No notice needed for alternative Class I asbestos controls

November 13, 2006

Mr. James Sorel, MS, CIH

President

Industrial Hygiene Consulting Services, Inc.

[Recipient address omitted]

Dear Mr. Sorel:

Thank you for your letter dated August 31, 2006 to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA). Your letter provided a notice of alternative control methods for Class I asbestos work in accordance with a former provision of OSHA's asbestos construction standard, 29 CFR 1926.1101(g)(6)(iii). OSHA deleted this provision of the standard, so such notification is no longer required by employers.

This change occurred as part of OSHA's ongoing standards improvement project that is revising and eliminating certain obsolete or unnecessary provisions in older standards. The asbestos notification reporting requirement was eliminated because OSHA determined that it did not benefit employee health. The overall project reduces the regulatory burdens on employers while maintaining safety and health protections for employees. The result of the second phase of OSHA's standards improvement project was published as a final rule in the Jan. 5, 2005, Federal Register.

Thank you for your interest in occupational safety and health. We hope you find this information helpful. OSHA requirements are set by statute, standards, and regulations. To keep apprised of such developments, you can consult OSHA's website at http://www.osha.gov. If you have any further questions, please feel free to contact the Office of Health Enforcement at (202) 693-2190.

Sincerely,

Richard E. Fairfax, Director

Directorate of Enforcement Programs