Asbestos Regulations

Asbestos regulations are enforced by the federal government to protect people from asbestos-related health complications. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration has created asbestos regulations to protect workers from dangerous levels of asbestos exposure. A variety of other occupational industry-specific organizations influence and provide their own asbestos regulations in particular fields like mining and construction work. The Consumer Products Safety Commission provides asbestos regulations to protect consumers from products that contain asbestos fibers. Asbestos regulations pertaining to the legal rights of asbestos disease victims have also been the subject of congressional debate for many years.

Asbestos Workplace Exposure Regulations

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has enacted a number of asbestos regulations that must be followed in all working environments where asbestos may be present. This includes the following industries: construction, shipyard, custodial, brake and clutch auto repair, manufacturing, and several other occupations where asbestos exposure is a threat. Under OSHA asbestos regulations, an employee cannot be exposed to more than 0.1 asbestos fibers per cubic centimeter of air for an average eight-hour workday. An employee must also not be exposed to more than one fiber per cubic centimeter in any given thirty minute period of time. OSHA asbestos regulations also set guidelines for how asbestos levels must be tested, the compulsory protections that must be afforded to workers, and a number of other asbestos regulations.

Asbestos Management Regulations

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has also been involved in the passage of asbestos regulations. In 2004 the EPA directed the passage of asbestos regulations, which would provide federal guidelines as to how asbestos-laden buildings, especially schools, would be inspected and what response actions must be implemented. These asbestos regulations also set forth guidelines about who is qualified to inspect and respond to asbestos in public buildings.

Asbestos Product Regulations

The Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) is also responsible for protecting consumers from asbestos containing products through the implementation of asbestos regulations. One such instance occurred in 2000, when three brands of crayons were found to contain levels of asbestos. The CPSC's asbestos regulations required that Crayola, Rose Art, and Prang find alternative substances to replace the asbestos found in their crayons. CPSC asbestos regulations are enforced when a product is determined a risk to children.

The Asbestos FAIR Act

The federal legislature has also been debating asbestos regulations for years. Because so many people have been injured from asbestos exposure, there are a large number of lawsuits slowing the judicial process. Some government officials are pushing for asbestos regulations such as the FAIR Act asbestos bill that would allow victims to seek compensation from a trust fund providing they meet specific medical criteria. On the other hand, this federal asbestos legislation may prevent some legitimate victims from receiving compensation for serious injuries.

To learn more information about asbestos regulations or to speak with a qualified and experienced asbestos attorney, please contact us today.

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