What is the primary regulatory framework governing asbestos in the construction industry?

The primary regulatory framework governing asbestos in the construction industry is rooted in OSHA Regulations. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) established standards that specifically address asbestos exposure in construction and other industries. These regulations are designed to ensure worker safety by limiting exposure to airborne asbestos fibers and setting forth requirements for safe handling, removal, and disposal of asbestos materials.

OSHA’s regulations cover various aspects of asbestos management, including the monitoring of air quality, the use of personal protective equipment, and training requirements for employees who may come into contact with asbestos. This regulatory framework aims to mitigate health risks associated with asbestos exposure, which has been linked to serious illnesses such as asbestosis, lung cancer, and mesothelioma.

The other options, while relevant in specific contexts, are not the primary regulatory framework for the construction industry. AHERA (Asbestos Hazard Emergency Response Act) focuses on asbestos management in schools, NESHAP (National Emission Standards for Hazardous Air Pollutants) regulations pertain to the environmental aspect of asbestos during demolition or renovation activities, and Cal-OSHA standards apply specifically to California and may have state-specific guidelines but do not represent the overarching federal framework provided by OSHA.