Abstract:

On November 4, 1983, OSHA published and Emergency Temporary Standard
(ETS) which amended OSHA's present standard regulating occupational
exposure to asbestos, 29 CFR 1910.1001 (48 FR 51085). This
supplemental proposal together with the November 4, Federal Register
notice constitute proposed revisions to OSHA's permanent standard
regulating occupational exposure to asbestos in all industries
covered by the Act, including general industry, the maritime
industry and the construction industry. The basis for this
supplemental proposal is OSHA's determination that employees exposed
to asbestos face a significant risk to their health and that the
proposed permanent standard will substantially reduce that risk.
This notice proposes two alternative permissible exposure limits:
0.2 fibers (5 micrometers or longer) per cubic centimeter of air as
an eight hour time-weighted average (0.2 f/cc), or 0.5 fibers (5
micrometers or longer) per cubic centimeter of air as an eight hour
time-weighted average (0.5 f/cc). Other changes such as the
definition of asbestos are also being considered. OSHA also solicits
comments, data and information concerning specific changes to
requirements affecting the construction industry. This notice
schedules an informal rulemaking hearing concerning this proposal
and the other revisions proposed by the ETS.