Which regulatory body establishes the Texas Asbestos Health Protection Rules?

The Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS) is the regulatory body responsible for establishing the Texas Asbestos Health Protection Rules. This agency oversees public health in Texas and develops regulations aimed at protecting the health and safety of its residents concerning asbestos exposure.

The rules set forth by the DSHS are designed to ensure that activities involving asbestos are conducted safely, minimizing health risks to workers and the public. This regulatory framework includes requirements for training, a licensing program for asbestos abatement contractors, and guidelines for air monitoring, thereby making it essential for maintaining proper health standards within the state.

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration, while important for workplace safety at the federal level, does not specifically establish state-level regulations like those implemented by the Texas DSHS. The Environmental Protection Agency focuses on environmental protection and has a broader remit but does not establish localized health protection rules specific to Texas. The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health provides research and recommendations but does not have regulatory authority to create or enforce state-specific legislation.