Asbestos Abatement Essentials

ABCO Supply supports every phase of hazardous material removal. Follow our professional guide to identify the specialized units and consumables required for a secure site clearance. Asbestos removal is classed into 2 classes with differing regulations.  Class I asbestos work is the highest-risk category under OSHA regulations, involving the removal of thermal system insulation (TSI) and surfacing asbestos-containing materials (ACM) or presumed asbestos-containing materials (PACM).  

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According to 29 CFR 1926.1101(b), Class I asbestos work means activities that involve the removal of:

• Thermal system insulation (e.g., insulation on pipes, boilers, ducts).  The fibrous or fluffy spray-applied asbestos materials found in many buildings for fireproofing, insulating, sound-proofing, or decorative purposes are generally considered friable.  Pipe and boiler wrap found in numerous buildings is also considered friable. 

• Surfacing ACM/PACM (sprayed-on or troweled-on materials such as ceiling, wall, or floor coatings containing asbestos) such as popcorn ceilings, mud, caulk 

Why It’s the Highest Risk

Class I work is considered the most hazardous because:

• It involves removing large quantities of ACM/PACM from structures.

• The processes (e.g., cutting, sanding, grinding) can release significant amounts of asbestos fibers into the air.

• Workers are exposed to high concentrations of airborne asbestos, increasing the risk of serious lung diseases like asbestosis, lung cancer, and mesothelioma.

Safety Requirements

OSHA mandates strict controls for Class I work to protect workers and the environment:

• Full PPE: Respirators (N95 or higher), protective suits, gloves, and eye protection. Decontamination of workers also required.

• Containment: Work must be performed in negative-pressure enclosures to prevent fiber release

• Air monitoring: Regular testing of air quality to ensure asbestos levels are within safe limits.

• Trained personnel: Only certified industrial hygienists or trained workers should supervise and monitor.

• Prohibited methods: Avoid “aggressive methods” (sanding, abrading, grinding) unless in a controlled, enclosed environment 

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Understanding Class II Asbestos Work

Class II asbestos work under OSHA’s 29 CFR 1926.1101 refers to the removal of asbestos-containing materials (ACM) that are not thermal system insulation or surfacing materials. This category covers a range of common building materials that may contain asbestos, such as:

• Floor tiles and sheet flooring (when hand removed only- using a tile machine would make this a Class I)

• Vinyl and asphalt flooring mastic

• Roofing felt and shingles

• Cementitious siding

• Transite panels

• Wallboard and ceiling tiles 

These materials typically hold asbestos fibers in a bound matrix, making them less likely to release fibers than insulation or sprayed-on fireproofing. However, they still require controlled handling to keep airborne fiber levels below legal limits.

Key OSHA Requirements for Class II Work

• Exposure limits:

  • Time-weighted average (TWA): 0.1 fibers/cubic cm over an 8-hour shift

  • Excursion limit: 1.0 fibers/cubic cm over any 30-minute period 
    All controls must keep workers below these thresholds.

Class II work is less hazardous than Class I (which involves insulation and surfacing materials), but it still poses a significant health risk if not managed properly.