar as
practicable, asbestos shall be handled,
mixed, applied, removed, cut, scored, or
otherwise worked in a wet state sufficient
to prevent the emission of airborne fibers
so as to expose employees to levels in
excess of the TWA and/or excursion limit,
prescribed in paragraph (c) of this section,
AAA Environmental
864-582-1222

(f)(2)(iii) Written programs shall be
submitted upon request for examination
and copying to the Assistant Secretary, the

5

OSHA 1910.1001 Asbestos
General Industry

objective data, which document that under
all reasonably foreseeable conditions of
brake and clutch repair applications, the
method results in exposures which are
equivalent to the methods set out in
Appendix F to this section.

Director, affected employees and
designated employee representatives.
(f)(2)(iv) The employer shall not use
employee rotation as a means of
compliance with the TWA and/or
excursion limit.

(g) Respiratory protection
(f)(3) Specific compliance methods for
brake and clutch repair:

(g)(1) General. For employees who use
respirators required by this section, the
employer must provide respirators that
comply with the requirements of this
paragraph. Respirators must be used
during:

(f)(3)(i) Engineering controls and work
practices for brake and clutch repair and
service. During automotive brake and
clutch inspection, disassembly, repair and
assembly operations, the employer shall
institute engineering controls and work
practices to reduce employee exposure to
materials containing asbestos using a
negative pressure enclosure/HEPA
vacuum system method or low
pressure/wet cleaning method, which
meets the detailed requirements set out in
Appendix F to this section. The employer
may also comply using an equivalent
method which follows written procedures
which the employer demonstrates can
achieve results equivalent to Method A in
Appendix F to this section. For facilities in
which no more than 5 pair of brakes or 5
clutches are inspected, disassembled,
repaired, or assembled per week, the
method set forth in paragraph [D] of
Appendix F to this section may be used.

(g)(1)(i) Periods necessary to install or
implement feasible engineering and workpractice controls.
(g)(1)(ii) Work operations, such as
maintenance and repair activities, for
which engineering and work-practice
controls are not feasible.
(g)(1)(iii) Work operations for which
feasible engineering and work- practice
controls are not yet sufficient to reduce
employee exposure to or below the TWA
and/or excursion limit.
(g)(1)(iv) Emergencies.
(g)(2) Respirator program.

(f)(3)(ii) The employer may also comply
by using an equivalent method which
follows written procedures, which the
employer demonstrates can achieve
equivalent exposure reductions as do the
two "preferred methods." Such
demonstration must include monitoring
data conducted under workplace
conditions closely resembling the process,
type of asbestos containing materials,
control method, work practices and
environmental conditions which the
equivalent method will be used, or
AAA Environmental
864-582-1222

(g)(2)(i) The employer must implement a
respiratory protection program in
accordance with 29 CFR 1910.134 (b)
through (d) (except (d)(1)(iii)), and (f)
through (m).
(g)(2)(ii) The employer must provide a
tight-fitting, powered, air- purifying
respirator instead of any negative-pressure
respirator specified in Table 1 of this
section when an employee chooses to use
this type of respirator and the respirator

6

OSHA 1910.1001 Asbestos
General Industry

or given the opportunity to transfer to a
different position, the duties of which they
can perform. If such a transfer position is
available, the position must be with the
same employer, in the same geographical
area, and with the same seniority, status,
and rate of pay the employee had just prior
to such transfer.

provides adequate protection to the
employee.
(g)(2)(iii) No employee must be assigned
to tasks requiring the use of respirators if,
based on their most recent medical
examination, the examining physician
determines that the employee will be
unable to function normally using a
respirator, or that the safety or health of
the employee or other employees will be
impaired by the use of a respirator. Such
employees must be assigned to another job

(g)(3) Respirator selection. The employer
must select and provide the appropriate
respirator from Table 1 of this section.

(h) Protective work clothing and
equipment --

which complies with 1910.133 of this
Part.

(h)(1) Provision and use. If an employee is
exposed to asbestos above the TWA
and/or excursion limit, or where the
possibility of eye irritation exists, the
employer shall provide at no cost to the
employee and ensure that the employee
uses appropriate protective work clothing
and equipment such as, but not limited to:

(h)(2) Removal and storage.
(h)(2)(i) The employer shall ensure that
employees remove work clothing
contaminated with asbestos only in change
rooms provided in accordance with
paragraph (i)(1) of this section.

(h)(1)(ii) Gloves, head coverings, and foot
coverings; and

(h)(2)(ii) The employer shall ensure that
no employee takes contaminated work
clothing out of the change room, except
those employees authorized to do so for
the purpose of laundering, maintenance, or
disposal.

(h)(1)(iii) Face shields, vented goggles, or
other appropriate protective equipment

(h)(2)(iii) Contaminated work clothing
shall be placed and stored in closed

(h)(1)(i) Coveralls or similar full-body
work clothing;

AAA Environmental
864-582-1222

7

OSHA 1910.1001 Asbestos
General Industry

containers which prevent dispersion of the
asbestos outside the container.

labeled in accordance with paragraph (j) of
this section.

(h)(2)(iv) Containers of contaminated
protective devices or work clothing which
are to be taken out of change rooms or the
workplace for cleaning, maintenance or
disposal, shall bear labels in accordance
with paragraph (j)(4) of this section.

(i) Hygiene facilities and practices -(i)(1) Change rooms.
(i)(1)(i) The employer shall provide clean
change rooms for employees who work in
areas where their airborne exposure to
asbestos is above the TWA and/or
excursion limit.

(h)(3) Cleaning and replacement.
(h)(3)(i) The employer shall clean,
launder, repair, or replace protective
clothing and equipment required by this
paragraph to maintain their effectiveness.
The employer shall provide clean
protective clothing and equipment at least
weekly to each affected employee.

(i)(1)(ii) The employer shall ensure that
change rooms are in accordance with
1910.141(e) of this part, and are equipped
with two separate lockers or storage
facilities, so separated as to prevent
contamination of the employee's street
clothes from his protective work clothing
and equipment.

(h)(3)(ii) The employer shall prohibit the
removal of asbestos from protective
clothing and equipment by blowing or
shaking.

(i)(2) Showers.
(i)(2)(i) The employer shall ensure that
employees who work in areas where their
airborne exposure is above the TWA
and/or excursion limit, shower at the end
of the work shift.

(h)(3)(iii) Laundering of contaminated
clothing shall be done so as to prevent the
release of airborne fibers of asbestos in
excess of the permissible exposure limits
prescribed in paragraph (c) of this section.

(i)(2)(ii) The employer shall provide
shower facilities which comply with
1910.141(d)(3) of this part.

(h)(3)(iv) Any employer who gives
contaminated clothing to another person
for laundering shall inform such person of
the requirement in paragraph (h)(3)(iii) of
this section to effectively prevent the
release of airborne fibers of asbestos in
excess of the permissible exposure limits.

(i)(2)(iii) The employer shall ensure that
employees who are required to shower
pursuant to paragraph (i)(2)(i) of this
section do not leave the workplace
wearing any clothing or equipment worn
during the work shift.

(h)(3)(v) The employer shall inform any
person who launders or cleans protective
clothing or equipment contaminated with
asbestos of the potentially harmful effects
of exposure to asbestos.

(i)(3) Lunchrooms.
(i)(3)(i) The employer shall provide
lunchroom facilities for employees who
work in areas where their airborne
exposure is above the TWA and/or
excursion limit.

(h)(3)(vi) Contaminated clothing shall be
transported in sealed impermeable bags, or
other closed, impermeable containers, and
AAA Environmental
864-582-1222

8

OSHA 1910.1001 Asbestos
General Industry

covered by this general industry standard,
with the exception of state or local
governmental employees in non-state plan
states. It should be noted that employees
who perform housekeeping activities
during and after construction activities are
covered by the asbestos construction
standard, 29 CFR 1926.1101, formerly
1926.58. However, housekeeping
employees, regardless of industry
designation, should know whether
building components they maintain may
expose them to asbestos. The same hazard
communication provisions will protect
employees who perform housekeeping
operations in all three asbestos standards;
general industry, construction, and
shipyard employment. As noted in the
construction standard, building owners are
often the only and/or best source of
information concerning the presence of
previously installed asbestos containing
building materials. Therefore they, along
with employers of potentially exposed
employees, are assigned specific
information conveying and retention
duties under this section.

(i)(3)(ii) The employer shall ensure that
lunchroom facilities have a positive
pressure, filtered air supply, and are
readily accessible to employees.
(i)(3)(iii) The employer shall ensure that
employees who work in areas where their
airborne exposure is above the PEL and/or
excursion limit wash their hands and faces
prior to eating, drinking or smoking.
(i)(3)(iv) The employer shall ensure that
employees do not enter lunchroom
facilities with protective work clothing or
equipment unless surface asbestos fibers
have been removed from the clothing or
equipment by vacuuming or other method
that removes dust without causing the
asbestos to become airborne.
(i)(4) Smoking in work areas. The
employer shall ensure that employees do
not smoke in work areas where they are
occupationally exposed to asbestos
because of activities in that work area.
(j) Communication of hazards to
employees

(j)(1) Installed Asbestos Containing
Material. Employers and building owners
are required to treat installed TSI and
sprayed on and troweled-on surfacing
materials as ACM in buildings constructed
no later than 1980 for purposes of this
standard. These materials are designated
"presumed ACM or PACM", and are
defined in paragraph (b) of this section.
Asphalt and vinyl flooring material
installed no later than 1980 also must be
treated as asbestos-containing. The
employer or building owner may
demonstrate that PACM and flooring
material do not contain asbestos by
complying with paragraph (j)(8)(iii) of this
section.

Introduction. This section applies to the
communication of information concerning
asbestos hazards in general industry to
facilitate compliance with this standard.
Asbestos exposure in general industry
occurs in a wide variety of industrial and
commercial settings. Employees who
manufacture asbestos-containing products
may be exposed to asbestos fibers.
Employees who repair and replace
automotive brakes and clutches may be
exposed to asbestos fibers. In addition,
employees engaged in housekeeping
activities in industrial facilities with
asbestos product manufacturing
operations, and in public and commercial
buildings with installed asbestos
containing materials may be exposed to
asbestos fibers. Most of these workers are
AAA Environmental
864-582-1222

(j)(2) Duties of employers and building
and facility owners.
9

OSHA 1910.1001 Asbestos
General Industry

(j)(2)(i) Building and facility owners shall
determine the presence, location, and
quantity of ACM and/or PACM at the
work site. Employers and building and
facility owners shall exercise due
diligence in complying with these
requirements to inform employers and
employees about the presence and location
of ACM and PACM.

CANCER AND LUNG DISEASE
HAZARD
AUTHORIZED PERSONNEL ONLY
(j)(3)(ii)(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:

(j)(2)(ii) Building and facility owners shall
maintain records of all information
required to be provided pursuant to this
section and/or otherwise known to the
building owner concerning the presence,
location and quantity of ACM and PACM
in the building/facility. Such records shall
be kept for the duration of ownership and
shall be transferred to successive owners.

RESPIRATORS AND PROTECTIVE
CLOTHING
ARE REQUIRED IN THIS AREA
(j)(3)(iii) [Reserved]
(j)(3)(iv) The employer shall ensure that
employees working in and contiguous to
regulated areas comprehend the warning
signs required to be posted by paragraph
(j)(3)(i) of this section. Means to ensure
employee comprehension may include the
use of foreign languages, pictographs and
graphics.

(j)(2)(iii) Building and facility owners
shall inform employers of employees, and
employers shall inform employees who
will perform housekeeping activities in
areas which contain ACM and/or PACM
of the presence and location of ACM
and/or PACM in such areas which may be
contacted during such activities.

(j)(3)(v) At the entrance to mechanical
rooms/areas in which employees
reasonably can be expected to enter and
which contain ACM and/or PACM, the
building owner shall post signs which
identify the material which is present, its
location, and appropriate work practices
which, if followed, will ensure that ACM
and/or PACM will not be disturbed. The
employer shall ensure, to the extent
feasible, that employees who come in
contact with these signs can comprehend
them. Means to ensure employee
comprehension may include the use of
foreign languages, pictographs, graphics,
and awareness training.

(j)(3) Warning signs.
(j)(3)(i) Posting. Warning signs shall be
provided and displayed at each regulated
area. In addition, warning signs shall be
posted at all approaches to regulated areas
so that an employee may read the signs
and take necessary protective steps before
entering the area.
(j)(3)(ii) Sign specifications.
(j)(3)(ii)(A) The warning signs required
by paragraph (j)(3) of this section shall
bear the following information:

(j)(4) Warning labels.

DANGER
ASBESTOS
AAA Environmental
864-582-1222

10

OSHA 1910.1001 Asbestos
General Industry

(j)(4)(i) Labeling. Warning labels shall be
affixed to all raw materials, mixtures,
scrap, waste, debris, and other products
containing asbestos fibers, or to their
containers. When a building owner or
employer identifies previously installed
ACM and/or PACM, labels or signs shall
be affixed or posted so that employees will
be notified of what materials contain
ACM and/or PACM. The employer shall
attach such labels in areas where they will
clearly be noticed by employees who are
likely to be exposed, such as at the
entrance to mechanical room/areas. Signs
required by paragraph (j)(3) of this section
may be posted in lieu of labels so long as
they contain information required for
labelling.

paragraph (j)(5) of this section do not
apply where:

(j)(4)(ii) Label specifications. The labels
shall comply with the requirements of 29
CFR 1910.1200(f) of OSHA's Hazard
Communication standard, and shall
include the following information:

(j)(7)(i) The employer shall institute a
training program for all employees who
are exposed to airborne concentrations of
asbestos at or above the PEL and/or
excursion limit and ensure their
participation in the program.

(j)(6)(i) Asbestos fibers have been
modified by a bonding agent, coating,
binder, or other material provided that the
manufacturer can demonstrate that during
any reasonably foreseeable use, handling,
storage, disposal, processing, or
transportation, no airborne concentrations
of fibers of asbestos in excess of the TWA
permissible exposure level and/or
excursion limit will be released or
(j)(6)(ii) Asbestos is present in a product
in concentrations less than 1.0%.
(j)(7) Employee information and training.

DANGER

(j)(7)(ii) Training shall be provided prior
to or at the time of initial assignment and
at least annually thereafter.

CONTAINS ASBESTOS FIBERS
AVOID CREATING DUST

(j)(7)(iii) The training program shall be
conducted in a manner which the
employee is able to understand. The
employer shall ensure that each employee
is informed of the following:

CANCER AND LUNG DISEASE
HAZARD
(j)(5) Material safety data sheets.
Employers who are manufacturers or
importers of asbestos or asbestos products
shall comply with the requirements
regarding development of material safety
data sheets as specified in 29 CFR
1910.1200(g) of OSHA's Hazard
Communication standard, except as
provided by paragraph (j)(6) of this
section.

(j)(7)(iii)(A) The health effects associated
with asbestos exposure;
(j)(7)(iii)(B) The relationship between
smoking and exposure to asbestos
producing lung cancer:
(j)(7)(iii)(C) The quantity, location,
manner of use, release, and storage of
asbestos, and the specific nature of
operations which could result in exposure
to asbestos;

(j)(6) The provisions for labels required by
paragraph (j)(4) of this section or for
material safety data sheets required by
AAA Environmental
864-582-1222

11

OSHA 1910.1001 Asbestos
General Industry

standard relating to housekeeping, and
proper response to fiber release episodes,
to all employees who perform
housekeeping work in areas where ACM
and/or PACM is present. Each such
employee shall be so trained at least once
a year.

(j)(7)(iii)(D) The engineering controls
and work practices associated with the
employee's job assignment;
(j)(7)(iii)(E) The specific procedures
implemented to protect employees from
exposure to asbestos, such as appropriate
work practices, emergency and clean-up
procedures, and personal protective
equipment to be used;

(j)(7)(v) Access to information and
training materials.
(j)(7)(v)(A) The employer shall make a
copy of this standard and its appendices
readily available without cost to all
affected employees.

(j)(7)(iii)(F) The purpose, proper use, and
limitations of respirators and protective
clothing, if appropriate;
(j)(7)(iii)(G) The purpose and a
description of the medical surveillance
program required by paragraph (l) of this
section;

(j)(7)(v)(B) The employer shall provide,
upon request, all materials relating to the
employee information and training
program to the Assistant Secretary and the
training program to the Assistant Secretary
and the Director.

(j)(7)(iii)(H) The content of this standard,
including appendices.

(j)(7)(v)(C) The employer shall inform all
employees concerning the availability of
self-help smoking cessation program
material. Upon employee request, the
employer shall distribute such material,
consisting of NIH Publication No. 891647, or equivalent self-help material,
which is approved or published by a
public health organization listed in
Appendix I to this section.

(j)(7)(iii)(I) The names, addresses and
phone numbers of public health
organizations which provide information,
materials, and/or conduct programs
concerning smoking cessation. The
employer may distribute the list of such
organizations contained in Appendix I to
this section, to comply with this
requirement.
(j)(7)(iii)(J) The requirements for posting
signs and affixing labels and the meaning
of the required legends for such signs and
labels.

(j)(8) Criteria to rebut the designation of
installed material as PACM.
(j)(8)(i) At any time, an employer and/or
building owner may demonstrate, for
purposes of this standard, that PACM does
not contain asbestos. Building owners
and/or employers are not required to
communicate information about the
presence of building material for which
such a demonstration pursuant to the
requirements of paragraph (j)(8)(ii) of this
section has been made. However, in all
such cases, the information, data and

(j)(7)(iv) The employer shall also provide,
at no cost to employees who perform
housekeeping operations in an area which
contains ACM or PACM, an asbestos
awareness training course, which shall at a
minimum contain the following elements:
health effects of asbestos, locations of
ACM and PACM in the building/facility,
recognition of ACM and PACM damage
and deterioration, requirements in this
AAA Environmental
864-582-1222

12

OSHA 1910.1001 Asbestos
General Industry

(k)(1) All surfaces shall be maintained as
free as practicable of ACM waste and
debris and accompanying dust.

analysis supporting the determination that
PACM does not contain asbestos, shall be
retained pursuant to paragraph (m) of this
section.

(k)(2) All spills and sudden releases of
material containing asbestos shall be
cleaned up as soon as possible.

(j)(8)(ii) An employer or owner may
demonstrate that PACM does not contain
asbestos by the following:

(k)(3) Surfaces contaminated with
asbestos may not be cleaned by the use of
compressed air.

(j)(8)(ii)(A) Having a completed
inspection conducted pursuant to the
requirements of AHERA (40 CFR 763,
Subpart E) which demonstrates that no
ACM is present in the material; or

(k)(4) Vacuuming. HEPA-filtered
vacuuming equipment shall be used for
vacuuming asbestos containing waste and
debris. The equipment shall be used and
emptied in a manner which minimizes the
reentry of asbestos into the workplace.

(j)(8)(ii)(B) Performing tests of the
material containing PACM which
demonstrate that no ACM is present in the
material. Such tests shall include analysis
of bulk samples collected in the manner
described in 40 CFR 763.86. The tests,
evaluation and sample collection shall be
conducted by an accredited inspector or by
a CIH. Analysis of samples shall be
performed by persons or laboratories with
proficiency demonstrated by current
successful participation in a nationally
recognized testing program such as the
National Voluntary Laboratory
Accreditation Program (NVLAP) or the
National Institute for Standards and
Technology (NIST) or the Round Robin
for bulk samples administered by the
American Industrial Hygiene Association
(AIHA) or an equivalent nationallyrecognized round robin testing program.

(k)(5) Shoveling, dry sweeping and dry
clean-up of asbestos may be used only
where vacuuming and/or wet cleaning are
not feasible.
(k)(6) Waste disposal. Waste, scrap,
debris, bags, containers, equipment, and
clothing contaminated with asbestos
consigned for disposal, shall be collected,
recycled and disposed of in sealed
impermeable bags, or other closed,
impermeable containers.
(k)(7) Care of asbestos-containing
flooring material.
(k)(7)(i) Sanding of asbestos-containing
floor material is prohibited.

(j)(8)(iii) The employer and/or building
owner may demonstrate that flooring
material including associated mastic and
backing does not contain asbestos, by a
determination of an industrial hygienist
based upon recognized analytical
techniques showing that the material is not
ACM.

(k)(7)(ii) Stripping of finishes shall be
conducted using low abrasion pads at
speeds lower than 300 rpm and wet
methods.
(k)(7)(iii) Burnishing or dry buffing may
be performed only on asbestos-containing
flooring which has sufficient finish so that
the pad cannot contact the asbestoscontaining material.

(k) Housekeeping.

AAA Environmental
864-582-1222

13

OSHA 1910.1001 Asbestos
General Industry

concentrations of asbestos fibers at or
above the TWA and/or excursion limit, a
pre-placement medical examination shall
be provided or made available by the
employer.

(k)(8) Waste and debris and
accompanying dust in an areas containing
accessible ACM and/or PACM or visibly
deteriorated ACM, shall not be dusted or
swept dry, or vacuumed without using a
HEPA filter.

(l)(2)(ii) Such examination shall include,
as a minimum, a medical and work
history; a complete physical examination
of all systems with emphasis on the
respiratory system, the cardiovascular
system and digestive tract; completion of
the respiratory disease standardized
questionnaire in Appendix D to this
section, Part 1; a chest roentgenogram
(posterior-anterior 14 x 17 inches);
pulmonary function tests to include forced
vital capacity (FVC) and forced expiratory
volume at 1 second (FEV(1.0)); and any
additional tests deemed appropriate by the
examining physician. Interpretation and
classification of chest roentgenogram shall
be conducted in accordance with
Appendix E to this section.

(l) Medical surveillance
(l)(1) General -(l)(1)(i) Employees covered. The
employer shall institute a medical
surveillance program for all employees
who are or will be exposed to airborne
concentrations of fibers of asbestos at or
above the TWA and/or excursion limit.
(l)(1)(ii) Examination by a physician.
(l)(1)(ii)(A) The employer shall ensure
that all medical examinations and
procedures are performed by or under the
supervision of a licensed physician, and
shall be provided without cost to the
employee and at a reasonable time and
place.

(l)(3) Periodic examinations.
(l)(3)(i) Periodic medical examinations
shall be made available annually.

(l)(1)(ii)(B) Persons other than licensed
physicians, who administer the pulmonary
function testing required by this section,
shall complete a training course in
spirometry sponsored by an appropriate
academic or professional institution.

(l)(3)(ii) The scope of the medical
examination shall be in conformance with
the protocol established in paragraph
(l)(2)(ii) of this section, except that the
frequency of chest roentgenogram shall be
conducted in accordance with Table 2, and
the abbreviated standardized questionnaire
contained in, Part 2 of Appendix D to this
section shall be administered to the
employee.

(l)(2) Pre-placement examinations.
(l)(2)(i) Before an employee is assigned to
an occupation exposed to airborne

Table 2. -- Frequency of Chest Roentgenogram
__________________________________________________________________________
|
|
Age of employee
Years since
|______________________________________________________
first
|
|
|
exposure
|
15 to 35
|
35+ to 45
|
45+
__________________|___________________|__________________|________________
|
|
|

AAA Environmental
864-582-1222

14

OSHA 1910.1001 Asbestos
General Industry

0 to 10...........| Every 5 years.....| Every 5 years...| Every 5 years.
10+...............| Every 5 years.....| Every 2 years...| Every 1 year.
__________________|___________________|__________________|______
__________

(l)(4) Termination of employment examinations.
(l)(4)(i) The employer shall provide, or make available, a termination of employment medical
examination for any employee who has been exposed to airborne concentrations of fibers of
asbestos at or above the TWA and/or excursion limit.
(l)(4)(ii) The medical examination shall be in accordance with the requirements of the
periodic examinations stipulated in paragraph (l)(3) of this section, and shall be given within
30 calendar days before or after the date of termination of employment.
(l)(5) Recent examinations. No medical examination is required of any employee, if adequate
records show that the employee has been examined in accordance with any of paragraphs
((l)(2) through (l)(4)) of this section within the past 1 year period. A pre-employment medical
examination which was required as a condition of employment by the employer, may not be
used by that employer to meet the requirements of this paragraph, unless the cost of such
examination is borne by the employer.
(l)(6) Information provided to the physician. The employer shall provide the following
information to the examining physician:
(l)(6)(i) A copy of this standard and Appendices D and E.
(l)(6)(ii) A description of the affected employee's duties as they relate to the employee's
exposure.
(l)(6)(iii) The employee's representative exposure level or anticipated exposure level.
(l)(6)(iv) A description of any personal protective and respiratory equipment used or to be
used.
(l)(6)(v) Information from previous medical examinations of the affected employee that is not
otherwise available to the examining physician.
(l)(7) Physician's written opinion.
(l)(7)(i) The employer shall obtain a written signed opinion from the examining physician.
This written opinion shall contain the results of the medical examination and shall include:
(l)(7)(i)(A) The physician's opinion as to whether the employee has any detected medical
conditions that would place the employee at an increased risk of material health impairment
from exposure to asbestos;

AAA Environmental
864-582-1222

15

OSHA 1910.1001 Asbestos
General Industry

(l)(7)(i)(B) Any recommended limitations on the employee or upon the use of personal
protective equipment such as clothing or respirators;
(l)(7)(i)(C) A statement that the employee has been informed by the physician of the results
of the medical examination and of any medical conditions resulting from asbestos exposure
that require further explanation or treatment; and
(l)(7)(i)(D) A statement that the employee has been informed by the physician of the
increased risk of lung cancer attributable to the combined effect of smoking and asbestos
exposure.
(l)(7)(ii) The employer shall instruct the physician not to reveal in the written opinion given
to the employer specific findings or diagnoses unrelated to occupational exposure to asbestos.
(l)(7)(iii) The employer shall provide a copy of the physician's written opinion to the affected
employee within 30 days from its receipt.
(m) Recordkeeping
(m)(1) Exposure measurements. NOTE: The employer may utilize the services of competent
organizations such as industry trade associations and employee associations to maintain the
records required by this section.
(m)(1)(i) The employer shall keep an accurate record of all measurements taken to monitor
employee exposure to asbestos as prescribed in paragraph (d) of this section.
(m)(1)(ii) This record shall include at least the following information:
(m)(1)(ii)(A) The date of measurement;
(m)(1)(ii)(B) The operation involving exposure to asbestos which is being monitored;
(m)(1)(ii)(C) Sampling and analytical methods used and evidence of their accuracy;
(m)(1)(ii)(D) Number, duration, and results of samples taken;
(m)(1)(ii)(E) Type of respiratory protective devices worn, if any; and
(m)(1)(ii)(F) Name, social security number and exposure of the employees whose exposure
are represented.
(m)(1)(iii) The employer shall maintain this record for at least thirty (30) years, in
accordance with 29 CFR 1910.1020.
(m)(2) Objective data for exempted operations.
(m)(2)(i) Where the processing, use, or handling of products made from or containing
asbestos is exempted from other requirements of this section under paragraph (d)(2)(iii) of
AAA Environmental
864-582-1222

16

OSHA 1910.1001 Asbestos
General Industry

this section, the employer shall establish and maintain an accurate record of objective data
reasonably relied upon in support of the exemption.
(m)(2)(ii) The record shall include at least the following:
(m)(2)(ii)(A) The product qualifying for exemption;
(m)(2)(ii)(B) The source of the objective data;
(m)(2)(ii)(C) The testing protocol, results of testing, and/or analysis of the material for the
release of asbestos;
(m)(2)(ii)(D) A description of the operation exempted and how the data support the
exemption; and
(m)(2)(ii)(E) Other data relevant to the operations, materials, processing, or employee
exposures covered by the exemption.
(m)(2)(iii) The employer shall maintain this record for the duration of the employer's reliance
upon such objective data.
(m)(3) Medical surveillance.
(m)(3)(i) The employer shall establish and maintain an accurate record for each employee
subject to medical surveillance by paragraph (l)(1)(i) of this section, in accordance with 29
CFR 1910.1020.
(m)(3)(ii) The record shall include at least the following information:
(m)(3)(ii)(A) The name and social security number of the employee;
(m)(3)(ii)(B) Physician's written opinions;
(m)(3)(ii)(C) Any employee medical complaints related to exposure to asbestos; and
(m)(3)(ii)(D) A copy of the information provided to the physician as required by paragraph
(l)(6) of this section.
(m)(3)(iii) The employer shall ensure that this record is maintained for the duration of
employment plus thirty (30) years, in accordance with 29 CFR 1910.1020.
(m)(4) Training. The employer shall maintain all employee training records for one (1) year
beyond the last date of employment of that employee.
(m)(5) Availability.

AAA Environmental
864-582-1222

17

OSHA 1910.1001 Asbestos
General Industry

(m)(5)(i) The employer, upon written request, shall make all records required to be
maintained by this section available to the Assistant Secretary and the Director for
examination and copying.
(m)(5)(ii) The employer, upon request shall make any exposure records required by
paragraph (m)(1) of this section available for examination and copying to affected
employees, former employees, designated representatives and the Assistant Secretary, in
accordance with 29 CFR 1910.1020(a) through (e) and (g) through (i).
(m)(5)(iii) The employer, upon request, shall make employee medical records required by
paragraph (m)(3) of this section available for examination and copying to the subject
employee, to anyone having the specific written consent of the subject employee, and the
Assistant Secretary, in accordance with 29 CFR 1910.1020.
(m)(6) Transfer of records.
(m)(6)(i) The employer shall comply with the requirements concerning transfer of records set
forth in 29 CFR 1910.1020(h).
(m)(6)(ii) Whenever the employer ceases to do business and there is no successor employer
to receive and retain the records for the prescribed period, the employer shall notify the
Director at least 90 days prior to disposal of records and, upon request, transmit them to the
Director.
(n) Observation of monitoring
(n)(1) Employee observation. The employer shall provide affected employees or their
designated representatives an opportunity to observe any monitoring of employee exposure to
asbestos conducted in accordance with paragraph (d) of this section.
(n)(2) Observation procedures. When observation of the monitoring of employee exposure to
asbestos requires entry into an area where the use of protective clothing or equipment is
required, the observer shall be provided with and be required to use such clothing and
equipment and shall comply with all other applicable safety and health procedures.
(o) Dates -(o)(1) Effective date. This standard shall become effective October 11, 1994.
(o)(2) The provisions of 29 CFR 1910.1001 remain in effect until the start-up dates of the
equivalent provisions of this standard.
(o)(3) Start-up dates. All obligations of this standard commence on the effective date except
as follows:
(o)(3)(i) Exposure monitoring. Initial monitoring required by paragraph (d)(2) of this section
shall be completed by October 1, 1995.
AAA Environmental
864-582-1222

18

OSHA 1910.1001 Asbestos
General Industry

(o)(3)(ii) Regulated areas. Regulated areas required to be established by paragraph (e) of this
section as a result of initial monitoring shall be set up by October 1, 1995.
(o)(3)(iii) Respiratory protection. Respiratory protection required by paragraph (g) of this
section shall be provided by October 1, 1995.
(o)(3)(iv) Hygiene and lunchroom facilities. Construction plans for change rooms, showers,
lavatories, and lunchroom facilities shall be completed by October 1, 1995.
(o)(3)(v) Communication of hazards. Identification, notification, labeling and sign posting,
and training required by paragraph (j) of this section shall be provided by October 1, 1995.
(o)(3)(vi) Medical surveillance. Medical surveillance not previously required by paragraph
(1) of this section shall be provided by October 1, 1995.
(o)(3)(vii) Compliance program. Written compliance programs required by paragraph (f)(2)
of this section shall be completed and available for inspection and copying by October 1,
1995.
(o)(3)(viii) Methods of compliance. The engineering and work practice controls as required
by paragraph (f) shall be implemented by October 1, 1995.
(p) Appendices.
(p)(1) Appendices A, C, D, E, and F to this section are incorporated as part of this section
and the contents of these Appendices are mandatory.
(p)(2) Appendices B, G, H, I, and J to this section are informational and are not intended to
create any additional obligations not otherwise imposed or to detract from any existing
obligations.
[55 FR 50687, Dec. 10, 1990; 56 FR 43700, Sept. 4, 1991; 57 FR 24330, June 8, 1992; 59 FR
40964, Aug. 10, 1994; 60 FR 9624, Feb. 21, 1995; 60 FR 33343, June 28, 1995; 60 FR
33973, June 29, 1995; 61 FR 5507, Feb. 13, 1996; 61 FR 43454, August 23, 1996; 63 FR
1152, Jan. 8, 1998]

AAA Environmental
864-582-1222

19

OSHA 1910.1001 Asbestos
General Industry

Appendix A to §1910.1001 (mandatory)
This mandatory appendix specifies the procedure for analyzing air samples for asbestos and
specifies quality control procedures that must be implemented by laboratories performing the
analysis. The sampling and analytical methods described below represent the elements of the
available monitoring methods (such as Appendix B of thier regulation, the most current
version of the OSHA method ID-160, or the most current version of the NIOSH Method
7400). All employers who are required to conduct air monitoring under paragraph (d) of the
standard are required to utilize analytical laboratories that use this procedure, or an equivalent
method, for collecting and analyzing samples.
Sampling and Analytical Procedure
1. The sampling medium for air samples shall be mixed cellulose ester filter membranes.
These shall be designated by the manufacturer as suitable for asbestos counting. See below
for rejection of blanks.
2. The preferred collection device shall be the 25-mm diameter cassette with an open-faced
50-mm electrically conductive extension cowl. The 37-mm cassette may be used if necessary
but only if written justification for the need to use the 37-mm filter cassette accompanies the
AAA Environmental
864-582-1222

20

OSHA 1910.1001 Asbestos
General Industry

sample results in the employee's exposure monitoring record. Do not reuse or reload cassettes
for asbestos sample collection.
3. An air flow rate between 0.5 liter/min and 2.5 liters/min shall be selected for the 25-mm
cassette. If the 37-mm cassette is used, an air flow rate between 1 liter/min and 2.5 liters/min
shall be selected.
4. Where possible, a sufficient air volume for each air sample shall be collected to yield
between 100 and 1,300 fibers per square millimeter on the membrane filter. If a filter darkens
in appearance or if loose dust is seen on the filter, a second sample shall be started.
5. Ship the samples in a rigid container with sufficient packing material to prevent dislodging
the collected fibers. Packing material that has a high electrostatic charge on its surface (e.g.,
expanded polystyrene) cannot be used because such material can cause loss of fibers to the
sides of the cassette.
6. Calibrate each personal sampling pump before and after use with a representative filter
cassette installed between the pump and the calibration devices.
7. Personal samples shall be taken in the "breathing zone" of the employee (i.e., attached to
or near the collar or lapel near the worker's face).
8. Fiber counts shall be made by positive phase contrast using a microscope with an 8 to 10 X
eyepiece and a 40 to 45 X objective for a total magnification of approximately 400 X and a
numerical aperture of 0.65 to 0.75. The microscope shall also be fitted with a green or blue
filter.
9. The microscope shall be fitted with a Walton-Beckett eyepiece graticule calibrated for a
field diameter of 100 micrometers (+/-2 micrometers).
10. The phase-shift detection limit of the microscope shall be about 3 degrees measured using
the HSE phase shift test slide as outlined below.
a. Place the test slide on the microscope stage and center it under the phase objective.
b. Bring the blocks of grooved lines into focus.
NOTE: The slide consists of seven sets of grooved lines (ca. 20 grooves to each block) in
descending order of visibility from sets 1 to 7, seven being the least visible. The requirements
for asbestos counting are that the microscope optics must resolve the grooved lines in set 3
completely, although they may appear somewhat faint, and that the grooved lines in sets 6
and 7 must be invisible. Sets 4 and 5 must be at least partially visible but may vary slightly in
visibility between microscopes. A microscope that fails to meet these requirements has either
too low or too high a resolution to be used for asbestos counting.
c. If the image deteriorates, clean and adjust the microscope optics. If the problem persists,
consult the microscope manufacturer.
AAA Environmental
864-582-1222

21

OSHA 1910.1001 Asbestos
General Industry

11. Each set of samples taken will include 10 percent blanks or a minimum of 2 field blanks.
These blanks must come from the same lot as the filters used for sample collection. The field
blank results shall be averaged and subtracted from the analytical results before reporting. A
set consists of any sample or group of samples for which an evaluation for this standard must
be made. Any samples represented by a field blank having a fiber count in excess of the
detection limit of the method being used shall be rejected.
12. The samples shall be mounted by the acetone/triacetin method or a method with an
equivalent index of refraction and similar clarity.
13. Observe the following counting rules.
a. Count only fibers equal to or longer than 5 micrometers. Measure the length of curved
fibers along the curve.
b. In the absence of other information, count all particles as asbestos that have a length-towidth ratio (aspect ratio) of 3:1 or greater.
c. Fibers lying entirely within the boundary of the Walton-Beckett graticule field shall
receive a count of 1. Fibers crossing the boundary once, having one end within the circle,
shall receive the count of one half (1/2). Do not count any fiber that crosses the graticule
boundary more than once. Reject and do not count any other fibers even though they may be
visible outside the graticule area.
d. Count bundles of fibers as one fiber unless individual fibers can be identified by observing
both ends of an individual fiber.
e. Count enough graticule fields to yield 100 fibers. Count a minimum of 20 fields; stop
counting at 100 fields regardless of fiber count.
14. Blind recounts shall be conducted at the rate of 10 percent.
Quality Control Procedures
1. Intralaboratory program. Each laboratory and/or each company with more than one
microscopist counting slides shall establish a statistically designed quality assurance program
involving blind recounts and comparisons between microscopists to monitor the variability of
counting by each microscopist and between microscopists. In a company with more than one
laboratory, the program shall include all laboratories and shall also evaluate the laboratoryto-laboratory variability.
2.a. Interlaboratory program. Each laboratory analyzing asbestos samples for compliance
determination shall implement an interlaboratory quality assurance program that as a
minimum includes participation of at least two other independent laboratories. Each
laboratory shall participate in round robin testing at least once every 6 months with at least all
the other laboratories in its interlaboratory quality assurance group. Each laboratory shall
submit slides typical of its own work load for use in this program. The round robin shall be
designed and results analyzed using appropriate statistical methodology.
AAA Environmental
864-582-1222

22

OSHA 1910.1001 Asbestos
General Industry

2.b. All laboratories should also participate in a national sample testing scheme such as the
Proficiency Analytical Testing Program (PAT), or the Asbestos Registry sponsored by the
American Industrial Hygiene Association (AIHA).
3. All individuals performing asbestos analysis must have taken the NIOSH course for
sampling and evaluating airborne asbestos dust or an equivalent course.
4. When the use of different microscopes contributes to differences between counters and
laboratories, the effect of the different microscope shall be evaluated and the microscope
shall be replaced, as necessary.
5. Current results of these quality assurance programs shall be posted in each laboratory to
keep the microscopists informed.
[57 FR 24330, June 8, 1992; 59 FR 40964, Aug. 10, 1994]

AAA Environmental
864-582-1222

23

OSHA 1910.1001 Asbestos
General Industry

Appendix B to §1910.1001 -- Detailed Procedures for Asbestos
Sampling and Analysis -- Non-Mandatory
________________________________
Matrix:
OSHA Permissible Exposure Limits:
Time Weighted Average......................... 0.1 fiber/cc
Excursion Level (30 minutes).................. 1.0 fiber/cc
Collection Procedure:
A known volume of air is drawn through a 25-mm diameter cassette
containing a mixed-cellulose ester filter. The cassette must be
equipped with an electrically conductive 50-mm extension cowl.
The sampling time and rate are chosen to give a fiber density of
between 100 to 1,300 fibers/mm(2) on the filter.
Recommended Sampling Rate....................... 0.5 to 5.0 liters/
minute (L/min)
Recommended Air Volumes:
Minimum....................................... 25 L
Maximum....................................... 2,400 L

Analytical Procedure: A portion of the sample filter is cleared and prepared for asbestos fiber
counting by Phase Contrast Microscopy (PCM) at 400X.
Commercial manufacturers and products mentioned in this method are for descriptive use
only and do not constitute endorsements by USDOL-OSHA. Similar products from other
sources can be substituted.
1. Introduction
This method describes the collection of airborne asbestos fibers using calibrated sampling
pumps with mixed-cellulose ester (MCE) filters and analysis by phase contrast microscopy
(PCM). Some terms used are unique to this method and are defined below:
Asbestos: A term for naturally occurring fibrous minerals. Asbestos includes chrysotile,
crocidolite, amosite (cummingtonite-grunerite asbestos), tremolite asbestos, actinolite
asbestos, anthophyllite asbestos, and any of these minerals that have been chemically treated
and/or altered. The precise chemical formulation of each species will vary with the location
from which it was mined. Nominal compositions are listed:
Chrysotile............
Crocidolite...........
Amosite...............
Tremolite-actinolite..
Anthophyllite.........

Mg(3)Si(2)O(5)(OH)(4)
Na(2)Fe(3)(2)(+)Fe(2)(3)(+)Si(8)O(22)(OH)(2)
(Mg,Fe)(7)Si(8)O(22)(OH)(2)
Ca(2)(Mg,Fe)(5)Si(8)O(22)(OH)(2)
(Mg,Fe)(7)Si(8)O(22)(OH)(2)

Asbestos Fiber: A fiber of asbestos which meets the criteria specified below for a fiber.
Aspect Ratio: The ratio of the length of a fiber to it's diameter (e.g. 3:1, 5:1 aspect ratios).
Cleavage Fragments: Mineral particles formed by comminution of minerals, especially those
characterized by parallel sides and a moderate aspect ratio (usually less than 20:1).

AAA Environmental
864-582-1222

24

OSHA 1910.1001 Asbestos
General Industry

Detection Limit: The number of fibers necessary to be 95% certain that the result is greater
than zero.
Differential Counting: The term applied to the practice of excluding certain kinds of fibers
from the fiber count because they do not appear to be asbestos.
Fiber: A particle that is 5 um or longer, with a length-to-width ratio of 3 to 1 or longer.
Field: The area within the graticule circle that is superimposed on the microscope image.
Set: The samples which are taken, submitted to the laboratory, analyzed, and for which,
interim or final result reports are generated.
Tremolite, Anthophyllite, and Actinolite: The non-asbestos form of these minerals which
meet the definition of a fiber. It includes any of these minerals that have been chemically
treated and/or altered.
Walton-Beckett Graticule: An eyepiece graticule specifically designed for asbestos fiber
counting. It consists of a circle with a projected diameter of 100 + or - 2 um (area of about
0.00785 mm(2)) with a crosshair having tic-marks at 3-um intervals in one direction and 5um in the orthogonal direction. There are marks around the periphery of the circle to
demonstrate the proper sizes and shapes of fibers. This design is reproduced in Figure 1. The
disk is placed in one of the microscope eyepieces so that the design is superimposed on the
field of view.
1.1. History
Early surveys to determine asbestos exposures were conducted using impinger counts of total
dust with the counts expressed as million particles per cubic foot. The British Asbestos
Research Council recommended filter membrane counting in 1969. In July 1969, the Bureau
of Occupational Safety and Health published a filter membrane method for counting asbestos
fibers in the United States. This method was refined by NIOSH and published as P & CAM
239. On May 29, 1971, OSHA specified filter membrane sampling with phase contrast
counting for evaluation of asbestos exposures at work sites in the United States. The use of
this technique was again required by OSHA in 1986. Phase contrast microscopy has
continued to be the method of choice for the measurement of occupational exposure to
asbestos.
1.2. Principle
Air is drawn through a MCE filter to capture airborne asbestos fibers. A wedge shaped
portion of the filter is removed, placed on a glass microscope slide and made transparent. A
measured area (field) is viewed by PCM. All the fibers meeting defined criteria for asbestos
are counted and considered a measure of the airborne asbestos concentration.
1.3. Advantages and Disadvantages
There are four main advantages of PCM over other methods:
AAA Environmental
864-582-1222

25

OSHA 1910.1001 Asbestos
General Industry

(1) The technique is specific for fibers. Phase contrast is a fiber counting technique which
excludes non-fibrous particles from the analysis.
(2) The technique is inexpensive and does not require specialized knowledge to carry out the
analysis for total fiber counts.
(3) The analysis is quick and can be performed on-site for rapid determination of air
concentrations of asbestos fibers.
(4) The technique has continuity with historical epidemiological studies so that estimates of
expected disease can be inferred from long-term determinations of asbestos exposures.
The main disadvantage of PCM is that it does not positively identify asbestos fibers. Other
fibers which are not asbestos may be included in the count unless differential counting is
performed. This requires a great deal of experience to adequately differentiate asbestos from
non-asbestos fibers. Positive identification of asbestos must be performed by polarized light
or electron microscopy techniques. A further disadvantage of PCM is that the smallest visible
fibers are about 0.2 um in diameter while the finest asbestos fibers may be as small as 0.02
um in diameter. For some exposures, substantially more fibers may be present than are
actually counted.
1.4. Workplace Exposure
Asbestos is used by the construction industry in such products as shingles, floor tiles,
asbestos cement, roofing felts, insulation and acoustical products. Non-construction uses
include brakes, clutch facings, paper, paints, plastics, and fabrics. One of the most significant
exposures in the workplace is the removal and encapsulation of asbestos in schools, public
buildings, and homes. Many workers have the potential to be exposed to asbestos during
these operations.
About 95% of the asbestos in commercial use in the United States is chrysotile. Crocidolite
and amosite make up most of the remainder. Anthophyllite and tremolite or actinolite are
likely to be encountered as contaminants in various industrial products.
1.5. Physical Properties
Asbestos fiber possesses a high tensile strength along its axis, is chemically inert, noncombustible, and heat resistant. It has a high electrical resistance and good sound absorbing
properties. It can be weaved into cables, fabrics or other textiles, and also matted into
asbestos papers, felts, or mats.
2. Range and Detection Limit
2.1. The ideal counting range on the filter is 100 to 1,300 fibers/mm(2). With a WaltonBeckett graticule this range is equivalent to 0.8 to 10 fibers/field. Using NIOSH counting
statistics, a count of 0.8 fibers/field would give an approximate coefficient of variation (CV)
of 0.13.
AAA Environmental
864-582-1222

26

OSHA 1910.1001 Asbestos
General Industry

2.2. The detection limit for this method is 4.0 fibers per 100 fields or 5.5 fibers/mm(2). This
was determined using an equation to estimate the maximum CV possible at a specific
concentration (95% confidence) and a Lower Control Limit of zero. The CV value was then
used to determine a corresponding concentration from historical CV vs fiber relationships. As
an example:
Lower Control Limit (95% Confidence) = AC - 1.645(CV)(AC)
Where:
AC = Estimate of the airborne fiber concentration (fibers/cc)
Setting the Lower Control Limit = 0 and solving for CV:
0 = AC - 1.645(CV)(AC)
CV = 0.61
This value was compared with CV vs. count curves. The count at which CV
= 0.61 for Leidel-Busch counting statistics or for an OSHA Salt Lake
Technical Center (OSHA-SLTC) CV curve (see Appendix A for further
information) was 4.4 fibers or 3.9 fibers per 100 fields, respectively.
Although a lower detection limit of 4 fibers per 100 fields is supported
by the OSHA-SLTC data, both data sets support the 4.5 fibers per 100
fields value.

3. Method Performance -- Precision and Accuracy
Precision is dependent upon the total number of fibers counted and the uniformity of the fiber
distribution on the filter. A general rule is to count at least 20 and not more than 100 fields.
The count is discontinued when 100 fibers are counted, provided that 20 fields have already
been counted. Counting more than 100 fibers results in only a small gain in precision. As the
total count drops below 10 fibers, an accelerated loss of precision is noted.
At this time, there is no known method to determine the absolute accuracy of the asbestos
analysis. Results of samples prepared through the Proficiency Analytical Testing (PAT)
Program and analyzed by the OSHA-SLTC showed no significant bias when compared to
PAT reference values. The PAT samples were analyzed from 1987 to 1989 (N = 36) and the
concentration range was from 120 to 1,300 fibers/mm(2).

4. Interferences
Fibrous substances, if present, may interfere with asbestos analysis.
Some common fibers are:
Membrane Structures
Sponge Spicules
Diatoms
Microorganisms
Wollastonite

Fiberglass
Anhydrite
Plant Fibers
Perlite Veins
Gypsum
Some Synthetic Fibers

AAA Environmental
864-582-1222

27

OSHA 1910.1001 Asbestos
General Industry

The use of electron microscopy or optical tests such as polarized light, and dispersion
staining may be used to differentiate these materials from asbestos when necessary.
5. Sampling
5.1. Equipment
5.1.1. Sample assembly (The assembly is shown in Figure 3). Conductive filter holder
consisting of a 25-mm diameter, 3-piece cassette having a 50-mm long electrically
conductive extension cowl. Backup pad, 25-mm, cellulose. Membrane filter, mixed-cellulose
ester (MCE), 25-mm, plain, white, 0.4 to 1.2-um pore size.
Notes:
1. Do not re-use cassettes.
2. Fully conductive cassettes are required to reduce fiber loss to the sides of the cassette
due to electrostatic attraction.
3. Purchase filters which have been selected by the manufacturer for asbestos counting
or analyze representative filters for fiber background before use. Discard the filter lot
if more than 4 fibers/100 fields are found.
4. To decrease the possibility of contamination, the sampling system (filter-backup padcassette) for asbestos is usually preassembled by the manufacturer.
5. Other cassettes, such as the Bell-mouth, may be used within the limits of their
validation.
5.1.2. Gel bands for sealing cassettes.
5.1.3. Sampling pump.
Each pump must be a battery operated, self-contained unit small enough to be placed on the
monitored employee and not interfere with the work being performed. The pump must be
capable of sampling at the collection rate for the required sampling time.
5.1.4. Flexible tubing, 6-mm bore.
5.1.5. Pump calibration.
Stopwatch and bubble tube/burette or electronic meter.
5.2. Sampling Procedure
5.2.1. Seal the point where the base and cowl of each cassette meet with a gel band or tape.
5.2.2. Charge the pumps completely before beginning.
5.2.3. Connect each pump to a calibration cassette with an appropriate length of 6-mm bore
plastic tubing. Do not use luer connectors -- the type of cassette specified above has built-in
adapters.
AAA Environmental
864-582-1222

28

OSHA 1910.1001 Asbestos
General Industry

5.2.4. Select an appropriate flow rate for the situation being monitored. The sampling flow
rate must be between 0.5 and 5.0 L/min for personal sampling and is commonly set between
1 and 2 L/min. Always choose a flow rate that will not produce overloaded filters.
5.2.5. Calibrate each sampling pump before and after sampling with a calibration cassette inline (Note: This calibration cassette should be from the same lot of cassettes used for
sampling). Use a primary standard (e.g. bubble burette) to calibrate each pump. If possible,
calibrate at the sampling site.
Note: If sampling site calibration is not possible, environmental influences may affect the
flow rate. The extent is dependent on the type of pump used. Consult with the pump
manufacturer to determine dependence on environmental influences. If the pump is affected
by temperature and pressure changes, correct the flow rate using the formula shown in the
section "Sampling Pump Flow Rate Corrections" at the end of this appendix.
5.2.6. Connect each pump to the base of each sampling cassette with flexible tubing. Remove
the end cap of each cassette and take each air sample open face. Assure that each sample
cassette is held open side down in the employee's breathing zone during sampling. The
distance from the nose/mouth of the employee to the cassette should be about 10 cm. Secure
the cassette on the collar or lapel of the employee using spring clips or other similar devices.
5.2.7. A suggested minimum air volume when sampling to determine TWA compliance is 25
L. For Excursion Limit (30 min sampling time) evaluations, a minimum air volume of 48 L is
recommended.
5.2.8. The most significant problem when sampling for asbestos is overloading the filter with
non-asbestos dust. Suggested maximum air sample volumes for specific environments are:
________________________________________________________________________
|
| Air vol.
Environment
|
(L)
______________________________________________________|_________________
|
Asbestos removal operations (visible dust)........... | 100
Asbestos removal operations (little dust)............ | 240
Office environments.................................. | 400 to 2,400
______________________________________________________|_________________

Caution: Do not overload the filter with dust. High levels of non-fibrous dust particles may
obscure fibers on the filter and lower the count or make counting impossible. If more than
about 25 to 30% of the field area is obscured with dust, the result may be biased low. Smaller
air volumes may be necessary when there is excessive non-asbestos dust in the air.
While sampling, observe the filter with a small flashlight. If there is a visible layer of dust on
the filter, stop sampling, remove and seal the cassette, and replace with a new sampling
assembly. The total dust loading should not exceed 1 mg.

AAA Environmental
864-582-1222

29

OSHA 1910.1001 Asbestos
General Industry

5.2.9. Blank samples are used to determine if any contamination has occurred during sample
handling. Prepare two blanks for the first 1 to 20 samples. For sets containing greater than 20
samples, prepare blanks as 10% of the samples. Handle blank samples in the same manner as
air samples with one exception: Do not draw any air through the blank samples. Open the
blank cassette in the place where the sample cassettes are mounted on the employee. Hold it
open for about 30 seconds. Close and seal the cassette appropriately. Store blanks for
shipment with the sample cassettes.
5.2.10. Immediately after sampling, close and seal each cassette with the base and plastic
plugs. Do not touch or puncture the filter membrane as this will invalidate the analysis.
5.2.11. Attach and secure a sample seal around each sample cassette in such a way as to
assure that the end cap and base plugs cannot be removed without destroying the seal. Tape
the ends of the seal together since the seal is not long enough to be wrapped end-to-end. Also
wrap tape around the cassette at each joint to keep the seal secure.
5.3. Sample Shipment
5.3.1. Send the samples to the laboratory with paperwork requesting asbestos analysis. List
any known fibrous interferences present during sampling on the paperwork. Also, note the
workplace operation(s) sampled.
5.3.2. Secure and handle the samples in such that they will not rattle during shipment nor be
exposed to static electricity. Do not ship samples in expanded polystyrene peanuts,
vermiculite, paper shreds, or excelsior. Tape sample cassettes to sheet bubbles and place in a
container that will cushion the samples in such a manner that they will not rattle.
5.3.3. To avoid the possibility of sample contamination, always ship bulk samples in separate
mailing containers.
6. Analysis
6.1. Safety Precautions
6.1.1. Acetone is extremely flammable and precautions must be taken not to ignite it. Avoid
using large containers or quantities of acetone. Transfer the solvent in a ventilated laboratory
hood. Do not use acetone near any open flame. For generation of acetone vapor, use a spark
free heat source.
6.1.2. Any asbestos spills should be cleaned up immediately to prevent dispersal of fibers.
Prudence should be exercised to avoid contamination of laboratory facilities or exposure of
personnel to asbestos. Asbestos spills should be cleaned up with wet methods and/ or a High
Efficiency Particulate-Air (HEPA) filtered vacuum.
Caution: Do not use a vacuum without a HEPA filter -- It will disperse fine asbestos fibers in
the air.
6.2. Equipment
AAA Environmental
864-582-1222

30

OSHA 1910.1001 Asbestos
General Industry

6.2.1. Phase contrast microscope with binocular or trinocular head.
6.2.2. Widefield or Huygenian 10X eyepieces (Note: The eyepiece containing the graticule
must be a focusing eyepiece. Use a 40X phase objective with a numerical aperture of 0.65 to
0.75).
6.2.3. Kohler illumination (if possible) with green or blue filter.
6.2.4. Walton-Beckett Graticule, type G-22 with 100 plus or minus 2 um projected diameter.
6.2.5. Mechanical stage. A rotating mechanical stage is convenient for use with polarized
light.
6.2.6. Phase telescope.
6.2.7. Stage micrometer with 0.01-mm subdivisions.
6.2.8. Phase-shift test slide, mark II (Available from PTR optics Ltd., and also McCrone).
6.2.9. Precleaned glass slides, 25 mm X 75 mm. One end can be frosted for convenience in
writing sample numbers, etc., or paste-on labels can be used.
6.2.10. Cover glass #1 1/2.
6.2.11. Scalpel (#10, curved blade).
6.2.12. Fine tipped forceps.
6.2.13. Aluminum block for clearing filter (see Appendix D and Figure 4).
6.2.14. Automatic adjustable pipette, 100- to 500-uL.
6.2.15. Micropipette, 5 uL.
6.3. Reagents
6.3.1. Acetone (HPLC grade).
6.3.2. Triacetin (glycerol triacetate).
6.3.3. Lacquer or nail polish.
6.4. Standard Preparation
A way to prepare standard asbestos samples of known concentration has not been developed.
It is possible to prepare replicate samples of nearly equal concentration. This has been

AAA Environmental
864-582-1222

31

OSHA 1910.1001 Asbestos
General Industry

performed through the PAT program. These asbestos samples are distributed by the AIHA to
participating laboratories.
Since only about one-fourth of a 25-mm sample membrane is required for an asbestos count,
any PAT sample can serve as a "standard" for replicate counting.
6.5. Sample Mounting
Note: See Safety Precautions in Section 6.1. before proceeding. The objective is to produce
samples with a smooth (non-grainy) background in a medium with a refractive index of
approximately 1.46. The technique below collapses the filter for easier focusing and produces
permanent mounts which are useful for quality control and interlaboratory comparison.
An aluminum block or similar device is required for sample preparation.
6.5.1. Heat the aluminum block to about 70 deg. C. The hot block should not be used on any
surface that can be damaged by either the heat or from exposure to acetone.
6.5.2. Ensure that the glass slides and cover glasses are free of dust and fibers.
6.5.3. Remove the top plug to prevent a vacuum when the cassette is opened. Clean the
outside of the cassette if necessary. Cut the seal and/or tape on the cassette with a razor blade.
Very carefully separate the base from the extension cowl, leaving the filter and backup pad in
the base.
6.5.4. With a rocking motion cut a triangular wedge from the filter using the scalpel. This
wedge should be one-sixth to one-fourth of the filter. Grasp the filter wedge with the forceps
on the perimeter of the filter which was clamped between the cassette pieces. DO NOT
TOUCH the filter with your finger. Place the filter on the glass slide sample side up. Static
electricity will usually keep the filter on the slide until it is cleared.
6.5.5. Place the tip of the micropipette containing about 200 uL acetone into the aluminum
block. Insert the glass slide into the receiving slot in the aluminum block. Inject the acetone
into the block with slow, steady pressure on the plunger while holding the pipette firmly in
place. Wait 3 to 5 seconds for the filter to clear, then remove the pipette and slide from the
aluminum block.
6.5.6. Immediately (less than 30 seconds) place 2.5 to 3.5 uL of triacetin on the filter (Note:
Waiting longer than 30 seconds will result in increased index of refraction and decreased
contrast between the fibers and the preparation. This may also lead to separation of the cover
slip from the slide).
6.5.7. Lower a cover slip gently onto the filter at a slight angle to reduce the possibility of
forming air bubbles. If more than 30 seconds have elapsed between acetone exposure and
triacetin application, glue the edges of the cover slip to the slide with lacquer or nail polish.

AAA Environmental
864-582-1222

32

OSHA 1910.1001 Asbestos
General Industry

6.5.8. If clearing is slow, warm the slide for 15 min on a hot plate having a surface
temperature of about 50 deg. C to hasten clearing. The top of the hot block can be used if the
slide is not heated too long.
6.5.9. Counting may proceed immediately after clearing and mounting are completed.
6.6. Sample Analysis
Completely align the microscope according to the manufacturer's instructions. Then, align the
microscope using the following general alignment routine at the beginning of every counting
session and more often if necessary.
6.6.1. Alignment
(1) Clean all optical surfaces. Even a small amount of dirt can significantly degrade the
image.
(2) Rough focus the objective on a sample.
(3) Close down the field iris so that it is visible in the field of view. Focus the image of the
iris with the condenser focus. Center the image of the iris in the field of view.
(4) Install the phase telescope and focus on the phase rings. Critically center the rings.
Misalignment of the rings results in astigmatism which will degrade the image.
(5) Place the phase-shift test slide on the microscope stage and focus on the lines. The analyst
must see line set 3 and should see at least parts of 4 and 5 but, not see line set 6 or 6. A
microscope/microscopist combination which does not pass this test may not be used.
6.6.2. Counting Fibers
(1) Place the prepared sample slide on the mechanical stage of the microscope. Position the
center of the wedge under the objective lens and focus upon the sample.
(2) Start counting from one end of the wedge and progress along a radial line to the other end
(count in either direction from perimeter to wedge tip). Select fields randomly, without
looking into the eyepieces, by slightly advancing the slide in one direction with the
mechanical stage control.
(3) Continually scan over a range of focal planes (generally the upper 10 to 15 um of the
filter surface) with the fine focus control during each field count. Spend at least 5 to 15
seconds per field.
(4) Most samples will contain asbestos fibers with fiber diameters less than 1 um. Look
carefully for faint fiber images. The small diameter fibers will be very hard to see. However,
they are an important contribution to the total count.

AAA Environmental
864-582-1222

33

OSHA 1910.1001 Asbestos
General Industry

(5) Count only fibers equal to or longer than 5 um. Measure the length of curved fibers along
the curve.
(6) Count fibers which have a length to width ratio of 3:1 or greater.
(7) Count all the fibers in at least 20 fields. Continue counting until either 100 fibers are
counted or 100 fields have been viewed; whichever occurs first. Count all the fibers in the
final field.
(8) Fibers lying entirely within the boundary of the Walton-Beckett graticule field shall
receive a count of 1. Fibers crossing the boundary once, having one end within the circle
shall receive a count of 1/2. Do not count any fiber that crosses the graticule boundary more
than once. Reject and do not count any other fibers even though they may be visible outside
the graticule area. If a fiber touches the circle, it is considered to cross the line.
(9) Count bundles of fibers as one fiber unless individual fibers can be clearly identified and
each individual fiber is clearly not connected to another counted fiber. See Figure 1 for
counting conventions.
(10) Record the number of fibers in each field in a consistent way such that filter nonuniformity can be assessed.
(11) Regularly check phase ring alignment.
(12) When an agglomerate (mass of material) covers more than 25% of the field of view,
reject the field and select another. Do not include it in the number of fields counted.
(13) Perform a "blind recount" of 1 in every 10 filter wedges (slides). Re-label the slides
using a person other than the original counter.
6.7. Fiber Identification
As previously mentioned in Section 1.3., PCM does not provide positive confirmation of
asbestos fibers. Alternate differential counting techniques should be used if discrimination is
desirable. Differential counting may include primary discrimination based on morphology,
polarized light analysis of fibers, or modification of PCM data by Scanning Electron or
Transmission Electron Microscopy.
A great deal of experience is required to routinely and correctly perform differential
counting. It is discouraged unless it is legally necessary. Then, only if a fiber is obviously not
asbestos should it be excluded from the count. Further discussion of this technique can be
found in reference 8.10.
If there is a question whether a fiber is asbestos or not, follow the rule:
"WHEN IN DOUBT, COUNT."
6.8. Analytical Recommendations -- Quality Control System
AAA Environmental
864-582-1222

34

OSHA 1910.1001 Asbestos
General Industry

6.8.1. All individuals performing asbestos analysis must have taken the NIOSH course for
sampling and evaluating airborne asbestos or an equivalent course.
6.8.2. Each laboratory engaged in asbestos counting shall set up a slide trading arrangement
with at least two other laboratories in order to compare performance and eliminate inbreeding
of error. The slide exchange occurs at least semiannually. The round robin results shall be
posted where all analysts can view individual analyst's results.
6.8.3. Each laboratory engaged in asbestos counting shall participate in the Proficiency
Analytical Testing Program, the Asbestos Analyst Registry or equivalent.
6.8.4. Each analyst shall select and count prepared slides from a "slide bank". These are
quality assurance counts. The slide bank shall be prepared using uniformly distributed
samples taken from the workload. Fiber densities should cover the entire range routinely
analyzed by the laboratory. These slides are counted blind by all counters to establish an
original standard deviation. This historical distribution is compared with the quality
assurance counts. A counter must have 95% of all quality control samples counted within
three standard deviations of the historical mean. This count is then integrated into a new
historical mean and standard deviation for the slide.
The analyses done by the counters to establish the slide bank may be used for an interim
quality control program if the data are treated in a proper statistical fashion.
7. CALCULATIONS
7.1. Calculate the estimated airborne asbestos fiber concentration on the filter sample using
the following formula:
Where:
AC = Airborne fiber concentration

FB
FL
BFB
BFL
ECA

=
=
=
=
=

Total number of fibers greater than 5 um counted
Total number of fields counted on the filter
Total number of fibers greater than 5 um counted in the blank
Total number of fields counted on the blank
Effective collecting area of filter (385 mm(2) nominal for a
25-mm filter.)
FR
= Pump flow rate (L/min)
MFA
= Microscope count field area (mm(2)). This is 0.00785 mm(2) for a
Walton-Beckett Graticule.
T
= Sample collection time (min)
1,000 = Conversion of L to cc

AAA Environmental
864-582-1222

35

OSHA 1910.1001 Asbestos
General Industry

Note: The collection area of a filter is seldom equal to 385 mm(2). It is appropriate for
laboratories to routinely monitor the exact diameter using an inside micrometer. The
collection area is calculated according to the formula:
Area = pi(d/2)(2)
7.2. Short-cut Calculation
Since a given analyst always has the same interpupillary distance, the number of fields per
filter for a particular analyst will remain constant for a given size filter. The field size for that
analyst is constant (i.e. the analyst is using an assigned microscope and is not changing the
reticle).
For example, if the exposed area of the filter is always 385 mm(2) and the size of the field is
always 0.00785 mm(2), the number of fields per filter will always be 49,000. In addition it is
necessary to convert liters of air to cc. These three constants can then be combined such that
ECA/(1,000 X MFA) = 49. The previous equation simplifies to:

7.3. Recount Calculations
As mentioned in step 13 of Section 6.6.2., a "blind recount" of 10% of the slides is
performed. In all cases, differences will be observed between the first and second counts of
the same filter wedge. Most of these differences will be due to chance alone, that is, due to
the random variability (precision) of the count method. Statistical recount criteria enables one
to decide whether observed differences can be explained due to chance alone or are probably
due to systematic differences between analysts, microscopes, or other biasing factors.
The following recount criterion is for a pair of counts that estimate AC in fibers/cc. The
criterion is given at the type-I error level. That is, there is 5% maximum risk that we will
reject a pair of counts for the reason that one might be biased, when the large observed
difference is really due to chance.
Reject a pair of counts if:

Where:
AC1
AC2
ACavg
CV(FB)

=
=
=
=

lower estimated airborne fiber concentration
higher estimated airborne fiber concentration
average of the two concentration estimates
CV for the average of the two concentration estimates

AAA Environmental
864-582-1222

36

OSHA 1910.1001 Asbestos
General Industry

If a pair of counts are rejected by this criterion then, recount the rest of the filters in the
submitted set. Apply the test and reject any other pairs failing the test. Rejection shall include
a memo to the industrial hygienist stating that the sample failed a statistical test for
homogeneity and the true air concentration may be significantly different than the reported
value.
7.4. Reporting Results
Report results to the industrial hygienist as fibers/cc. Use two significant figures. If multiple
analyses are performed on a sample, an average of the results is to be reported unless any of
the results can be rejected for cause.
8. References
8.1. Dreesen, W.C., et al, U.S. Public Health Service: A Study of Asbestosis in the Asbestos
Textile Industry, (Public Health Bulletin No. 241), US Treasury Dept., Washington, DC,
1938.
8.2. Asbestos Research Council: The Measurement of Airborne Asbestos Dust by the
Membrane Filter Method (Technical Note), Asbestos Research Council, Rockdale,
Lancashire, Great Britain, 1969.
8.3. Bayer, S.G., Zumwalde, R.D., Brown, T.A., Equipment and Procedure for Mounting
Millipore Filters and Counting Asbestos Fibers by Phase Contrast Microscopy, Bureau of
Occupational Health, U.S. Dept. of Health, Education and Welfare, Cincinnati, OH, 1969.
8.4. NIOSH Manual of Analytical Methods, 2nd ed., Vol. 1 (DHEW/ NIOSH Pub. No. 77157-A). National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, Cincinnati, OH, 1977. pp.
239-1-239-21.
8.5. Asbestos, Code of Federal Regulations 29 CFR 1910.1001. 1971.
8.6. Occupational Exposure to Asbestos, Tremolite, Anthophyllite, and Actinolite. Final
Rule, Federal Register 51:119 (20 June 1986). pp. 22612-22790.
8.7. Asbestos, Tremolite, Anthophyllite, and Actinolite, Code of Federal Regulations
1910.1001. 1988. pp 711-752.
8.8. Criteria for a Recommended Standard -- Occupational Exposure to Asbestos
(DHEW/NIOSH Pub. No. HSM 72-10267), National Institute for Occupational Safety and
Health NIOSH, Cincinnati,OH, 1972. pp. III-1-III-24.
8.9. Leidel, N.A., Bayer,S.G., Zumwalde, R.D.,Busch, K.A., USPHS/NIOSH Membrane
Filter Method for Evaluating Airborne Asbestos Fibers (DHEW/NIOSH Pub. No. 79-127).
National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, Cincinnati, OH, 1979.
8.10. Dixon, W.C., Applications of Optical Microscopy in Analysis of Asbestos and Quartz,
Analytical Techniques in Occupational Health Chemistry, edited by D.D. Dollberg and A.W.
AAA Environmental
864-582-1222

37

OSHA 1910.1001 Asbestos
General Industry

Verstuyft. Wash. D.C.: American Chemical Society, (ACS Symposium Series 120) 1980. pp.
13-41.
Quality Control
The OSHA asbestos regulations require each laboratory to establish a quality control
program. The following is presented as an example of how the OSHA-SLTC constructed its
internal CV curve as part of meeting this requirement. Data is from 395 samples collected
during OSHA compliance inspections and analyzed from October 1980 through April 1986.
Each sample was counted by 2 to 5 different counters independently of one another. The
standard deviation and the CV statistic was calculated for each sample. This data was then
plotted on a graph of CV vs. fibers/mm(2). A least squares regression was performed using
the following equation:
CV = antilog1(10)[A(log(10)(x))(2)+B(log(10)(x))+C]
where: x = the number of fibers/mm(2)
Application of least squares gave: A = 0.182205
B = -0.973343
C = 0.327499
Using these values, the equation becomes: CV =
antilog(10)[0.182205(log(10)(x))(2)-0.973343(log(10)(x))+0.327499]

Sampling Pump Flow Rate Corrections
This correction is used if a difference greater than 5% in ambient temperature and/or pressure
is noted between calibration and sampling sites and the pump does not compensate for the
differences.

Where:
Q(act) = actual flow rate
Q(cal) = calibrated flow rate (if a rotameter was used, the rotameter
value)
P(cal) = uncorrected air pressure at calibration
P(act) = uncorrected air pressure at sampling site
T(act) = temperature at sampling site (K)
T(cal) = temperature at calibration (K)

Walton-Beckett Graticule
When ordering the Graticule for asbestos counting, specify the exact disc diameter needed to
fit the ocular of the microscope and the diameter (mm) of the circular counting area.
Instructions for measuring the dimensions necessary are listed:

AAA Environmental
864-582-1222

38

OSHA 1910.1001 Asbestos
General Industry

(1) Insert any available graticule into the focusing eyepiece and focus so that the graticule
lines are sharp and clear.
(2) Align the microscope.
(3) Place a stage micrometer on the microscope object stage and focus the microscope on the
graduated lines.
(4) Measure the magnified grid length, PL (um), using the stage micrometer.
(5) Remove the graticule from the microscope and measure its actual grid length, AL (mm).
This can be accomplished by using a mechanical stage fitted with verniers, or a jeweler's
loupe with a direct reading scale.
(6) Let D = 100 um. Calculate the circle diameter, d(c)(mm), for the Walton-Beckett
graticule and specify the diameter when making a purchase:
AL x D
----------------PL
Example: If PL = 108 um, AL = 2.93 mm and D = 100 um, then,
2.93 x 100
d(c) = --------------------------= 2.71mm
108
d(c) =

(7) Each eyepiece-objective-reticle combination on the microscope must be calibrated.
Should any of the three be changed (by zoom adjustment, disassembly, replacement, etc.), the
combination must be recalibrated. Calibration may change if interpupillary distance is
changed. Measure the field diameter, D (acceptable range: 100 plus or minus 2 um) with a
stage micrometer upon receipt of the graticule from the manufacturer. Determine the field
area (mm(2)).
Field Area = pi(D/2)(2)
If D = 100 um = 0.1 mm, then
Field Area = pi(0.1 mm/2)(2) = 0.00785 mm(2)

The Graticule is available from: Graticules Ltd., Morley Road, Tonbridge TN9 IRN, Kent,
England (Telephone 011-44-732-359061). Also available from PTR Optics Ltd., 145 Newton
Street, Waltham, MA 02154 [telephone (617) 891-6000] or McCrone Accessories and
Components, 2506 S. Michigan Ave., Chicago, IL 60616 [phone (312)-842-7100]. The
graticule is custom made for each microscope.

Counts for the Fibers in the Figure
__________________________________________________________________________
Structure No.
Count
Explanation
1 to 6.

AAA Environmental
864-582-1222

1

Single fibers all contained within the
circle

39

OSHA 1910.1001 Asbestos
General Industry

7.
8.
9.
10.
11.
12.

½.
0
2
0
0
1/2

Fiber crosses circle once
Fiber too short
Two crossing fibers
Fiber outside graticule
Fiber crosses graticule twice.
Although split, fiber only crosses once.

[57 FR 24330, June 8, 1992; 59 FR 40964, Aug. 10, 1994; 60 FR 33972, June 29, 1995]
1910.1001 Appendix C - Mandatory
Qualitative and quantitative fit testing procedures [Reserved]
[63 FR 1152, Jan. 8, 1998]
1910.1001 Appendix D – Mandatory
Medical Questionnaire
This mandatory appendix contains the medical questionnaires that must be administered to all
employees who are exposed to asbestos above permissible exposure limit, and who will
AAA Environmental
864-582-1222

40

OSHA 1910.1001 Asbestos
General Industry

therefore be included in their employer's medical surveillance program. Part 1 of the
appendix contains the Initial Medical Questionnaire, which must be obtained for all new hires
who will be covered by the medical surveillance requirements. Part 2 includes the
abbreviated Periodical Medical Questionnaire, which must be administered to all employees
who are provided periodic medical examinations under the medical surveillance provisions of
the standard.
Part 1
INITIAL MEDICAL QUESTIONNAIRE
1.

NAME ______________________________________________________________

2.

SOCIAL SECURITY NUMBER # __________________________________________

3.

CLOCK NUMBER ______________________________________________________

4.

PRESENT OCCUPATION ________________________________________________

5.

PLANT _____________________________________________________________

6. ADDRESS ___________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________
7. _________________________________________________________ (Zip Code)
8.

TELEPHONE NUMBER __________________________________________________

9.

INTERVIEWER _______________________________________________________

10. DATE ______________________________________________________________
11. Date of Birth _____________________________________________________
Month
Day
Year
12. Place of Birth ____________________________________________________
13. Sex

1. Male
2. Female

14. What is your marital status?

1. Single ___
2. Married ___
3. Widowed ___

15. Race

16.

___
___

1. White ___

4. Separated___
5. Divorced ___
4. Hispanic ___

2. Black ___

5. Indian

___

3. Asian ___

6. Other

___

What is the highest grade completed in school? ___________________
(For example 12 years is completion of high school)

OCCUPATIONAL HISTORY
17A. Have you ever worked full time (30 hours per week or more) for 6
months or more?

AAA Environmental
864-582-1222

41

OSHA 1910.1001 Asbestos
General Industry

1. Yes ___

2. No ___

IF YES TO 17A:
B.

Have you ever worked for a year or more in
any dusty job?

1. Yes ___ 2. No ___
3. Does Not Apply ___

Specify job/industry _______________ Total Years Worked __________
Was dust exposure: 1. Mild
C.

2. Moderate ____

3. Severe ____

Have you ever been exposed to gas or
1. Yes ___ 2. No ___
chemical fumes in your work?
Specify job/industry ______________________ Total Years Worked ___
Was exposure :

D.

____

1. Mild

____

2. Moderate ____

3. Severe ____

What has been your usual occupation or job -- the one you have
worked at the longest?
1. Job occupation ________________________________________________
2. Number of years employed in this occupation ___________________
3. Position/job title ____________________________________________

4. Business, field or industry ___________________________________
(Record on lines the years in which you have worked in any of these
industries, e.g. 1960-1969)
Have you ever worked:

YES

NO

E.

In a mine? .........................

_____

_____

F.

In a quarry? .......................

_____

_____

G.

In a foundry? ......................

_____

_____

H.

In a pottery? ......................

_____

_____

I.

In a cotton, flax or hemp mill? ....

_____

_____

J.

With asbestos? .....................

_____

_____

18.

PAST MEDICAL HISTORY
YES

A. Do you consider yourself to be in good health?

_____

NO
_____

If "NO" state reason __________________________________________

AAA Environmental
864-582-1222

42

OSHA 1910.1001 Asbestos
General Industry

B. Have you any defect of vision? ...............

_____

_____

If "YES" state nature of defect _______________________________
C. Have you any hearing defect? .................

_____

_____

If "YES" state nature of defect ______________________________
D. Are you suffering from or have you ever suffered from:
YES
a. Epilepsy (or fits, seizures, convulsions)? _____

19.

NO
_____

b.

Rheumatic fever?

_____

_____

c.

Kidney disease?

_____

_____

d.

Bladder disease?

_____

_____

e.

Diabetes?

_____

_____

f.

Jaundice?

_____

_____

CHEST COLDS AND CHEST ILLNESSES

19A. If you get a cold, does it "usually" go to your
chest? (Usually means more than 1/2 the time)
1. Yes ___ 2. No ___ 3. Don't get colds ___
20A. During the past 3 years, have you had any chest illnesses
that have kept you off work, indoors at home, or in bed?
1. Yes ___ 2. No ___
IF YES TO 20A:
B. Did you produce phlegm with any of these chest illnesses?
1. Yes ___ 2. No ___ 3. Does Not Apply ___
C. In the last 3 years, how many such illnesses with (increased)
phlegm did you have which lasted a week or more?
Number of illnesses ___
No such illnesses
___
21.

Did you have any lung trouble before the age of 16?
1. Yes ___ 2. No ___

22.

Have you ever had any of the following?
1A.

Attacks of bronchitis?

1. Yes ___

IF YES TO 1A:
B. Was it confirmed by a doctor?
C. At what age was your first attack?
2A. Pneumonia (include bronchopneumonia)?

AAA Environmental
864-582-1222

43

2. No ___

1. Yes ___ 2. No ___
3. Does Not Apply ___
Age in Years
___
Does Not Apply ___
1. Yes ___

2. No ___

OSHA 1910.1001 Asbestos
General Industry

IF YES TO 2A:
B. Was it confirmed by a doctor?
C. At what age did you first have it?
3A. Hay Fever?
IF YES TO 3A:
B. Was it confirmed by a doctor?
C. At what age did it start?

1. Yes ___ 2. No ___
3. Does Not Apply ___
Age in Years
___
Does Not Apply ___
1. Yes ___

2. No ___

1. Yes ___ 2. No ___
3. Does Not Apply ___
Age in Years
___
Does Not Apply ___

23A. Have you ever had chronic bronchitis?

1. Yes ___

2. No ___

IF YES TO 23A:
B. Do you still have it?

1. Yes ___ 2. No ___
3. Does Not Apply ___

C.

1. Yes ___ 2. No ___
3. Does Not Apply ___

Was it confirmed by a doctor?

D. At what age did it start?

Age in Years
___
Does Not Apply ___

24A. Have you ever had emphysema?
IF YES TO 24A:

1. Yes ___

2. No ___

B. Do you still have it?

1. Yes ___ 2. No ___
3. Does Not Apply ___

C. Was it confirmed by a doctor?

1. Yes ___ 2. No ___
3. Does Not Apply ___

D. At what age did it start?

Age in Years
___
Does Not Apply ___

25A. Have you ever had asthma?
IF YES TO 25A:

1. Yes ___

2. No ___

B. Do you still have it?

1. Yes ___ 2. No ___
3. Does Not Apply ___

C. Was it confirmed by a doctor?

1. Yes ___ 2. No ___
3. Does Not Apply ___

D. At what age did it start?

Age in Years
___
Does Not Apply ___

E. If you no longer have it, at what age did it stop?
Age stopped

AAA Environmental
864-582-1222

44

___

OSHA 1910.1001 Asbestos
General Industry

Does Not Apply ___
26.

Have you ever had:

A. Any other chest illness?

1. Yes ___

2. No ___

If yes, please specify ___________________________________________
B. Any chest operations?

1. Yes ___

2. No ___

If yes, please specify ___________________________________________
C. Any chest injuries?

1. Yes ___

2. No ___

If yes, please specify ___________________________________________
27A. Has a doctor ever told you that you had heart trouble?
1. Yes ___

2. No ___

IF YES TO 27A:
B. Have you ever had treatment for heart trouble in the past 10 years?
1. Yes ___ 2. No ___
3. Does Not Apply ___
28A. Has a doctor told you that you had high blood pressure?
1. Yes ___

2. No ___

IF YES TO 28A:
B. Have you had any treatment for high blood pressure (hypertension)
in the past 10 years?
1. Yes ___ 2. No ___
3. Does Not Apply ___
29.
30.

When did you last have your chest X-rayed?
(Year) ___ ___ ___ ___
Where did you last have your chest X-rayed (if known)?
_____________________________________________________________________
What was the outcome? _______________________________________________

FAMILY HISTORY
31. Were either of your natural parents ever told by a doctor that they
had a chronic lung condition such as:
1. Yes

A. Chronic Bronchitis?
___

AAA Environmental
864-582-1222

FATHER
2. No 3. Don't
know

___

___

45

1. Yes

___

MOTHER
2. No 3. Don't
know

___

___

OSHA 1910.1001 Asbestos
General Industry

B. Emphysema?

___

___

___

___

___

___

C. Asthma?

___

___

___

___

___

___

D. Lung cancer?

___

___

___

___

___

___

___

___

___

___

___

F. Is parent currently alive?
___
___

___

___

___

___

E. Other chest conditions?
___

G. Please Specify

___ Age if Living
___ Age at Death
___ Don't Know

H. Please specify cause of death
____________________________________

___ Age if Living
___ Age at Death
___ Don't Know

__________________________

COUGH
32A. Do you usually have a cough? (Count a cough with first smoke or on
first going out of doors. Exclude clearing of throat.)
(If no, skip to question 32C.)
1. Yes ___ 2. No ___
B. Do you usually cough as much as 4 to 6 times a day 4 or more days
out of the week?
1. Yes ___ 2. No ___
C. Do you usually cough at all on getting up or first thing in the
morning?
1. Yes ___ 2. No ___
D. Do you usually cough at all during the rest of the day or at night?
1. Yes ___ 2. No ___
IF YES TO ANY OF ABOVE (32A, B, C, OR D,), ANSWER THE FOLLOWING.
TO ALL, CHECK "DOES NOT APPLY" AND SKIP TO NEXT PAGE

IF NO

E. Do you usually cough like this on most days for 3 consecutive
months or more during the year?
1. Yes ___ 2. No ___
3. Does not apply ___
F. For how many years have you had the cough?

AAA Environmental
864-582-1222

46

Number of years ___

OSHA 1910.1001 Asbestos
General Industry

Does not apply

___

33A. Do you usually bring up phlegm from your chest?
(Count phlegm with the first smoke or on first going out of doors.
Exclude phlegm from the nose. Count swallowed phlegm.) (If no,
skip to 33C)
1. Yes ___ 2. No ___
B. Do you usually bring up phlegm like this as much as twice a day 4
or more days out of the week?
1. Yes ___ 2. No ___
C. Do you usually bring up phlegm at all on getting up or first thing
in the morning?
1. Yes ___ 2. No ___
D. Do you usually bring up phlegm at all on during the rest of the day
or at night?
1. Yes ___ 2. No ___
IF YES TO ANY OF THE ABOVE (33A, B, C, OR D), ANSWER THE FOLLOWING:
IF NO TO ALL, CHECK "DOES NOT APPLY" AND SKIP TO 34A
E. Do you bring up phlegm like this on most days for 3 consecutive
months or more during the year?
1. Yes ___ 2. No ___
3. Does not apply ___
F. For how many years have you had trouble with phlegm?
Number of years ___
Does not apply ___
EPISODES OF COUGH AND PHLEGM
34A. Have you had periods or episodes of (increased*) cough and phlegm
lasting for 3 weeks or more each year?
*(For persons who usually have cough and/or phlegm)
1. Yes ___ 2. No ___
IF YES TO 34A
B. For how long have you had at least 1 such episode per year?
Number of years ___
Does not apply ___
WHEEZING
35A. Does your chest ever sound wheezy or whistling
1. When you have a cold?
1. Yes ___

2. No ___

2. Occasionally apart from colds?

1. Yes ___

2. No ___

3. Most days or nights?

1. Yes ___

2. No ___

AAA Environmental
864-582-1222

47

OSHA 1910.1001 Asbestos
General Industry

IF YES TO 1, 2, or 3 in 35A
B. For how many years has this been present?
Number of years ___
Does not apply ___
36A. Have you ever had an attack of wheezing that has made you feel short
of breath?
1. Yes ___

2. No ___

IF YES TO 36A
B. How old were you when you had your first such attack?
Age in years
___
Does not apply ___
C. Have you had 2 or more such episodes?
1. Yes ___ 2. No ___
3. Does not apply ___
D. Have you ever required medicine or treatment for the(se) attack(s)?
1. Yes ___ 2. No ___
3. Does not apply ___
BREATHLESSNESS
37.

If disabled from walking by any condition other than heart or lung
disease, please describe and proceed to question 39A.
Nature of condition(s) ______________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________

38A. Are you troubled by shortness of breath when hurrying on the level
or walking up a slight hill?
1. Yes ___ 2. No ___
IF YES TO 38A
B. Do you have to walk slower than people of your age on the level
because of breathlessness?
1. Yes ___ 2. No ___
3. Does not apply ___
C. Do you ever have to stop for breath when walking at your own pace
on the level?
1. Yes ___ 2. No ___
3. Does not apply ___
D. Do you ever have to stop for breath after walking about 100 yards
(or after a few minutes) on the level?
1. Yes ___ 2. No ___
3. Does not apply ___

AAA Environmental
864-582-1222

48

OSHA 1910.1001 Asbestos
General Industry

E. Are you too breathless to leave the house or breathless on dressing
or climbing one flight of stairs?
1. Yes ___ 2. No ___
3. Does not apply ___
TOBACCO SMOKING
39A. Have you ever smoked cigarettes? (No means less than 20 packs of
cigarettes or 12 oz. of tobacco in a lifetime or less than 1
cigarette a day for 1 year.)
1. Yes ___ 2. No ___
IF YES TO 39A
B. Do you now smoke cigarettes (as of one month ago)
1. Yes ___ 2. No ___
3. Does not apply ___
C. How old were you when you first started regular cigarette smoking?
Age in years
___
Does not apply ___
D. If you have stopped smoking cigarettes completely, how old were
when you stopped?
Age stopped
Check if still smoking
Does not apply
E. How many cigarettes do you smoke per day now?
Cigarettes per day
Does not apply

you
___
___
___

___
___

F. On the average of the entire time you smoked, how many cigarettes did
you smoke per day?
Cigarettes per day
___
Does not apply
___
G. Do or did you inhale the cigarette smoke?
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.

Does not apply
Not at all
Slightly
Moderately
Deeply

40A. Have you ever smoked a pipe regularly?
(Yes means more than 12 oz. of tobacco in a lifetime.)
1. Yes ___

___
___
___
___
___

2. No ___

IF YES TO 40A:
FOR PERSONS WHO HAVE EVER SMOKED A PIPE
B. 1. How old were you when you started to smoke a pipe regularly?
Age ___

AAA Environmental
864-582-1222

49

OSHA 1910.1001 Asbestos
General Industry

2. If you have stopped smoking a pipe completely, how old were you
when you stopped?
Age stopped
___
Check if still smoking pipe ___
Does not apply
___
C. On the average over the entire time you smoked a pipe, how much pipe
tobacco did you smoke per week?
___ oz. per week
(a standard pouch of tobacco contains 1 1/2 oz.)
___ Does not apply

D. How much pipe tobacco are you smoking now?
oz. per week
Not currently smoking a pipe

___
___

E. Do you or did you inhale the pipe smoke?
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.

Never smoked
Not at all
Slightly
Moderately
Deeply

___
___
___
___
___

41A. Have you ever smoked cigars regularly?
1. Yes ___
(Yes means more than 1 cigar a week for a year)

2. No ___

IF YES TO 41A
FOR PERSONS WHO HAVE EVER SMOKED A CIGARS
B. 1. How old were you when you started
smoking cigars regularly?

Age ___

2. If you have stopped smoking cigars
completely, how old were you when
you stopped.

Age stopped
Check if still
smoking cigars
Does not apply

___

C. On the average over the entire time you
smoked cigars, how many cigars did you
smoke per week?

Cigars per week
Does not apply

___
___

D. How many cigars are you smoking per week
now?

Cigars per week
Check if not
smoking cigars
currently

___

Never smoked
Not at all
Slightly
Moderately
Deeply

___
___
___
___
___

E. Do or did you inhale the cigar smoke?

AAA Environmental
864-582-1222

50

1.
2.
3.
4.
5.

___
___

___

OSHA 1910.1001 Asbestos
General Industry

Signature ____________________________

Date _____________________

Part 2
PERIODIC MEDICAL QUESTIONNAIRE
1.

NAME _____________________________________________________________

2.

SOCIAL SECURITY #

3.

CLOCK NUMBER

4.

PRESENT OCCUPATION _______________________________________________

5.

PLANT ____________________________________________________________

6.

ADDRESS __________________________________________________________

7.

__________________________________________________________________
(Zip Code)

8.

TELEPHONE NUMBER _________________________________________________

9.

INTERVIEWER

10.

DATE _________________________

11.

What is your marital status?

12.

OCCUPATIONAL HISTORY

___

___

___

___

___

___

___

___

___

___

___

___

___

___

___

___

_____________________________________________________
___

___

___

___

1. Single ___
2. Married ___
3. Widowed ___

12A. In the past year, did you work
full time (30 hours per week
or more) for 6 months or more?

___

___

4. Separated/.
Divorced ___

1. Yes ___

2. No ___

IF YES TO 12A:
12B. In the past year, did you work
in a dusty job?
12C. Was dust exposure:

1. Yes ___
2. No ___
3. Does not Apply ___

1. Mild ___

12D. In the past year, were you
exposed to gas or chemical
fumes in your work?

2. Moderate ___
1. Yes ___

3. Severe ___
2. No ___

12E. Was exposure:

1. Mild ___

12F. In the past year,
what was your:

1. Job/occupation? _________________________

AAA Environmental
864-582-1222

51

2. Moderate ___

3. Severe ___

OSHA 1910.1001 Asbestos
General Industry

2. Position/job title? _____________________
13.

RECENT MEDICAL HISTORY

13A. Do you consider yourself to
be in good health?

Yes

___

No ___

If NO, state reason ______________________________________________
13B. In the past year, have you
developed:
Epilepsy?
Rheumatic fever?
Kidney disease?
Bladder disease?
Diabetes?
Jaundice?
Cancer?
14.

Yes
___
___
___
___
___
___
___

No
___
___
___
___
___
___
___

CHEST COLDS AND CHEST ILLNESSES

14A. If you get a cold, does it "usually" go to your chest?
(usually means more than 1/2 the time)
1. Yes ___
2. No ___
3. Don't get colds ___
15A. During the past year, have you had
any chest illnesses that have kept you
off work, indoors at home, or in bed?

1. Yes ___
2. No ___
3. Does Not Apply ___

IF YES TO 15A:
15B. Did you produce phlegm with any
of these chest illnesses?

1. Yes ___
2. No ___
3. Does Not Apply ___

15C. In the past year, how many such
illnesses with (increased) phlegm
did you have which lasted a week
or more?

Number of illnesses ___
No such illnesses
___

16.

RESPIRATORY SYSTEM
In the past year have you had:
Yes or No
Asthma

_____

Bronchitis

_____

Hay Fever

_____

Other Allergies

_____

Further Comment on Positive
Answers

Yes or No
Pneumonia

_____

Tuberculosis

_____

AAA Environmental
864-582-1222

Further Comment on Positive
Answers

52

OSHA 1910.1001 Asbestos
General Industry

Chest Surgery

_____

Other Lung Problems

_____

Heart Disease

_____

Do you have:
Yes or No
Frequent colds

_____

Chronic cough

_____

Shortness of breath
when walking or
climbing one flight
or stairs

_____

Further Comment on Positive
Answers

Do you:
Wheeze

_____

Cough up phlegm

_____

Smoke cigarettes

_____

Date __________________

Packs per day ____

How many years ___

Signature ____________________________________

[57 FR 24330, June 8, 1992; 59 FR 40964, Aug. 10, 1994]
1910.1001 Appendix E Mandatory Interpretation and classification of chest roentgenograms –
a) Chest roentgenograms shall be interpreted and classified in accordance with a
professionally accepted Classification system and recorded on an interpretation form
following the format of the CDC/NIOSH (M) 2.8 form. As a minimum, the content within
the bold lines of this form (items 1 though 4) shall be included. This form is not to be
submitted to NIOSH.
(b) Roentgenograms shall be interpreted and classified only by a B-reader, a board
eligible/certified radiologist, or an experienced physician with known expertise in
pneumoconioses.
(c) All interpreters, whenever interpreting chest roentgenograms made under this section,
shall have immediately available for reference a complete set of the ILO-U/C International
Classification of Radiographs for Pneumoconioses, 1980.

AAA Environmental
864-582-1222

53

OSHA 1910.1001 Asbestos
General Industry

1910.1001 Appendix F Mandatory –
Work practices and engineering controls for automotive brake and clutch inspection,
disassembly, repair and assembly -This mandatory appendix specifies engineering controls and work practices that must be
implemented by the employer during automotive brake and clutch inspection, disassembly,
repair, and assembly operations.
Proper use of these engineering controls and work practices by trained employees will reduce
employees' asbestos exposure below the permissible exposure level during clutch and brake
inspection, disassembly, repair, and assembly operations. The employer shall institute
engineering controls and work practices using either the method set forth in paragraph [A] or
paragraph [B] of this appendix, or any other method which the employer can demonstrate to
be equivalent in terms of reducing employee exposure to asbestos as defined and which
meets the requirements described in paragraph [C] of this appendix, for those facilities in
which no more than 5 pairs of brakes or 5 clutches are inspected, disassembled, reassembled
and/or repaired per week, the method set forth in paragraph [D] of this appendix may be
used:
[A] Negative Pressure Enclosure/HEPA Vacuum System Method
(1) The brake and clutch inspection, disassembly, repair, and assembly operations shall be
enclosed to cover and contain the clutch or brake assembly and to prevent the release of
asbestos fibers into the worker's breathing zone.
(2) The enclosure shall be sealed tightly and thoroughly inspected for leaks before work
begins on brake and clutch inspection, disassembly, repair, and assembly.
(3) The enclosure shall be such that the worker can clearly see the operation and shall provide
impermeable sleeves through which the worker can handle the brake and clutch inspection,
disassembly, repair and assembly. The integrity of the sleeves and ports shall be examined
before work begins.
(4) A HEPA-filtered vacuum shall be employed to maintain the enclosure under negative
pressure throughout the operation. Compressed-air may be used to remove asbestos fibers or
particles from the enclosure.
(5) The HEPA vacuum shall be used first to loosen the asbestos containing residue from the
brake and clutch parts and then to evacuate the loosened asbestos containing material from
the enclosure and capture the material in the vacuum filter.
(6) The vacuum's filter, when full, shall be first wetted with a fine mist of water, then
removed and placed immediately in an impermeable container, labeled according to
paragraph (j)(4) of this section and disposed of according to paragraph (k) of this section.

AAA Environmental
864-582-1222

54

OSHA 1910.1001 Asbestos
General Industry

(7) Any spills or releases of asbestos containing waste material from inside of the enclosure
or vacuum hose or vacuum filter shall be immediately cleaned up and disposed of according
to paragraph (k) of this section.
[B] Low Pressure/Wet Cleaning Method
(1) A catch basin shall be placed under the brake assembly, positioned to avoid splashes and
spills.
(2) The reservoir shall contain water containing an organic solvent or wetting agent. The flow
of liquid shall be controlled such that the brake assembly is gently flooded to prevent the
asbestos-containing brake dust from becoming airborne.
(3) The aqueous solution shall be allowed to flow between the brake drum and brake support
before the drum is removed.
(4) After removing the brake drum, the wheel hub and back of the brake assembly shall be
thoroughly wetted to suppress dust.
(5) The brake support plate, brake shoes and brake components used to attach the brake shoes
shall be thoroughly washed before removing the old shoes.
(6) In systems using filters, the filters, when full, shall be first wetted with a fine mist of
water, then removed and placed immediately in an impermeable container, labeled according
to paragraph (j)(4) of this section and disposed of according to paragraph (k) of this section.
(7) Any spills of asbestos-containing aqueous solution or any asbestos-containing waste
material shall be cleaned up immediately and disposed of according to paragraph (k) of this
section.
(8) The use of dry brushing during low pressure/wet cleaning operations is prohibited.
[C] Equivalent Methods
An equivalent method is one which has sufficient written detail so that it can be reproduced
and has been demonstrated that the exposures resulting from the equivalent method are equal
to or less than the exposures which would result from the use of the method described in
paragraph [A] of this appendix. For purposes of making this comparison, the employer shall
assume that exposures resulting from the use of the method described in paragraph [A] of this
appendix shall not exceed 0.016 f/cc, as measured by the OSHA reference method and as
averaged over at least 18 personal samples.
[D] Wet Method.
(1) A spray bottle, hose nozzle, or other implement capable of delivering a fine mist of water
or amended water or other delivery system capable of delivering water at low pressure, shall
be used to first thoroughly wet the brake and clutch parts. Brake and clutch components shall
then be wiped clean with a cloth.
AAA Environmental
864-582-1222

55

OSHA 1910.1001 Asbestos
General Industry

(2) The cloth shall be placed in an impermeable container, labeled according to paragraph
(j)(4) of the standard and then disposed of according to paragraph (k) of this section, or the
cloth shall be laundered in a way to prevent the release of asbestos fibers in excess of 0.1
fiber per cubic centimeter of air.
(3) Any spills of solvent or any asbestos containing waste material shall be cleaned up
immediately according to paragraph (k) of this section.
(4) The use of dry brushing during the wet method operations is prohibited.
[59 FR 40964, Aug. 10, 1994; 60 FR 33972, June 29, 1995]

1910.1001 Appendix G. - Non-Mandatory
Substance technical information for asbestos
I. Substance Identification
A. Substance: "Asbestos" is the name of a class of magnesium-silicate minerals that occur in
fibrous form. Minerals that are included in this group are chrysotile, crocidolite, amosite,
tremolite asbestos, anthophyllite asbestos, and actinolite asbestos.
B. Asbestos are used in the manufacture of heat-resistant clothing, automative brake and
clutch linings, and a variety of building materials including floor tiles, roofing felts, ceiling
tiles, asbestos-cement pipe and sheet, and fire-resistant drywall. Asbestos is also present in
pipe and boiler insulation materials, and in sprayed-on materials located on beams, in
crawlspaces, and between walls.
C. The potential for a product containing asbestos to release breathable fibers depends on its
degree of friability. Friable means that the material can be crumbled with hand pressure and
is therefore likely to emit fibers. The fibrous or fluffy sprayed-on materials used for
fireproofing, insulation, or sound proofing are considered to be friable, and they readily
release airborne fibers if disturbed. Materials such as vinyl-asbestos floor tile or roofing felts
are considered nonfriable and generally do not emit airborne fibers unless subjected to
sanding or sawing operations. Asbestos-cement pipe or sheet can emit airborne fibers if the
materials are cut or sawed, or if they are broken during demolition operations.
D. Permissible exposure: Exposure to airborne asbestos fibers may not exceed 0.2 fibers per
cubic centimeter of air (0.1 f/cc) averaged over the 8-hour workday.
II. Health Hazard Data
A. Asbestos can cause disabling respiratory disease and various types of cancers if the fibers
are inhaled. Inhaling or ingesting fibers from contaminated clothing or skin can also result in
these diseases. The symptoms of these diseases generally do not appear for 20 or more years
after initial exposure.
AAA Environmental
864-582-1222

56

OSHA 1910.1001 Asbestos
General Industry

B. Exposure to asbestos has been shown to cause lung cancer, mesothelioma, and cancer of
the stomach and colon. Mesothelioma is a rare cancer of the thin membrane lining of the
chest and abdomen. Symptoms of mesothelioma include shortness of breath, pain in the walls
of the chest, and/or abdominal pain.
III. Respirators and Protective Clothing
A. Respirators: You are required to wear a respirator when performing tasks that result in
asbestos exposure that exceeds the permissible exposure limit (PEL) of 0.1 f/cc. These
conditions can occur while your employer is in the process of installing engineering controls
to reduce asbestos exposure, or where engineering controls are not feasible to reduce asbestos
exposure. Air-purifying respirators equipped with a high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA)
filter can be used where airborne asbestos fiber concentrations do not exceed 2 f/cc;
otherwise, air-supplied, positive-pressure, full facepiece respirators must be used. Disposable
respirators or dust masks are not permitted to be used for asbestos work. For effective
protection, respirators must fit your face and head snugly. Your employer is required to
conduct fit tests when you are first assigned a respirator and every 6 months thereafter.
Respirators should not be loosened or removed in work situations where their use is required.
B. Protective Clothing: You are required to wear protective clothing in work areas where
asbestos fiber concentrations exceed the permissible exposure limit.
IV. Disposal Procedures and Cleanup
A. Wastes that are generated by processes where asbestos is present include:
1. Empty asbestos shipping containers.
2. Process wastes such as cuttings, trimmings, or reject material.
3. Housekeeping waste from sweeping or vacuuming.
4. Asbestos fireproofing or insulating material that is removed from buildings.
5. Building products that contain asbestos removed during building renovation or demolition.
6. Contaminated disposable protective clothing.
B. Empty shipping bags can be flattened under exhaust hoods and packed into airtight
containers for disposal. Empty shipping drums are difficult to clean and should be sealed.
C. Vacuum bags or disposable paper filters should not be cleaned, but should be sprayed with
a fine water mist and placed into a labeled waste container.
D. Process waste and housekeeping waste should be wetted with water or a mixture of water
and surfactant prior to packaging in disposable containers.

AAA Environmental
864-582-1222

57

OSHA 1910.1001 Asbestos
General Industry

E. Material containing asbestos that is removed from buildings must be disposed of in leaktight 6-mil thick plastic bags, plastic-lined cardboard containers, or plastic-lined metal
containers. These wastes, which are removed while wet, should be sealed in containers before
they dry out to minimize the release of asbestos fibers during handling.
V. Access to Information
A. Each year, your employer is required to inform you of the information contained in this
standard and appendices for asbestos In addition, your employer must instruct you in the
proper work practices for handling materials containing asbestos and the correct use of
protective equipment.
B. Your employer is required to determine whether you are being exposed to asbestos. You
or your representative has the right to observe employee measurements and to record the
results obtained. Your employer is required to inform you of your exposure, and, if you are
exposed above the permissible limit, he or she is required to inform you of the actions that
are being taken to reduce your exposure to within the permissible limit.
C. Your employer is required to keep records of your exposures and medical examinations.
These exposure records must be kept for at least thirty (30) years. Medical records must be
kept for the period of your employment plus thirty (30) years.
D. Your employer is required to release your exposure and medical records to your physician
or designated representative upon your written request.
[57 FR 24330, June 8, 1992; 59 FR 40964, Aug. 10, 1994; 60 FR 33972, June 29, 1995]

1910.1001 Appendix H- Non-Mandatory
Medical surveillance guidelines for asbestos
I. Route of Entry Inhalation, Ingestion
II. Toxicology
Clinical evidence of the adverse effects associated with exposure to asbestos is present in the
form of several well-conducted epidemiological studies of occupationally exposed workers,
family contacts of workers, and persons living near asbestos mines. These studies have
shown a definite association between exposure to asbestos and an increased incidence of lung
AAA Environmental
864-582-1222

58

OSHA 1910.1001 Asbestos
General Industry

cancer, pleural and peritoneal mesothelioma, gastrointestinal cancer, and asbestosis. The
latter is a disabling fibrotic lung disease that is caused only by exposure to asbestos.
Exposure to asbestos has also been associated with an increased incidence of esophageal,
kidney, laryngeal, pharyngeal, and buccal cavity cancers. As with other known chronic
occupational diseases, disease associated with asbestos generally appears about 20 years
following the first occurrence of exposure: There are no known acute effects associated with
exposure to asbestos.
Epidemiological studies indicate that the risk of lung cancer among exposed workers who
smoke cigarettes is greatly increased over the risk of lung cancer among non-exposed
smokers or exposed nonsmokers. These studies suggest that cessation of smoking will reduce
the risk of lung cancer for a person exposed to asbestos but will not reduce it to the same
level of risk as that existing for an exposed worker who has never smoked.
III. Signs and Symptoms of Exposure-Related Disease
The signs and symptoms of lung cancer or gastrointestinal cancer induced by exposure to
asbestos are not unique, except that a chest X-ray of an exposed patient with lung cancer may
show pleural plaques, pleural calcification, or pleural fibrosis. Symptoms characteristic of
mesothelioma include shortness of breath, pain in the walls of the chest, or abdominal pain.
Mesothelioma has a much longer latency period compared with lung cancer (40 years versus
15-20 years), and mesothelioma is therefore more likely to be found among workers who
were first exposed to asbestos at an early age. Mesothelioma is always fatal.
Asbestosis is pulmonary fibrosis caused by the accumulation of asbestos fibers in the lungs.
Symptoms include shortness of breath, coughing, fatigue, and vague feelings of sickness.
When the fibrosis worsens, shortness of breath occurs even at rest. The diagnosis of
asbestosis is based on a history of exposure to asbestos, the presence of characteristic
radiologic changes, end-inspiratory crackles (rales), and other clinical features of fibrosing
lung disease. Pleural plaques and thickening are observed on X-rays taken during the early
stages of the disease. Asbestosis is often a progressive disease even in the absence of
continued exposure, although this appears to be a highly individualized characteristic. In
severe cases, death may be caused by respiratory or cardiac failure.
IV. Surveillance and Preventive Considerations
As noted above, exposure to asbestos has been linked to an increased risk of lung cancer,
mesothelioma, gastrointestinal cancer, and asbestosis among occupationally exposed
workers. Adequate screening tests to determine an employee's potential for developing
serious chronic diseases, such as cancer, from exposure to asbestos do not presently exist.
However, some tests, particularly chest X-rays and pulmonary function tests, may indicate
that an employee has been overexposed to asbestos, increasing his or her risk of developing
exposure-related chronic diseases. It is important for the physician to become familiar with
the operating conditions in which occupational exposure to asbestos is likely to occur. This is
particularly important in evaluating medical and work histories and in conducting physical
examinations. When an active employee has been identified as having been overexposed to
asbestos measures taken by the employer to eliminate or mitigate further exposure should
also lower the risk of serious long-term consequences.
AAA Environmental
864-582-1222

59

OSHA 1910.1001 Asbestos
General Industry

The employer is required to institute a medical surveillance program for all employees who
are or will be exposed to asbestos at or above the permissible exposure limit (0.1 fiber per
cubic centimeter of air). All examinations and procedures must be performed by or under the
supervision of a licensed physician, at a reasonable time and place, and at no cost to the
employee. Although broad latitude is given to the physician in prescribing specific tests to be
included in the medical surveillance program, OSHA requires inclusion of the following
elements in the routine examination:
(i) Medical and work histories with special emphasis directed to symptoms of the respiratory
system, cardiovascular system, and digestive tract.
(ii) Completion of the respiratory disease questionnaire contained in Appendix D.
(iii) A physical examination including a chest roentgenogram and pulmonary function test
that includes measurement of the employee's forced vital capacity (FVC) and forced
expiratory volume at one second (FEV(1)).
(iv) Any laboratory or other test that the examining physician deems by sound medical
practice to be necessary.
The employer is required to make the prescribed tests available at least annually to those
employees covered; more often than specified if recommended by the examining physician;
and upon termination of employment.
The employer is required to provide the physician with the following information: A copy of
this standard and appendices; a description of the employee's duties as they relate to asbestos
exposure; the employee's representative level of exposure to asbestos; a description of any
personal protective and respiratory equipment used; and information from previous medical
examinations of the affected employee that is not otherwise available to the physician.
Making this information available to the physician will aid in the evaluation of the
employee's health in relation to assigned duties and fitness to wear personal protective
equipment, if required.
The employer is required to obtain a written opinion from the examining physician
containing the results of the medical examination; the physician's opinion as to whether the
employee has any detected medical conditions that would place the employee at an increased
risk of exposure-related disease; any recommended limitations on the employee or on the use
of personal protective equipment; and a statement that the employee has been informed by
the physician of the results of the medical examination and of any medical conditions related
to asbestos exposure that require further explanation or treatment. This written opinion must
not reveal specific findings or diagnoses unrelated to exposure to asbestos, and a copy of the
opinion must be provided to the affected employee.
[57 FR 24330, June 8, 1992; 59 FR 40964, Aug. 10, 1994]
1910.1001 Appendix I- Non-Mandatory
Smoking Cessation Program Information For Asbestos

AAA Environmental
864-582-1222

60

OSHA 1910.1001 Asbestos
General Industry

The following organizations provide smoking cessation information and program material.
1. The National Cancer Institute operates a toll-free Cancer Information Service (CIS) with
trained personnel to help you. Call 1-800-4-CANCER to reach the CIS office serving your
area, or write: Office of Cancer Communications, National Cancer Institute, National
Institutes of Health, Building 31, Room 10A24, Bethesda, Maryland 20892.
2. American Cancer Society, 3340 Peachtree Road, NE, Atlanta, Georgia 30062, (404)3203333.
The American Cancer Society (ACS) is a voluntary organization composed of 58 divisions
and 3,100 local units. Through "The Great American Smokeout" in November, the annual
Cancer Crusade in April, and numerous educational materials. ACS helps people learn about
the health hazards of smoking and become successful ex-smokers.
3. American Heart Association, 7320 Greenville Avenue, Dallas, Texas 75231, (214)7505300.
The American Heart Association(AHA) is a voluntary organization with 130,000 members
(physicians, scientists, and laypersons) in 55 state and regional groups. AHA produces a
variety of publications and audio-visual materials about the effects of smoking on the heart.
AHA also has developed a guidebook for incorporating a weight-control component into
smoking cessation programs.
4. American Lung Association, 1740 Broadway, New York, New York 10019, (212)2458000.
A voluntary organization of 7,500 members (physicians, nurses, and laypersons), the
American Lung Association (ALA) conducts numerous public information programs about
the health effect of smoking. ALA has 59 state and 85 local units. The organization actively
supports legislation and information campaigns for smokers who want to quit, for example,
through "Freedom From Smoking," a self-help smoking cessation program.
5. Office on Smoking and Health, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, 5600
Fishers Lane, Park Building, Room 110, Rockville, Maryland 20857.
The Office on Smoking and Health (OSH) is the Department of Health and Human Services'
lead agency in smoking control. OSH has sponsored distribution of publications on smokingrelated topics, such as free flyers on relapse after initial quitting, helping a friend or family
member quit smoking, the health hazards of smoking, and the effects of parental smoking on
teenagers.
In Hawaii, on Oahu call 524-1234 (call collect from neighboring islands).
Spanish-speaking staff members are available during daytime hours to callers from the
following areas: California, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, New Jersey (area code 210), New
York, and Texas. Consult your local telephone directory for listings of local chapters.
AAA Environmental
864-582-1222

61

OSHA 1910.1001 Asbestos
General Industry

1910.1001 Appendix J-- Non-Mandatory Polarized Light Microscopy of Asbestos
Method number: ID-191 Matrix: Bulk
Collection Procedure
Collect approximately 1 to 2 grams of each type of material and place into separate 20 mL
scintillation vials.
Analytical Procedure
A portion of each separate phase is analyzed by gross examination, phase-polar examination,
and central stop dispersion microscopy.
Commercial manufacturers and products mentioned in this method are for descriptive use
only and do not constitute endorsements by USDOL-OSHA. Similar products from other
sources may be substituted.
1. Introduction
This method describes the collection and analysis of asbestos bulk materials by light
microscopy techniques including phase-polar illumination and central-stop dispersion
microscopy. Some terms unique to asbestos analysis are defined below:
Amphibole: A family of minerals whose crystals are formed by long, thin units which have
two thin ribbons of double chain silicate with a brucite ribbon in between. The shape of each
unit is similar to an "I beam". Minerals important in asbestos analysis include
cummingtonite-grunerite, crocidolite, tremolite-actinolite and anthophyllite.
Asbestos: A term for naturally occurring fibrous minerals. Asbestos includes chrysotile,
cummingtonite-grunerite asbestos (amosite), anthophyllite asbestos, tremolite asbestos,
crocidolite, actinolite asbestos and any of these minerals which have been chemically treated
or altered. The precise chemical formulation of each species varies with the location from
which it was mined. Nominal compositions are listed:
Chrysotile....................................... Mg(3)Si(2)O(5)(OH)(4)
Crocidolite (Riebeckite asbestos)
............................. Na(2)Fe(3)(2)+Fe(2)(3)+Si(8)O(22)(OH)(2)
Cummingtonite-Grunerite asbestos (Amosite)
........................................... (Mg,Fe)(7)Si(8)O(22)(OH)(2)
Tremolite-Actinolite asbestos
...................................... Ca(2)(Mg,Fe)(5)Si(8)O(22)(OH)(2)
Anthophyllite asbestos..................... (Mg,Fe)(7)Si(8)O(22)(OH)(2)

Asbestos Fiber: A fiber of asbestos meeting the criteria for a fiber. (See section 3.5.)

AAA Environmental
864-582-1222

62

OSHA 1910.1001 Asbestos
General Industry

Aspect Ratio: The ratio of the length of a fiber to its diameter usually defined as "length :
width", e.g. 3:1.
Brucite: A sheet mineral with the composition Mg(OH)(2).
Central Stop Dispersion Staining (microscope): This is a dark field microscope technique that
images particles using only light refracted by the particle, excluding light that travels through
the particle unrefracted. This is usually accomplished with a McCrone objective or other
arrangement which places a circular stop with apparent aperture equal to the objective
aperture in the back focal plane of the microscope.
Cleavage Fragments: Mineral particles formed by the comminution of minerals, especially
those characterized by relatively parallel sides and moderate aspect ratio.
Differential Counting: The term applied to the practice of excluding certain kinds of fibers
from a phase contrast asbestos count because they are not asbestos.
Fiber: A particle longer than or equal to 5 um with a length to width ratio greater than or
equal to 3:1. This may include cleavage fragments. (see section 3.5 of this appendix).
Phase Contrast: Contrast obtained in the microscope by causing light scattered by small
particles to destructively interfere with unscattered light, thereby enhancing the visibility of
very small particles and particles with very low intrinsic contrast.
Phase Contrast Microscope: A microscope configured with a phase mask pair to create phase
contrast. The technique which uses this is called Phase Contrast Microscopy (PCM).
Phase-Polar Analysis: This is the use of polarized light in a phase contrast microscope. It is
used to see the same size fibers that are visible in air filter analysis. Although fibers finer than
1 um are visible, analysis of these is inferred from analysis of larger bundles that are usually
present.
Phase-Polar Microscope: The phase-polar microscope is a phase contrast microscope which
has an analyzer, a polarizer, a first order red plate and a rotating phase condenser all in place
so that the polarized light image is enhanced by phase contrast.
Sealing Encapsulant: This is a product which can be applied, preferably by spraying, onto an
asbestos surface which will seal the surface so that fibers cannot be released.
Serpentine: A mineral family consisting of minerals with the general composition
Mg(3)(Si(2)O(5)(OH)(4) having the magnesium in brucite layer over a silicate layer.
Minerals important in asbestos analysis included in this family are chrysotile, lizardite,
antigorite.
1.1. History
Light microscopy has been used for well over 100 years for the determination of mineral
species. This analysis is carried out using specialized polarizing microscopes as well as bright
AAA Environmental
864-582-1222

63

OSHA 1910.1001 Asbestos
General Industry

field microscopes. The identification of minerals is an on-going process with many new
minerals described each year. The first recorded use of asbestos was in Finland about 2500
B.C. where the material was used in the mud wattle for the wooden huts the people lived in
as well as strengthening for pottery. Adverse health aspects of the mineral were noted nearly
2000 years ago when Pliny the Younger wrote about the poor health of slaves in the asbestos
mines. Although known to be injurious for centuries, the first modern references to its
toxicity were by the British Labor Inspectorate when it banned asbestos dust from the
workplace in 1898. Asbestosis cases were described in the literature after the turn of the
century. Cancer was first suspected in the mid 1930's and a causal link to mesothelioma was
made in 1965. Because of the public concern for worker and public safety with the use of this
material, several different types of analysis were applied to the determination of asbestos
content. Light microscopy requires a great deal of experience and craft. Attempts were made
to apply less subjective methods to the analysis. X-ray diffraction was partially successful in
determining the mineral types but was unable to separate out the fibrous portions from the
non-fibrous portions. Also, the minimum detection limit for asbestos analysis by X-ray
diffraction (XRD) is about 1%. Differential Thermal Analysis (DTA) was no more
successful. These provide useful corroborating information when the presence of asbestos has
been shown by microscopy; however, neither can determine the difference between fibrous
and non-fibrous minerals when both habits are present. The same is true of Infrared
Absorption (IR).
When electron microscopy was applied to asbestos analysis, hundreds of fibers were
discovered present too small to be visible in any light microscope. There are two different
types of electron microscope used for asbestos analysis: Scanning Electron Microscope
(SEM) and Transmission Electron Microscope (TEM). Scanning Electron Microscopy is
useful in identifying minerals. The SEM can provide two of the three pieces of information
required to identify fibers by electron microscopy: morphology and chemistry. The third is
structure as determined by Selected Area Electron Diffraction -- SAED which is performed
in the TEM. Although the resolution of the SEM is sufficient for very fine fibers to be seen,
accuracy of chemical analysis that can be performed on the fibers varies with fiber diameter
in fibers of less than 0.2 um diameter. The TEM is a powerful tool to identify fibers too small
to be resolved by light microscopy and should be used in conjunction with this method when
necessary. The TEM can provide all three pieces of information required for fiber
identification. Most fibers thicker than 1 um can adequately be defined in the light
microscope. The light microscope remains as the best instrument for the determination of
mineral type. This is because the minerals under investigation were first described
analytically with the light microscope. It is inexpensive and gives positive identification for
most samples analyzed. Further, when optical techniques are inadequate, there is ample
indication that alternative techniques should be used for complete identification of the
sample.
1.2. Principle
Minerals consist of atoms that may be arranged in random order or in a regular arrangement.
Amorphous materials have atoms in random order while crystalline materials have long range
order. Many materials are transparent to light, at least for small particles or for thin sections.
The properties of these materials can be investigated by the effect that the material has on
light passing through it. The six asbestos minerals are all crystalline with particular properties
AAA Environmental
864-582-1222

64

OSHA 1910.1001 Asbestos
General Industry

that have been identified and cataloged. These six minerals are anisotropic. They have a
regular array of atoms, but the arrangement is not the same in all directions. Each major
direction of the crystal presents a different regularity. Light photons traveling in each of these
main directions will encounter different electrical neighborhoods, affecting the path and time
of travel. The techniques outlined in this method use the fact that light traveling through
fibers or crystals in different directions will behave differently, but predictably. The behavior
of the light as it travels through a crystal can be measured and compared with known or
determined values to identify the mineral species. Usually, Polarized Light Microscopy
(PLM) is performed with strain-free objectives on a bright-field microscope platform. This
would limit the resolution of the microscope to about 0.4 um. Because OSHA requires the
counting and identification of fibers visible in phase contrast, the phase contrast platform is
used to visualize the fibers with the polarizing elements added into the light path. Polarized
light methods cannot identify fibers finer than about 1 um in diameter even though they are
visible. The finest fibers are usually identified by inference from the presence of larger,
identifiable fiber bundles. When fibers are present, but not identifiable by light microscopy,
use either SEM or TEM to determine the fiber identity.
1.3. Advantages and Disadvantages
The advantages of light microcopy are:
(a) Basic identification of the materials was first performed by light microscopy and gross
analysis. This provides a large base of published information against which to check analysis
and analytical technique.
(b) The analysis is specific to fibers. The minerals present can exist in asbestiform, fibrous,
prismatic, or massive varieties all at the same time. Therefore, bulk methods of analysis such
as X-ray diffraction, IR analysis, DTA, etc. are inappropriate where the material is not known
to be fibrous.
(c) The analysis is quick, requires little preparation time, and can be performed on-site if a
suitably equipped microscope is available.
The disadvantages are:
(a) Even using phase-polar illumination, not all the fibers present may be seen. This is a
problem for very low asbestos concentrations where agglomerations or large bundles of
fibers may not be present to allow identification by inference.
(b) The method requires a great degree of sophistication on the part of the microscopist. An
analyst is only as useful as his mental catalog of images. Therefore, a microscopist's accuracy
is enhanced by experience. The mineralogical training of the analyst is very important. It is
the basis on which subjective decisions are made.
(c) The method uses only a tiny amount of material for analysis. This may lead to sampling
bias and false results (high or low). This is especially true if the sample is severely
inhomogeneous.

AAA Environmental
864-582-1222

65

OSHA 1910.1001 Asbestos
General Industry

(d) Fibers may be bound in a matrix and not distinguishable as fibers so identification cannot
be made.
1.4. Method Performance
1.4.1. This method can be used for determination of asbestos content from 0 to 100%
asbestos. The detection limit has not been adequately determined, although for selected
samples, the limit is very low, depending on the number of particles examined. For mostly
homogeneous, finely divided samples, with no difficult fibrous interferences, the detection
limit is below 1%. For inhomogeneous samples (most samples), the detection limit remains
undefined. NIST has conducted proficiency testing of laboratories on a national scale.
Although each round is reported statistically with an average, control limits, etc., the results
indicate a difficulty in establishing precision especially in the low concentration range. It is
suspected that there is significant bias in the low range especially near 1%. EPA tried to
remedy this by requiring a mandatory point counting scheme for samples less than 10%. The
point counting procedure is tedious, and may introduce significant biases of its own. It has
not been incorporated into this method.
1.4.2. The precision and accuracy of the quantitation tests performed in this method are
unknown. Concentrations are easier to determine in commercial products where asbestos was
deliberately added because the amount is usually more than a few percent. An analyst's
results can be "calibrated" against the known amounts added by the manufacturer. For
geological samples, the degree of homogeneity affects the precision.
1.4.3. The performance of the method is analyst dependent. The analyst must choose
carefully and not necessarily randomly the portions for analysis to assure that detection of
asbestos occurs when it is present. For this reason, the analyst must have adequate training in
sample preparation, and experience in the location and identification of asbestos in samples.
This is usually accomplished through substantial on-the-job training as well as formal
education in mineralogy and microscopy.
1.5. Interferences
Any material which is long, thin, and small enough to be viewed under the microscope can be
considered an interference for asbestos. There are literally hundreds of interferences in
workplaces. The techniques described in this method are normally sufficient to eliminate the
interferences. An analyst's success in eliminating the interferences depends on proper
training.
Asbestos minerals belong to two mineral families: the serpentines and the amphiboles. In the
serpentine family, the only common fibrous mineral is chrysotile. Occasionally, the mineral
antigorite occurs in a fibril habit with morphology similar to the amphiboles. The amphibole
minerals consist of a score of different minerals of which only five are regulated by federal
standard: amosite, crocidolite, anthophyllite asbestos, tremolite asbestos and actinolite
asbestos. These are the only amphibole minerals that have been commercially exploited for
their fibrous properties; however, the rest can and do occur occasionally in asbestiform habit.

AAA Environmental
864-582-1222

66

OSHA 1910.1001 Asbestos
General Industry

In addition to the related mineral interferences, other minerals common in building material
may present a problem for some microscopists: gypsum, anhydrite, brucite, quartz fibers, talc
fibers or ribbons, wollastonite, perlite, attapulgite, etc. Other fibrous materials commonly
present in workplaces are: fiberglass, mineral wool, ceramic wool, refractory ceramic fibers,
kevlar, nomex, synthetic fibers, graphite or carbon fibers, cellulose (paper or wood) fibers,
metal fibers, etc.
Matrix embedding material can sometimes be a negative interference. The analyst may not be
able to easily extract the fibers from the matrix in order to use the method. Where possible,
remove the matrix before the analysis, taking careful note of the loss of weight. Some
common matrix materials are: vinyl, rubber, tar, paint, plant fiber, cement, and epoxy. A
further negative interference is that the asbestos fibers themselves may be either too small to
be seen in Phase contrast Microscopy (PCM) or of a very low fibrous quality, having the
appearance of plant fibers. The analyst's ability to deal with these materials increases with
experience.
1.6. Uses and Occupational Exposure
Asbestos is ubiquitous in the environment. More than 40% of the land area of the United
States is composed of minerals which may contain asbestos. Fortunately, the actual formation
of great amounts of asbestos is relatively rare. Nonetheless, there are locations in which
environmental exposure can be severe such as in the Serpentine Hills of California.
There are thousands of uses for asbestos in industry and the home. Asbestos abatement
workers are the most current segment of the population to have occupational exposure to
great amounts of asbestos. If the material is undisturbed, there is no exposure. Exposure
occurs when the asbestos-containing material is abraded or otherwise disturbed during
maintenance operations or some other activity. Approximately 95% of the asbestos in place
in the United States is chrysotile.
Amosite and crocidolite make up nearly all the difference. Tremolite and anthophyllite make
up a very small percentage. Tremolite is found in extremely small amounts in certain
chrysotile deposits. Actinolite exposure is probably greatest from environmental sources, but
has been identified in vermiculite containing, sprayed-on insulating materials which may
have been certified as asbestos-free.
1.7. Physical and Chemical Properties
The nominal chemical compositions for the asbestos minerals were given in Section 1.
Compared to cleavage fragments of the same minerals, asbestiform fibers possess a high
tensile strength along the fiber axis. They are chemically inert, non-combustible, and heat
resistant. Except for chrysotile, they are insoluble in Hydrochloric acid (HCl). Chrysotile is
slightly soluble in HCl. Asbestos has high electrical resistance and good sound absorbing
characteristics. It can be woven into cables, fabrics or other textiles, or matted into papers,
felts, and mats.
1.8. Toxicology (This Section is for Information Only and Should Not Be Taken as OSHA
Policy)
AAA Environmental
864-582-1222

67

OSHA 1910.1001 Asbestos
General Industry

Possible physiologic results of respiratory exposure to asbestos are mesothelioma of the
pleura or peritoneum, interstitial fibrosis, asbestosis, pneumoconiosis, or respiratory cancer.
The possible consequences of asbestos exposure are detailed in the NIOSH Criteria
Document or in the OSHA Asbestos Standards 29 CFR 1910.1001 and 29 CFR 1926.1101
and 29 CFR 1915.1001.
2. Sampling Procedure
2.1. Equipment for Sampling
(a) Tube or cork borer sampling device
(b) Knife
(c) 20 mL scintillation vial or similar vial
(d) Sealing encapsulant
2.2. Safety Precautions
Asbestos is a known carcinogen. Take care when sampling. While in an asbestos-containing
atmosphere, a properly selected and fit-tested respirator should be worn. Take samples in a
manner to cause the least amount of dust. Follow these general guidelines:
(a) Do not make unnecessary dust.
(b) Take only a small amount (1 to 2 g).
(c) Tightly close the sample container.
(d) Use encapsulant to seal the spot where the sample was taken, if necessary.
2.3. Sampling Procedure
Samples of any suspect material should be taken from an inconspicuous place. Where the
material is to remain, seal the sampling wound with an encapsulant to eliminate the potential
for exposure from the sample site. Microscopy requires only a few milligrams of material.
The amount that will fill a 20 mL scintillation vial is more than adequate. Be sure to collect
samples from all layers and phases of material. If possible, make separate samples of each
different phase of the material. This will aid in determining the actual hazard. DO NOT USE
ENVELOPES, PLASTIC OR PAPER BAGS OF ANY KIND TO COLLECT SAMPLES.
The use of plastic bags presents a contamination hazard to laboratory personnel and to other
samples. When these containers are opened, a bellows effect blows fibers out of the container
onto everything, including the person opening the container.
If a cork-borer type sampler is available, push the tube through the material all the way, so
that all layers of material are sampled. Some samplers are intended to be disposable. These
should be capped and sent to the laboratory. If a non-disposable cork borer is used, empty the
AAA Environmental
864-582-1222

68

OSHA 1910.1001 Asbestos
General Industry

contents into a scintillation vial and send to the laboratory. Vigorously and completely clean
the cork borer between samples.
2.4 Shipment
Samples packed in glass vials must not touch or they might break in shipment.
(a) Seal the samples with a sample seal over the end to guard against tampering and to
identify the sample.
(b) Package the bulk samples in separate packages from the air samples. They may crosscontaminate each other and will invalidate the results of the air samples.
(c) Include identifying paperwork with the samples, but not in contact with the suspected
asbestos.
(d) To maintain sample accountability, ship the samples by certified mail, overnight express,
or hand carry them to the laboratory.
3. Analysis
The analysis of asbestos samples can be divided into two major parts: sample preparation and
microscopy. Because of the different asbestos uses that may be encountered by the analyst,
each sample may need different preparation steps. The choices are outlined below. There are
several different tests that are performed to identify the asbestos species and determine the
percentage. They will be explained below.
3.1. Safety
(a) Do not create unnecessary dust. Handle the samples in HEPA-filter equipped hoods. If
samples are received in bags, envelopes or other inappropriate container, open them only in a
hood having a face velocity at or greater than 100 fpm. Transfer a small amount to a
scintillation vial and only handle the smaller amount.
(b) Open samples in a hood, never in the open lab area.
(c) Index of refraction oils can be toxic. Take care not to get this material on the skin. Wash
immediately with soap and water if this happens.
(d) Samples that have been heated in the muffle furnace or the drying oven may be hot.
Handle them with tongs until they are cool enough to handle.
(e) Some of the solvents used, such as THF (tetrahydrofuran), are toxic and should only be
handled in an appropriate fume hood and according to instructions given in the Material
Safety Data Sheet (MSDS).
3.2. Equipment
AAA Environmental
864-582-1222

69

OSHA 1910.1001 Asbestos
General Industry

(a) Phase contrast microscope with 10x, 16x and 40x objectives, 10x wide-field eyepieces, G22 Walton-Beckett graticule, Whipple disk, polarizer, analyzer and first order red or gypsum
plate, 100 Watt illuminator, rotating position condenser with oversize phase rings, central
stop dispersion objective, Kohler illumination and a rotating mechanical stage.
(b) Stereo microscope with reflected light illumination, transmitted light illumination,
polarizer, analyzer and first order red or gypsum plate, and rotating stage.
(c) Negative pressure hood for the stereo microscope
(d) Muffle furnace capable of 600 deg. C
(e) Drying oven capable of 50 -- 150 deg. C
(f) Aluminum specimen pans
(g) Tongs for handling samples in the furnace
(h) High dispersion index of refraction oils (Special for dispersion staining.)
n
n
n
n
n
n
n
n

=
=
=
=
=
=
=
=

1.550
1.585
1.590
1.605
1.620
1.670
1.680
1.690

(i) A set of index of refraction oils from about n = 1.350 to n = 2.000 in n = 0.005 increments.
(Standard for Becke line analysis.)
(j) Glass slides with painted or frosted ends 1 x 3 inches 1mm thick, precleaned.
(k) Cover Slips 22 x 22 mm, #1 1/2
(l) Paper clips or dissection needles
(m) Hand grinder
(n) Scalpel with both #10 and #11 blades
(o) 0.1 molar HCl
(p) Decalcifying solution (Baxter Scientific Products) Ethylenediaminetetraacetic Acid,
Tetrasodium................................................... 0.7 g/l
Sodium Potassium Tartrate................................ 8.0 mg/liter
Hydrochloric Acid........................................ 99.2 g/liter
Sodium Tartrate.......................................... 0.14 g/liter

AAA Environmental
864-582-1222

70

OSHA 1910.1001 Asbestos
General Industry

(q) Tetrahydrofuran (THF)
(r) Hotplate capable of 60 deg. C
(s) Balance
(t) Hacksaw blade
(u) Ruby mortar and pestle
3.3. Sample Pre-Preparation
Sample preparation begins with pre-preparation which may include chemical reduction of the
matrix, heating the sample to dryness or heating in the muffle furnace. The end result is a
sample which has been reduced to a powder that is sufficiently fine to fit under the cover slip.
Analyze different phases of samples separately, e.g., tile and the tile mastic should be
analyzed separately as the mastic may contain asbestos while the tile may not.
(a) Wet samples
Samples with a high water content will not give the proper dispersion colors and must be
dried prior to sample mounting. Remove the lid of the scintillation vial, place the bottle in the
drying oven and heat at 100 deg. C to dryness (usually about 2 h). Samples which are not
submitted to the lab in glass must be removed and placed in glass vials or aluminum
weighing pans before placing them in the drying oven.
(b) Samples With Organic Interference -- Muffle Furnace
These may include samples with tar as a matrix, vinyl asbestos tile, or any other organic that
can be reduced by heating. Remove the sample from the vial and weigh in a balance to
determine the weight of the submitted portion. Place the sample in a muffle furnace at 500
deg. C for 1 to 2 h or until all obvious organic material has been removed. Retrieve, cool and
weigh again to determine the weight loss on ignition. This is necessary to determine the
asbestos content of the submitted sample, because the analyst will be looking at a reduced
sample.
Note: Heating above 600 deg. C will cause the sample to undergo a structural change which,
given sufficient time, will convert the chrysotile to forsterite. Heating even at lower
temperatures for 1 to 2 h may have a measurable effect on the optical properties of the
minerals. If the analyst is unsure of what to expect, a sample of standard asbestos should be
heated to the same temperature for the same length of time so that it can be examined for the
proper interpretation.
(c) Samples With Organic Interference -- THF

AAA Environmental
864-582-1222

71

OSHA 1910.1001 Asbestos
General Industry

Vinyl asbestos tile is the most common material treated with this solvent, although,
substances containing tar will sometimes yield to this treatment. Select a portion of the
material and then grind it up if possible. Weigh the sample and place it in a test tube. Add
sufficient THF to dissolve the organic matrix. This is usually about 4 to 5 mL. Remember,
THF is highly flammable. Filter the remaining material through a tared silver membrane, dry
and weigh to determine how much is left after the solvent extraction. Further process the
sample to remove carbonate or mount directly.
(d) Samples With Carbonate Interference
Carbonate material is often found on fibers and sometimes must be removed in order to
perform dispersion microscopy. Weigh out a portion of the material and place it in a test tube.
Add a sufficient amount of 0.1 M HCl or decalcifying solution in the tube to react all the
carbonate as evidenced by gas formation; i.e., when the gas bubbles stop, add a little more
solution. If no more gas forms, the reaction is complete. Filter the material out through a
tared silver membrane, dry and weigh to determine the weight lost.
3.4. Sample Preparation
Samples must be prepared so that accurate determination can be made of the asbestos type
and amount present. The following steps are carried out in the low-flow hood (a low-flow
hood has less than 50 fpm flow):
(1) If the sample has large lumps, is hard, or cannot be made to lie under a cover slip, the
grain size must be reduced. Place a small amount between two slides and grind the material
between them or grind a small amount in a clean mortar and pestle. The choice of whether to
use an alumina, ruby, or diamond mortar depends on the hardness of the material. Impact
damage can alter the asbestos mineral if too much mechanical shock occurs. (Freezer mills
can completely destroy the observable crystallinity of asbestos and should not be used). For
some samples, a portion of material can be shaved off with a scalpel, ground off with a hand
grinder or hack saw blade.
The preparation tools should either be disposable or cleaned thoroughly. Use vigorous
scrubbing to loosen the fibers during the washing. Rinse the implements with copious
amounts of water and air-dry in a dust-free environment.
(2) If the sample is powder or has been reduced as in (1) above, it is ready to mount. Place a
glass slide on a piece of optical tissue and write the identification on the painted or frosted
end. Place two drops of index of refraction medium n = 1.550 on the slide. (The medium n =
1.550 is chosen because it is the matching index for chrysotile. Dip the end of a clean paperclip or dissecting needle into the droplet of refraction medium on the slide to moisten it. Then
dip the probe into the powder sample. Transfer what sticks on the probe to the slide. The
material on the end of the probe should have a diameter of about 3 mm for a good mount. If
the material is very fine, less sample may be appropriate. For non-powder samples such as
fiber mats, forceps should be used to transfer a small amount of material to the slide. Stir the
material in the medium on the slide, spreading it out and making the preparation as uniform
as possible. Place a cover-slip on the preparation by gently lowering onto the slide and
allowing it to fall "trapdoor" fashion on the preparation to push out any bubbles. Press gently
AAA Environmental
864-582-1222

72

OSHA 1910.1001 Asbestos
General Industry

on the cover slip to even out the distribution of particulate on the slide. If there is insufficient
mounting oil on the slide, one or two drops may be placed near the edge of the coverslip on
the slide. Capillary action will draw the necessary amount of liquid into the preparation.
Remove excess oil with the point of a laboratory wiper.
Treat at least two different areas of each phase in this fashion. Choose representative areas of
the sample. It may be useful to select particular areas or fibers for analysis. This is useful to
identify asbestos in severely inhomogeneous samples.
When it is determined that amphiboles may be present, repeat the above process using the
appropriate high-dispersion oils until an identification is made or all six asbestos minerals
have been ruled out. Note that percent determination must be done in the index medium
1.550 because amphiboles tend to disappear in their matching mediums.
3.5. Analytical Procedure
Note: This method presumes some knowledge of mineralogy and optical petrography.
The analysis consists of three parts: The determination of whether there is asbestos present,
what type is present and the determination of how much is present. The general flow of the
analysis is:
(1) Gross examination.
(2) Examination under polarized light on the stereo microscope.
(3) Examination by phase-polar illumination on the compound phase microscope.
(4) Determination of species by dispersion stain. Examination by Becke line analysis may
also be used; however, this is usually more cumbersome for asbestos determination.
(5) Difficult samples may need to be analyzed by SEM or TEM, or the results from those
techniques combined with light microscopy for a definitive identification. Identification of a
particle as asbestos requires that it be asbestiform. Description of particles should follow the
suggestion of Campbell. (Figure 1)

AAA Environmental
864-582-1222

73

OSHA 1910.1001 Asbestos
General Industry

For the purpose of regulation, the mineral must be one of the six minerals covered and must
be in the asbestos growth habit. Large specimen samples of asbestos generally have the gross
appearance of wood. Fibers are easily parted from it. Asbestos fibers are very long compared
with their widths. The fibers have a very high tensile strength as demonstrated by bending
without breaking. Asbestos fibers exist in bundles that are easily parted, show longitudinal
AAA Environmental
864-582-1222

74

OSHA 1910.1001 Asbestos
General Industry

fine structure and may be tufted at the ends showing "bundle of sticks" morphology. In the
microscope some of these properties may not be observable. Amphiboles do not always show
striations along their length even when they are asbestos. Neither will they always show
tufting. They generally do not show a curved nature except for very long fibers. Asbestos and
asbestiform minerals are usually characterized in groups by extremely high aspect ratios
(greater than 100:1). While aspect ratio analysis is useful for characterizing populations of
fibers, it cannot be used to identify individual fibers of intermediate to short aspect ratio.
Observation of many fibers is often necessary to determine whether a sample consists of
"cleavage fragments" or of asbestos fibers.
Most cleavage fragments of the asbestos minerals are easily distinguishable from true
asbestos fibers. This is because true cleavage fragments usually have larger diameters than 1
um. Internal structure of particles larger than this usually shows them to have no internal
fibrillar structure. In addition, cleavage fragments of the monoclinic amphiboles show
inclined extinction under crossed polars with no compensator. Asbestos fibers usually show
extinction at zero degrees or ambiguous extinction if any at all. Morphologically, the larger
cleavage fragments are obvious by their blunt or stepped ends showing prismatic habit. Also,
they tend to be acicular rather than filiform.
Where the particles are less than 1 um in diameter and have an aspect ratio greater than or
equal to 3:1, it is recommended that the sample be analyzed by SEM or TEM if there is any
question whether the fibers are cleavage fragments or asbestiform particles.
Care must be taken when analyzing by electron microscopy because the interferences are
different from those in light microscopy and may structurally be very similar to asbestos. The
classic interference is between anthophyllite and biopyribole or intermediate fiber. Use the
same morphological clues for electron microscopy as are used for light microscopy, e.g. fibril
splitting, internal longitudinal striation, fraying, curvature, etc.
(1) Gross examination:
Examine the sample, preferably in the glass vial. Determine the presence of any obvious
fibrous component. Estimate a percentage based on previous experience and current
observation. Determine whether any pre-preparation is necessary. Determine the number of
phases present. This step may be carried out or augmented by observation at 6 to 40 x under a
stereo microscope.
(2) After performing any necessary pre-preparation, prepare slides of each phase as described
above. Two preparations of the same phase in the same index medium can be made side-byside on the same glass for convenience. Examine with the polarizing stereo microscope.
Estimate the percentage of asbestos based on the amount of birefringent fiber present.
(3) Examine the slides on the phase-polar microscopes at magnifications of 160 and 400 x .
Note the morphology of the fibers. Long, thin, very straight fibers with little curvature are
indicative of fibers from the amphibole family. Curved, wavy fibers are usually indicative of
chrysotile. Estimate the percentage of asbestos on the phase-polar microscope under
conditions of crossed polars and a gypsum plate. Fibers smaller than 1.0 um in thickness
must be identified by inference to the presence of larger, identifiable fibers and morphology.
AAA Environmental
864-582-1222

75

OSHA 1910.1001 Asbestos
General Industry

If no larger fibers are visible, electron microscopy should be performed. At this point, only a
tentative identification can be made. Full identification must be made with dispersion
microscopy. Details of the tests are included in the appendices.
(4) Once fibers have been determined to be present, they must be identified. Adjust the
microscope for dispersion mode and observe the fibers. The microscope has a rotating stage,
one polarizing element, and a system for generating dark-field dispersion microscopy (see
Section 4.6. of this appendix). Align a fiber with its length parallel to the polarizer and note
the color of the Becke lines. Rotate the stage to bring the fiber length perpendicular to the
polarizer and note the color. Repeat this process for every fiber or fiber bundle examined.
The colors must be consistent with the colors generated by standard asbestos reference
materials for a positive identification. In n = 1.550, amphiboles will generally show a yellow
to straw-yellow color indicating that the fiber indices of refraction are higher than the liquid.
If long, thin fibers are noted and the colors are yellow, prepare further slides as above in the
suggested matching liquids listed below:
________________________________________________________________________
|
Type of asbestos
|
Index of refraction
_________________________________________|______________________________
|
Chrysotile...............................| n = 1.550.
Amosite..................................| n = 1.670 r 1.680.
Crocidolite..............................| n = 1.690.
Anthophyllite............................| n = 1.605 nd 1.620.
Tremolite................................| n = 1.605 and 1.620.
Actinolite...............................| n = 1.620.
_________________________________________|_______________________________

Where more than one liquid is suggested, the first is preferred; however, in some cases this
liquid will not give good dispersion color. Take care to avoid interferences in the other liquid;
e.g., wollastonite in n = 1.620 will give the same colors as tremolite. In n = 1.605
wollastonite will appear yellow in all directions. Wollastonite may be determined under
crossed polars as it will change from blue to yellow as it is rotated along its fiber axis by
tapping on the cover slip. Asbestos minerals will not change in this way.
Determination of the angle of extinction may, when present, aid in the determination of
anthophyllite from tremolite. True asbestos fibers usually have 0 deg. extinction or
ambiguous extinction, while cleavage fragments have more definite extinction.
Continue analysis until both preparations have been examined and all present species of
asbestos are identified. If there are no fibers present, or there is less than 0.1% present, end
the analysis with the minimum number of slides (2).
(5) Some fibers have a coating on them which makes dispersion microscopy very difficult or
impossible. Becke line analysis or electron microscopy may be performed in those cases.
Determine the percentage by light microscopy. TEM analysis tends to overestimate the actual
percentage present.
AAA Environmental
864-582-1222

76

OSHA 1910.1001 Asbestos
General Industry

(6) Percentage determination is an estimate of occluded area, tempered by gross observation.
Gross observation information is used to make sure that the high magnification microscopy
does not greatly over- or under-estimate the amount of fiber present. This part of the analysis
requires a great deal of experience. Satisfactory models for asbestos content analysis have not
yet been developed, although some models based on metallurgical grain-size determination
have found some utility. Estimation is more easily handled in situations where the grain sizes
visible at about 160 x are about the same and the sample is relatively homogeneous.
View all of the area under the cover slip to make the percentage determination. View the
fields while moving the stage, paying attention to the clumps of material. These are not
usually the best areas to perform dispersion microscopy because of the interference from
other materials. But, they are the areas most likely to represent the accurate percentage in the
sample. Small amounts of asbestos require slower scanning and more frequent analysis of
individual fields.
Report the area occluded by asbestos as the concentration. This estimate does not generally
take into consideration the difference in density of the different species present in the sample.
For most samples this is adequate. Simulation studies with similar materials must be carried
out to apply microvisual estimation for that purpose and is beyond the scope of this
procedure.
(7) Where successive concentrations have been made by chemical or physical means, the
amount reported is the percentage of the material in the "as submitted" or original state. The
percentage determined by microscopy is multiplied by the fractions remaining after prepreparation steps to give the percentage in the original sample. For example:
Step 1. 60% remains after heating at 550 deg. C for 1 h.
Step 2. 30% of the residue of step 1 remains after dissolution of carbonate in 0.1 m HCl.
Step 3. Microvisual estimation determines that 5% of the sample is chrysotile asbestos.

The reported result is:
R = (Microvisual result in percent) x (Fraction remaining after step 2)
x (Fraction remaining of original sample after step 1)
R = (5) x (.30) x (.60) = 0.9%

(8) Report the percent and type of asbestos present. For samples where asbestos was
identified, but is less than 1.0%, report "Asbestos present, less than 1.0%." There must have
been at least two observed fibers or fiber bundles in the two preparations to be reported as
present. For samples where asbestos was not seen, report as "None Detected."

AAA Environmental
864-582-1222

77

OSHA 1910.1001 Asbestos
General Industry

4. Auxiliary Information
Because of the subjective nature of asbestos analysis, certain concepts and procedures need to
be discussed in more depth. This information will help the analyst understand why some of
the procedures are carried out the way they are.
4.1. Light
Light is electromagnetic energy. It travels from its source in packets called quanta. It is
instructive to consider light as a plane wave. The light has a direction of travel. Perpendicular
to this and mutually perpendicular to each other, are two vector components. One is the
magnetic vector and the other is the electric vector. We shall only be concerned with the
electric vector. In this description, the interaction of the vector and the mineral will describe
all the observable phenomena. From a light source such a microscope illuminator, light
travels in all different direction from the filament.
In any given direction away from the filament, the electric vector is perpendicular to the
direction of travel of a light ray. While perpendicular, its orientation is random about the
travel axis. If the electric vectors from all the light rays were lined up by passing the light
through a filter that would only let light rays with electric vectors oriented in one direction
pass, the light would then be POLARIZED.
Polarized light interacts with matter in the direction of the electric vector. This is the
polarization direction. Using this property it is possible to use polarized light to probe
different materials and identify them by how they interact with light.
The speed of light in a vacuum is a constant at about 2.99 x 10(8) m/s. When light travels in
different materials such as air, water, minerals or oil, it does not travel at this speed. It travels
slower. This slowing is a function of both the material through which the light is traveling
and the wavelength or frequency of the light. In general, the more dense the material, the
slower the light travels. Also, generally, the higher the frequency, the slower the light will
travel. The ratio of the speed of light in a vacuum to that in a material is called the index of
refraction (n). It is usually measured at 589 nm (the sodium D line). If white light (light
containing all the visible wavelengths) travels through a material, rays of longer wavelengths
will travel faster than those of shorter wavelengths, this separation is called dispersion.
Dispersion is used as an identifier of materials as described in Section 4.6.
4.2. Material Properties
Materials are either amorphous or crystalline. The difference between these two descriptions
depends on the positions of the atoms in them. The atoms in amorphous materials are
randomly arranged with no long range order. An example of an amorphous material is glass.
The atoms in crystalline materials, on the other hand, are in regular arrays and have long
range order. Most of the atoms can be found in highly predictable locations. Examples of
crystalline material are salt, gold, and the asbestos minerals.
It is beyond the scope of this method to describe the different types of crystalline materials
that can be found, or the full description of the classes into which they can fall. However,
AAA Environmental
864-582-1222

78

OSHA 1910.1001 Asbestos
General Industry

some general crystallography is provided below to give a foundation to the procedures
described.
With the exception of anthophyllite, all the asbestos minerals belong to the monoclinic
crystal type. The unit cell is the basic repeating unit of the crystal and for monoclinic crystals
can be described as having three unequal sides, two 90 deg. angles and one angle not equal to
90 deg.. The orthorhombic group, of which anthophyllite is a member has three unequal sides
and three 90 deg. angles. The unequal sides are a consequence of the complexity of fitting the
different atoms into the unit cell. Although the atoms are in a regular array, that array is not
symmetrical in all directions. There is long range order in the three major directions of the
crystal. However, the order is different in each of the three directions. This has the effect that
the index of refraction is different in each of the three directions. Using polarized light, we
can investigate the index of refraction in each of the directions and identify the mineral or
material under investigation. The indices alpha, beta, and gamma are used to identify the
lowest, middle, and highest index of refraction respectively. The x direction, associated with
alpha is called the fast axis. Conversely, the z direction is associated with gamma and is the
slow direction. Crocidolite has alpha along the fiber length making it "length-fast". The
remainder of the asbestos minerals have the gamma axis along the fiber length. They are
called "length-slow". This orientation to fiber length is used to aid in the identification of
asbestos.
4.3. Polarized Light Technique
Polarized light microscopy as described in this section uses the phase-polar microscope
described in Section 3.2. A phase contrast microscope is fitted with two polarizing elements,
one below and one above the sample. The polarizers have their polarization directions at right
angles to each other. Depending on the tests performed, there may be a compensator between
these two polarizing elements. Light emerging from a polarizing element has its electric
vector pointing in the polarization direction of the element. The light will not be subsequently
transmitted through a second element set at a right angle to the first element. Unless the light
is altered as it passes from one element to the other, there is no transmission of light.
4.4. Angle of Extinction
Crystals which have different crystal regularity in two or three main directions are said to be
anisotropic. They have a different index of refraction in each of the main directions. When
such a crystal is inserted between the crossed polars, the field of view is no longer dark but
shows the crystal in color. The color depends on the properties of the crystal. The light acts
as if it travels through the crystal along the optical axes. If a crystal optical axis were lined up
along one of the polarizing directions (either the polarizer or the analyzer) the light would
appear to travel only in that direction, and it would blink out or go dark. The difference in
degrees between the fiber direction and the angle at which it blinks out is called the angle of
extinction. When this angle can be measured, it is useful in identifying the mineral. The
procedure for measuring the angle of extinction is to first identify the polarization direction in
the microscope. A commercial alignment slide can be used to establish the polarization
directions or use anthophyllite or another suitable mineral. This mineral has a zero degree
angle of extinction and will go dark to extinction as it aligns with the polarization directions.
When a fiber of anthophyllite has gone to extinction, align the eyepiece reticle or graticule
AAA Environmental
864-582-1222

79

OSHA 1910.1001 Asbestos
General Industry

with the fiber so that there is a visual cue as to the direction of polarization in the field of
view. Tape or otherwise secure the eyepiece in this position so it will not shift.
After the polarization direction has been identified in the field of view, move the particle of
interest to the center of the field of view and align it with the polarization direction. For
fibers, align the fiber along this direction. Note the angular reading of the rotating stage.
Looking at the particle, rotate the stage until the fiber goes dark or "blinks out". Again note
the reading of the stage. The difference in the first reading and the second is an angle of
extinction.
The angle measured may vary as the orientation of the fiber changes about its long axis.
Tables of mineralogical data usually report the maximum angle of extinction. Asbestos
forming minerals, when they exhibit an angle of extinction, usually do show an angle of
extinction close to the reported maximum, or as appropriate depending on the substitution
chemistry.
4.5. Crossed Polars with Compensator
When the optical axes of a crystal are not lined up along one of the polarizing directions
(either the polarizer or the analyzer) part of the light travels along one axis and part travels
along the other visible axis. This is characteristic of birefringent materials.
The color depends on the difference of the two visible indices of refraction and the thickness
of the crystal. The maximum difference available is the difference between the alpha and the
gamma axes. This maximum difference is usually tabulated as the birefringence of the
crystal.
For this test, align the fiber at 45 deg. to the polarization directions in order to maximize the
contribution to each of the optical axes. The colors seen are called retardation colors. They
arise from the recombination of light which has traveled through the two separate directions
of the crystal. One of the rays is retarded behind the other since the light in that direction
travels slower. On recombination, some of the colors which make up white light are
enhanced by constructive interference and some are suppressed by destructive interference.
The result is a color dependent on the difference between the indices and the thickness of the
crystal. The proper colors, thicknesses, and retardations are shown on a Michel-Levy chart.
The three items, retardation, thickness and birefringence are related by the following
relationship:
R
= t(n(gamma) -- n(alpha))
R
= retardation, t = crystal thickness in um, and
n(alpha, gamma) = indices of refraction.

Examination of the equation for asbestos minerals reveals that the visible colors for almost all
common asbestos minerals and fiber sizes are shades of gray and black. The eye is relatively
poor at discriminating different shades of gray. It is very good at discriminating different
colors. In order to compensate for the low retardation, a compensator is added to the light
train between the polarization elements. The compensator used for this test is a gypsum plate
of known thickness and birefringence. Such a compensator when oriented at 45 deg. to the
AAA Environmental
864-582-1222

80

OSHA 1910.1001 Asbestos
General Industry

polarizer direction, provides a retardation of 530 nm of the 530 nm wavelength color. This
enhances the red color and gives the background a characteristic red to red-magenta color. If
this "full-wave" compensator is in place when the asbestos preparation is inserted into the
light train, the colors seen on the fibers are quite different. Gypsum, like asbestos has a fast
axis and a slow axis. When a fiber is aligned with its fast axis in the same direction as the fast
axis of the gypsum plate, the ray vibrating in the slow direction is retarded by both the
asbestos and the gypsum. This results in a higher retardation than would be present for either
of the two minerals. The color seen is a second order blue. When the fiber is rotated 90 deg.
using the rotating stage, the slow direction of the fiber is now aligned with the fast direction
of the gypsum and the fast direction of the fiber is aligned with the slow direction of the
gypsum. Thus, one ray vibrates faster in the fast direction of the gypsum, and slower in the
slow direction of the fiber; the other ray will vibrate slower in the slow direction of the
gypsum and faster in the fast direction of the fiber. In this case, the effect is subtractive and
the color seen is a first order yellow. As long as the fiber thickness does not add appreciably
to the color, the same basic colors will be seen for all asbestos types except crocidolite. In
crocidolite the colors will be weaker, may be in the opposite directions, and will be altered by
the blue absorption color natural to crocidolite. Hundreds of other materials will give the
same colors as asbestos, and therefore, this test is not definitive for asbestos. The test is
useful in discriminating against fiberglass or other amorphous fibers such as some synthetic
fibers. Certain synthetic fibers will show retardation colors different than asbestos; however,
there are some forms of polyethylene and aramid which will show morphology and
retardation colors similar to asbestos minerals. This test must be supplemented with a
positive identification test when birefringent fibers are present which can not be excluded by
morphology. This test is relatively ineffective for use on fibers less than 1 um in diameter.
For positive confirmation TEM or SEM should be used if no larger bundles or fibers are
visible.
4.6. Dispersion Staining
Dispersion microscopy or dispersion staining is the method of choice for the identification of
asbestos in bulk materials. Becke line analysis is used by some laboratories and yields the
same results as does dispersion staining for asbestos and can be used in lieu of dispersion
staining. Dispersion staining is performed on the same platform as the phase-polar analysis
with the analyzer and compensator removed. One polarizing element remains to define the
direction of the light so that the different indices of refraction of the fibers may be separately
determined. Dispersion microscopy is a dark-field technique when used for asbestos.
Particles are imaged with scattered light. Light which is unscattered is blocked from reaching
the eye either by the back field image mask in a McCrone objective or a back field image
mask in the phase condenser. The most convenient method is to use the rotating phase
condenser to move an oversized phase ring into place. The ideal size for this ring is for the
central disk to be just larger than the objective entry aperture as viewed in the back focal
plane. The larger the disk, the less scattered light reaches the eye. This will have the effect of
diminishing the intensity of dispersion color and will shift the actual color seen. The colors
seen vary even on microscopes from the same manufacturer. This is due to the different
bands of wavelength exclusion by different mask sizes. The mask may either reside in the
condenser or in the objective back focal plane. It is imperative that the analyst determine by
experimentation with asbestos standards what the appropriate colors should be for each
asbestos type. The colors depend also on the temperature of the preparation and the exact
AAA Environmental
864-582-1222

81

OSHA 1910.1001 Asbestos
General Industry

chemistry of the asbestos. Therefore, some slight differences from the standards should be
allowed. This is not a serious problem for commercial asbestos uses. This technique is used
for identification of the indices of refraction for fibers by recognition of color. There is no
direct numerical readout of the index of refraction. Correlation of color to actual index of
refraction is possible by referral to published conversion tables. This is not necessary for the
analysis of asbestos. Recognition of appropriate colors along with the proper morphology are
deemed sufficient to identify the commercial asbestos minerals. Other techniques including
SEM, TEM, and XRD may be required to provide additional information in order to identify
other types of asbestos.
Make a preparation in the suspected matching high dispersion oil, e.g., n = 1.550 for
chrysotile. Perform the preliminary tests to determine whether the fibers are birefringent or
not. Take note of the morphological character. Wavy fibers are indicative of chrysotile while
long, straight, thin, frayed fibers are indicative of amphibole asbestos. This can aid in the
selection of the appropriate matching oil. The microscope is set up and the polarization
direction is noted as in Section 4.4. Align a fiber with the polarization direction. Note the
color. This is the color parallel to the polarizer. Then rotate the fiber rotating the stage 90
deg. so that the polarization direction is across the fiber. This is the perpendicular position.
Again note the color. Both colors must be consistent with standard asbestos minerals in the
correct direction for a positive identification of asbestos. If only one of the colors is correct
while the other is not, the identification is not positive. If the colors in both directions are
bluish-white, the analyst has chosen a matching index oil which is higher than the correct
matching oil, e.g. the analyst has used n = 1.620 where chrysotile is present. The next lower
oil (Section 3.5.) should be used to prepare another specimen. If the color in both directions
is yellow-white to straw-yellow-white, this indicates that the index of the oil is lower than the
index of the fiber, e.g. the preparation is in n = 1.550 while anthophyllite is present. Select
the next higher oil (Section 3.5.) and prepare another slide. Continue in this fashion until a
positive identification of all asbestos species present has been made or all possible asbestos
species have been ruled out by negative results in this test. Certain plant fibers can have
similar dispersion colors as asbestos. Take care to note and evaluate the morphology of the
fibers or remove the plant fibers in pre-preparation. Coating material on the fibers such as
carbonate or vinyl may destroy the dispersion color. Usually, there will be some outcropping
of fiber which will show the colors sufficient for identification. When this is not the case,
treat the sample as described in Section 3.3. and then perform dispersion staining. Some
samples will yield to Becke line analysis if they are coated or electron microscopy can be
used for identification.
5. References
5.1. Crane, D.T., Asbestos in Air, OSHA method ID160, Revised November 1992.
5.2. Ford, W.E., Dana's Textbook of Mineralogy; Fourth Ed.; John Wiley and Son, New
York, 1950, p. vii.
5.3. Selikoff,.I.J., Lee, D.H.K., Asbestos and Disease, Academic Press, New York, 1978, pp.
3,20.

AAA Environmental
864-582-1222

82

OSHA 1910.1001 Asbestos
General Industry

5.4. Women Inspectors of Factories. Annual Report for 1898, H.M. Statistical Office,
London, p. 170 (1898).
5.5. Selikoff, I.J., Lee, D.H.K., Asbestos and Disease, Academic Press, New York, 1978, pp.
26,30.
5.6. Campbell, W.J., et al, Selected Silicate Minerals and Their Asbestiform Varieties, United
States Department of the Interior, Bureau of Mines, Information Circular 8751, 1977.
5.7. Asbestos, Code of Federal Regulations, 29 CFR 1910.1001 and 29 CFR 1926.58.
5.8. National Emission Standards for Hazardous Air Pollutants; Asbestos NESHAP Revision,
Federal Register, Vol. 55, No. 224, 20 November 1990, p. 48410.
5.9. Ross, M. The Asbestos Minerals: Definitions, Description, Modes of Formation,
Physical and Chemical Properties and Health Risk to the Mining Community, Nation Bureau
of Standards Special Publication, Washington, D.C., 1977.
5.10. Lilis, R., Fibrous Zeolites and Endemic Mesothelioma in Cappadocia, Turkey, J. Occ
Medicine, 1981, 23,(8),548-550.
5.11. Occupational Exposure to Asbestos -- 1972, U.S. Department of Health, Education and
Welfare, Public Health Service, Center for Disease Control, National Institute for
Occupational Safety and Health, HSM-72-10267.
5.12. Campbell, W.J., et al, Relationship of Mineral Habit to Size Characteristics for
Tremolite Fragments and Fibers, United States Department of the Interior, Bureau of Mines,
Information Circular 8367, 1979.
5.13. Mefford, D., DCM Laboratory, Denver, private communication, July 1987.
5.14. Deer, W.A., Howie, R.A., Zussman, J., Rock Forming Minerals, Longman, Thetford,
UK, 1974.
5.15. Kerr, P.F., Optical Mineralogy; Third Ed. McGraw-Hill, New York, 1959.
5.16. Veblen, D.R. (Ed.), Amphiboles and Other Hydrous Pyriboles -- Mineralogy, Reviews
in Mineralogy, Vol 9A, Michigan, 1982, pp 1-102.
5.17. Dixon, W.C., Applications of Optical Microscopy in the Analysis of Asbestos and
Quartz, ACS Symposium Series, No. 120, Analytical Techniques in Occupational Health
Chemistry, 1979.
5.18. Polarized Light Microscopy, McCrone Research Institute, Chicago, 1976.
5.19. Asbestos Identification, McCrone Research Institute, G & G printers, Chicago, 1987.

AAA Environmental
864-582-1222

83

OSHA 1910.1001 Asbestos
General Industry

5.20. McCrone, W.C., Calculation of Refractive Indices from Dispersion Staining Data, The
Microscope, No 37, Chicago, 1989.
5.21. Levadie, B. (Ed.), Asbestos and Other Health Related Silicates, ASTM Technical
Publication 834, ASTM, Philadelphia 1982.
5.22. Steel, E. and Wylie, A., Riordan, P.H. (Ed.), Mineralogical Characteristics of Asbestos,
Geology of Asbestos Deposits, pp. 93-101, SME-AIME, 1981.
5.23. Zussman, J., The Mineralogy of Asbestos, Asbestos: Properties, Applications and
Hazards, pp. 45-67 Wiley, 1979.
[51 FR 22733, June 20, 1986, as amended at 51 FR 37004, Oct. 17, 1986; 52 FR 17754,
17755, May 12, 1987; 53 FR 35625, September 14, 1988; 54 FR 24334, June 7, 1989; 54 FR
29546, July 13, 1989; 54 FR 30705, July 21, 1989; 54 FR 52027, Dec. 20, 1989; 55 FR 3731,
Feb. 5, 1990; 55 FR 34710, Aug. 24, 1990; 55 FR 50687, Dec. 10, 1990; 56 FR 43700, Sept.
4, 1991; 57 FR 24330, June 8, 1992; 59 FR 40964, Aug. 10, 1994; 60 FR 9624, Feb. 21,
1995; 60 FR 33343, June 28, 1995; 60 FR 33972, June 29, 1995; 61 FR 5507, Feb. 13, 1996;
61 FR 43454, August 23, 1996]

AAA Environmental
864-582-1222

84

OSHA 1910.1001 Asbestos
General Industry