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High-temperature pipe cases for asbestos removal

Summary A cleaning contractor asked whether pipe cases could replace standard glove bags for asbestos removal from pipes and ducts as hot as 700 degrees Fahrenheit. OSHA said the described equipment complied with the cited construction asbestos provision and explained that the glove-bag temperature limit did not account for newer equipment. OSHA marks the published letter corrected in 2003.
Document
Federal opinion letter
Agency
Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA)
Document number
1995-12-15
Date issued
December 15, 1995
Status
Active
OSHA marks the published letter corrected on September 17, 2003.
Status last verified October 9, 2026

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About this page: The full text below is the official document from Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA). Ezel adds the plain-English summary and tracks the document's status. The official source linked on this page is authoritative for any reliance.

December 15, 1995
Gary Thibodeaux
Regional Safety Manager
National Service Cleaning Corporation
[Recipient address omitted]
Dear Mr. Thibodeaux:
Thank you for you letter of November 8, proposing the use of "pipe cases" manufactured by Therm-Equip, Inc., in lieu of standard glove bags. You stated that "pipe cases" have the same characteristics of a glove bag but are designed for the removal of asbestos from high-temperature (up to 700 degrees F) pipes and ducts.
After reviewing the information you submitted we have concluded that the use of "pipe cases" complies with [29 CFR 1926.1101(g)(2)(ii)]. In addition, paragraph [1926.1101(g)(5)(ii)(B)(4)] prohibiting the use of glove bags where surface temperatures exceed 150 degrees does not take into account recent innovations in glove bag technology which has spawned new products such as the "pipe case" that can be used on pipes and ducts operating at elevated temperatures.
Your interest in occupational safety and health is appreciated. If we can be of further assistance, please feel free to contact [the Directorate of Science, Technology, and Medicine at (202)693-2300].
Sincerely,
Stephen Mallinger
Acting Director
[Directorate of Science, Technology, and Medicine]
[Corrected 9/17/03]

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