Subpart Z
Under 1926.1113, construction employers must follow the same requirements that apply in 1910.1003 for beta‑propiolactone. The construction provision at 1926.1113 makes that explicit by stating the requirements are identical to 1910.1003. Complying employers should read and implement the specific controls, training, monitoring, medical, and recordkeeping requirements found in 1910.1003.
All employees involved in construction activities where beta‑propiolactone is used, handled, stored, or could be released are covered and must be protected under the rules that apply in 1910.1003. Because 1926.1113 makes the 1910.1003 requirements applicable to construction, employers must identify affected and potentially affected workers and ensure the required protections are in place.
The specific exposure limits, monitoring procedures, and how to measure exposures to beta‑propiolactone are set out in 1910.1003, which applies identically to construction under 1926.1113. Consult 1910.1003 to determine the required monitoring frequency, sample methods, and actions triggered by measured concentrations.
Employers must provide workers training on the hazards of beta‑propiolactone and the protective measures required by 1910.1003, because 1926.1113 makes that standard applicable to construction. Training should cover hazard recognition, safe work procedures, proper use of controls and PPE, emergency steps, and how medical surveillance (if required) will be handled as described in 1910.1003.
Employers must use feasible engineering and work practice controls to limit worker exposure to beta‑propiolactone as specified in 1910.1003, since 1926.1113 makes those requirements applicable to construction. Typical measures addressed in the standard include local exhaust ventilation, enclosure of the operation, and process changes to reduce airborne concentrations — see 1910.1003 for the employer’s obligation to select and implement controls.
Respiratory protection is required when engineering and administrative controls cannot reduce exposures to acceptable levels, in accordance with the requirements of 1910.1003 which apply under 1926.1113. Employers must follow the respirator selection, training, fit testing, and maintenance requirements described in 1910.1003 (and any cross-referenced respiratory protection rules) whenever respirators are needed.
Labeling and warning requirements for beta‑propiolactone containers on construction sites are those required by 1910.1003, as adopted for construction by 1926.1113. Employers must ensure containers and areas are labeled or posted to communicate the presence of beta‑propiolactone and any required precautions; consult 1910.1003 for specific marking or warning language and placement.
Emergency response and spill-control procedures for beta‑propiolactone are governed by the requirements in 1910.1003, which apply to construction under 1926.1113. Employers must have procedures to control releases, protect employees during cleanup, provide appropriate PPE, and coordinate (if necessary) with emergency services—see 1910.1003 for required actions and any training related to emergencies.
Yes—because 1926.1113 makes 1910.1003 applicable to construction, employers at multi-employer construction sites must coordinate protections so that all affected workers are covered by the controls, training, and emergency procedures in 1910.1003. This includes communicating hazards, controls, and monitoring results among contractors and host employers.
Recordkeeping obligations (such as exposure monitoring records, medical records, and training records) for beta‑propiolactone are those prescribed in 1910.1003, and they apply to construction under 1926.1113. Employers must retain the kinds of records, for the durations, and in the formats listed in 1910.1003.
No—employers must first implement feasible engineering and work-practice controls and use PPE only as required when those controls do not reduce exposure adequately, consistent with the hierarchy of controls reflected in 1910.1003, which applies to construction under 1926.1113. See 1910.1003 for the employer’s obligation to implement and document feasible controls before relying on PPE.
Employers should determine if a task involves a regulated exposure by reviewing process materials, Safety Data Sheets, assessing potential releases, and performing exposure monitoring as required in 1910.1003; those requirements apply to construction under 1926.1113. If monitoring shows airborne concentrations at or above the levels specified in 1910.1003, the employer must take the actions the standard requires.
Before allowing re-entry, employers must ensure the area meets the clearance and re‑entry conditions set out in 1910.1003, which apply under 1926.1113. That typically means confirming through the required monitoring and procedures that airborne concentrations are reduced to acceptable levels and that required engineering controls and PPE are in place, per the steps and limits described in 1910.1003.
Employers must make the information and records required by 1910.1003 available to employees and their designated representatives, because 1926.1113 adopts those obligations for construction. This includes exposure results, training materials, and any required medical or monitoring records as specified in 1910.1003.
Where a State administers an OSHA‑approved State Plan, employers must meet that State’s enforcement and interpretation policies in addition to the federal rule; the construction rule 1926.1113 is federal but State Plans may enforce an equivalent or more stringent program. For federal text see 1926.1113 and the underlying content in 1910.1003; check your State Plan office if you work in a State‑plan state.
Yes—OSHA letters of interpretation and guidance can clarify how to meet obligations in 1910.1003, which are made applicable to construction by 1926.1113. While letters and guidance explain the standard and give practical detail, they do not replace the regulatory text in 1910.1003; employers should use them as supplemental resources.
The first practical step is to identify and evaluate the presence and uses of beta‑propiolactone and then implement the controls and programs required by 1910.1003, because 1926.1113 makes that standard applicable to construction work. This includes reviewing process information, obtaining SDSs, planning exposure monitoring, and setting up required training, controls, and emergency procedures in line with 1910.1003.