1910.1026(d)(2): Scheduled Monitoring for Chromium (VI)
Employers using the scheduled monitoring option must do initial monitoring of 8-hour TWA chromium (VI) exposure for each shift, job classification and work area, sampling the highest exposed workers when sampling representatively. Periodic monitoring is required at least every six months at or above the action level and every three months above the PEL, and additional monitoring when changes may cause new exposures.
Key takeaways
- 1910.1026(d)(2) is part of OSHA's general industry standards (29 CFR Part 1910).
- OSHA cited it 73 times in the last 3 years, in 71 inspections, with $168,750 in current penalties.
- 1 death is linked to inspections that cited this rule.
- Most citations: MI (12), IL (6), NE (5).
- Related part: 1910.1026(d) Exposure determination (252 citations).
- Free 5-minute toolbox talk for your crew below.
In this article
What this rule covers
29 CFR 1910.1026(d)(2) ("Scheduled monitoring option") is one requirement inside 1910.1026 Chromium (VI), an OSHA general industry standard (Part 1910). It includes 6 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
(2) Scheduled monitoring option. 73 citations
(i) The employer shall perform initial monitoring to determine the 8-hour TWA exposure for each employee on the basis of a sufficient number of personal breathing zone air samples to accurately characterize full shift exposure on each shift, for each job classification, in each work area. Where an employer does representative sampling instead of sampling all employees in order to meet this requirement, the employer shall sample the employee(s) expected to have the highest chromium (VI) exposures. Open (d)(2)(i) 57 citations
(ii) If initial monitoring indicates that employee exposures are below the action level, the employer may discontinue monitoring for those employees whose exposures are represented by such monitoring.
(iii) If monitoring reveals employee exposures to be at or above the action level, the employer shall perform periodic monitoring at least every six months. 5 citations
(iv) If monitoring reveals employee exposures to be above the PEL, the employer shall perform periodic monitoring at least every three months. Open (d)(2)(iv) 6 citations
(v) If periodic monitoring indicates that employee exposures are below the action level, and the result is confirmed by the result of another monitoring taken at least seven days later, the employer may discontinue the monitoring for those employees whose exposures are represented by such monitoring. 1 citations
(vi) The employer shall perform additional monitoring when there has been any change in the production process, raw materials, equipment, personnel, work practices, or control methods that may result in new or additional exposures to chromium (VI), or when the employer has any reason to believe that new or additional exposures have occurred. 4 citations
Source: eCFR, text current as of 2026-10-15. Read all of 1910.1026.
Injuries linked to this rule
1 death is linked to inspections where OSHA cited 1910.1026(d)(2).
At 10:00 a.m. on February 23, 2024, an employee working as a machine operator for an aircraft parts manufacturer was working in the fabrication department. The employee inhaled plastic dust which led to the employee developing pneumonia. At 9:00 a.m. on May 2, 2024, the…
Where and how often it was cited
| Year | Citations |
|---|---|
| 2023 | 4 |
| 2024 | 22 |
| 2025 | 26 |
| 2026 | 21 |
Top states: MI (12), IL (6), NE (5), PA (5), WI (4)
Largest penalties
| Employer | Location | Penalty for this rule |
|---|---|---|
| ICS, INC. | WAHPETON, ND | $14,063 |
| MOUNTAIN MEADOWS LAMB CORPORATION | DENVER, CO | $12,059 |
| AERSALE COMPONENTS SOLUTIONS | RIO RANCHO, NM | $9,643 |
| 109637 - LSV METALS INC | MINNEAPOLIS, MN | $8,750 |
| MHI RJ CR&O | BRIDGEPORT, WV | $8,500 |
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A 5-minute crew talk on 1910.1026(d)(2), plus alerts when this rule changes. Free.
OSHA interpretation letters
Related parts of this rule
- 1910.1026(d) Exposure determination 252 citations
- 1910.1026(d)(1) General 172 citations
- 1910.1026(d)(2)(i) 57 citations
- 1910.1026(d)(2)(iv) 6 citations
- 1910.1026(d)(3) Performance-oriented option
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Frequently asked questions
How often is monitoring required above the action level?
At least every six months if exposures are at or above the action level, and at least every three months if above the PEL.
When can monitoring stop?
If initial monitoring is below the action level, or if periodic results are below the action level and confirmed by another result at least seven days later.
When is extra monitoring needed?
When changes in process, materials, equipment, personnel, work practices or controls may cause new or additional exposures.
About this page
Sources
- 29 CFR 1910.1026 (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.