1910.1026(j)(2): Cleaning Methods for Chromium (VI)
Employers must clean chromium (VI) contaminated surfaces by HEPA vacuuming or other methods that minimize exposure. Dry shoveling, sweeping and brushing are allowed only if those methods were tried and failed, compressed air is banned unless used with a capture ventilation system or no other method is feasible, and cleaning equipment must be handled to keep chromium (VI) from getting back into the workplace.
Key takeaways
- 1910.1026(j)(2) is part of OSHA's general industry standards (29 CFR Part 1910).
- OSHA cited it 12 times in the last 3 years, in 12 inspections, with $28,945 in current penalties.
- Most citations: TN (3), IL (2), WI (1).
- Related part: 1910.1026(j) Housekeeping (33 citations).
- Free 5-minute toolbox talk for your crew below.
In this article
What this rule covers
29 CFR 1910.1026(j)(2) ("Cleaning methods") 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) Cleaning methods. 12 citations
(i) The employer shall ensure that surfaces contaminated with chromium (VI) are cleaned by HEPA-filter vacuuming or other methods that minimize the likelihood of exposure to chromium (VI). 7 citations
(ii) Dry shoveling, dry sweeping, and dry brushing may be used only where HEPA-filtered vacuuming or other methods that minimize the likelihood of exposure to chromium (VI) have been tried and found not to be effective. 4 citations
(iii) The employer shall not allow compressed air to be used to remove chromium (VI) from any surface unless: 1 citations
(A) The compressed air is used in conjunction with a ventilation system designed to capture the dust cloud created by the compressed air; or
(B) No alternative method is feasible.
(iv) The employer shall ensure that cleaning equipment is handled in a manner that minimizes the reentry of chromium (VI) into the workplace.
Source: eCFR, text current as of 2026-10-15. Read all of 1910.1026.
Where and how often it was cited
| Year | Citations |
|---|---|
| 2023 | 1 |
| 2024 | 4 |
| 2025 | 2 |
| 2026 | 5 |
Top states: TN (3), IL (2), WI (1), GA (1), OH (1)
Largest penalties
| Employer | Location | Penalty for this rule |
|---|---|---|
| FAURECIA EMISSIONS CONTROL SYSTEMS NA, LLC | FRANKLIN, OH | $8,873 |
| STANDARD AERO BUSINESS AVIATION SERVICES, LLC DBA STANDARD AERO | SPRINGFIELD, IL | $8,038 |
| 68468 - PUREM NOVI INC | PLEASURE RIDGE PARK, KY | $5,000 |
| BARNES INTERNATIONAL, LLC | ROCKFORD, IL | $4,034 |
| SOUTHERN INDUSTRIAL CHEMICALS, INC. | ATLANTA, GA | $3,000 |
Free toolbox talk
A 5-minute crew talk on 1910.1026(j)(2), plus alerts when this rule changes. Free.
OSHA interpretation letters
None exist. OSHA has not published a letter of interpretation for 1910.1026(j)(2).
Related parts of this rule
- 1910.1026(j) Housekeeping 33 citations
- 1910.1026(j)(1) General 15 citations
- 1910.1026(j)(1)(i) 13 citations
- 1910.1026(j)(3) Disposal 6 citations
- 1910.1026(j)(3)(i) 4 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 cleaning method is preferred for chromium (VI)?
HEPA-filter vacuuming or other methods that minimize the likelihood of exposure.
When can dry sweeping be used?
Only where HEPA vacuuming or other low-exposure methods have been tried and found not effective.
Can compressed air be used?
Only with a ventilation system designed to capture the dust cloud, or if no alternative method is feasible.
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.