1910.1025(h)(1): Keep Surfaces Free of Lead
Employers covered by the general industry lead standard must keep all surfaces as free as practicable of lead accumulations.
Key takeaways
- 1910.1025(h)(1) is part of OSHA's general industry standards (29 CFR Part 1910).
- OSHA cited it 134 times in the last 3 years, in 134 inspections, with $331,703 in current penalties.
- Most citations: CT (15), PA (14), NC (8).
- Related part: 1910.1025(h) Housekeeping (166 citations).
- Free 5-minute toolbox talk for your crew below.
In this article
What this rule covers
29 CFR 1910.1025(h)(1) ("Surfaces") is one requirement inside 1910.1025 Lead, an OSHA general industry standard (Part 1910). 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
(1) Surfaces. All surfaces shall be maintained as free as practicable of accumulations of lead. 134 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 | 7 |
| 2024 | 55 |
| 2025 | 31 |
| 2026 | 41 |
Top states: CT (15), PA (14), NC (8), VA (7), TX (6)
Largest penalties
| Employer | Location | Penalty for this rule |
|---|---|---|
| NYRSTAR CLARKSVILLE INC. | CLARKSVILLE, TN | $20,000 |
| UNIVERSAL RECYCLING TECHNOLOGIES, LLC | JANESVILLE, WI | $16,131 |
| VOESTALPINE PRECISION STRIP WI., INC | PLEASANT PRAIRIE, WI | $15,193 |
| BASS PRO SHOPS | SPRINGFIELD, MO | $14,187 |
| BUCHHEIT LOGISTICS, INC. | NEWBURGH, NY | $11,823 |
Free toolbox talk
A 5-minute crew talk on 1910.1025(h)(1), plus alerts when this rule changes. Free.
OSHA interpretation letters
Related parts of this rule
- 1910.1025(h) Housekeeping 166 citations
- 1910.1025(h)(2) Cleaning floors 30 citations
- 1910.1025(h)(2)(ii) 22 citations
Get your crew competent
Trainers on Black Belt Safety: Marc Harvey, Dana Reyes
Trainers and suppliers: feature your business on this rule for $25/month.
Frequently asked questions
What does 1910.1025(h)(1) require?
All surfaces must be maintained as free as practicable of accumulations of lead.
Which surfaces are covered?
All surfaces.
Does the rule set a cleaning schedule?
No. This paragraph requires keeping surfaces as free as practicable of lead accumulations.
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 2026-10-20
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.