1910.1025(e)(4): Testing Lead Ventilation Systems
When ventilation controls lead exposure, the employer must measure how well the system works, such as capture velocity, duct velocity or static pressure, at least every 3 months, and within 5 days of any change that might change exposure. If exhaust air is recirculated, the system needs a high efficiency filter with reliable back-up and controls that monitor lead and bypass automatically if it fails.
Key takeaways
- 1910.1025(e)(4) is part of OSHA's general industry standards (29 CFR Part 1910).
- OSHA cited it 20 times in the last 3 years, in 18 inspections, with $46,691 in current penalties.
- Most citations: PA (3), MI (3), NJ (3).
- Related part: 1910.1025(e) Methods of compliance (96 citations).
- Free 5-minute toolbox talk for your crew below.
In this article
What this rule covers
29 CFR 1910.1025(e)(4) ("Mechanical ventilation") is one requirement inside 1910.1025 Lead, an OSHA general industry standard (Part 1910). It includes 4 sub-paragraphs. The official text below is copied word for word from the Electronic Code of Federal Regulations (eCFR). The numbers, injury cases and training on this page show how OSHA enforces it on real job sites.
Official text
(4) Mechanical ventilation. 20 citations
(i) When ventilation is used to control exposure, measurements which demonstrate the effectiveness of the system in controlling exposure, such as capture velocity, duct velocity, or static pressure shall be made at least every 3 months. Measurements of the system's effectiveness in controlling exposure shall be made within 5 days of any change in production, process, or control which might result in a change in employee exposure to lead. Open (e)(4)(i) 18 citations
(ii) Recirculation of air. If air from exhaust ventilation is recirculated into the workplace, the employer shall assure that Open (e)(4)(ii) 2 citations
(A) the system has a high efficiency filter with reliable back-up filter; and
(B) controls to monitor the concentration of lead in the return air and to bypass the recirculation system automatically if it fails are installed, operating, and maintained. 1 citations
Source: eCFR, text current as of 2026-10-15. Read all of 1910.1025.
Where and how often it was cited
| Year | Citations |
|---|---|
| 2023 | 2 |
| 2024 | 4 |
| 2025 | 6 |
| 2026 | 8 |
Top states: PA (3), MI (3), NJ (3), KY (2), TN (2)
Largest penalties
| Employer | Location | Penalty for this rule |
|---|---|---|
| SHOOTERS WORLD, LLC | TAMPA, FL | $11,585 |
| A. STUCKI COMPANY | FREMONT, NE | $10,050 |
| LONG SHOT PISTOL & RIFLE, LLC | SECAUCUS, NJ | $6,000 |
| YUASA BATTERY, INC. | LAURELDALE, PA | $5,788 |
| ENGLEWOOD CLIFFS POLICE DEPARTMENT | ENGLEWOOD CLIFFS, NJ | $3,500 |
Free toolbox talk
A 5-minute crew talk on 1910.1025(e)(4), plus alerts when this rule changes. Free.
OSHA interpretation letters
Related parts of this rule
- 1910.1025(e) Methods of compliance 96 citations
- 1910.1025(e)(3) Compliance program 39 citations
- 1910.1025(e)(1) Engineering and work practice controls 30 citations
- 1910.1025(e)(1)(i) 28 citations
- 1910.1025(e)(3)(i) 23 citations
- 1910.1025(e)(4)(i) 18 citations
- 1910.1025(e)(3)(ii) 10 citations
- 1910.1025(e)(4)(ii) Recirculation of air 2 citations
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Frequently asked questions
How often must lead ventilation be tested?
At least every 3 months, and within 5 days of any change in production, process or control that might change employee exposure.
What measurements can be used?
Measurements such as capture velocity, duct velocity or static pressure.
Can exhaust air be recirculated?
Only if the system has a high efficiency filter with reliable back-up and controls that monitor lead in return air and automatically bypass recirculation if it fails.
About this page
Sources
- 29 CFR 1910.1025 (eCFR), text current as of 2026-10-15
- U.S. Department of Labor enforcement data: OSHA inspections, citations and accident records, copied nightly; data as of 2026-10-21
3-year window. Federal OSHA only; state-plan rules are not counted. Plain-language text is a summary, not legal advice; the official text controls. Black Belt Safety is not part of OSHA or the Department of Labor.