1910.1026(k)(2): Chromium (VI) Medical Exam Timing
Employers must provide chromium (VI) medical exams within 30 days after initial assignment (unless one was done in the last twelve months), annually, within 30 days after a PLHCP recommends one, when symptoms appear, within 30 days after an emergency release, and at termination unless the last exam was less than six months before.
Key takeaways
- 1910.1026(k)(2) is part of OSHA's general industry standards (29 CFR Part 1910).
- OSHA cited it 4 times in the last 3 years, in 4 inspections, with $20,943 in current penalties.
- 1 death is linked to inspections that cited this rule.
- Related part: 1910.1026(k) Medical surveillance (23 citations).
- Free 5-minute toolbox talk for your crew below.
In this article
What this rule covers
29 CFR 1910.1026(k)(2) ("Frequency") 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) Frequency. The employer shall provide a medical examination: 4 citations
(i) Within 30 days after initial assignment, unless the employee has received a chromium (VI) related medical examination that meets the requirements of this paragraph within the last twelve months; Open (k)(2)(i) 1 citations
(ii) Annually; 3 citations
(iii) Within 30 days after a PLHCP's written medical opinion recommends an additional examination;
(iv) Whenever an employee shows signs or symptoms of the adverse health effects associated with chromium (VI) exposure;
(v) Within 30 days after exposure during an emergency which results in an uncontrolled release of chromium (VI); or
(vi) At the termination of employment, unless the last examination that satisfied the requirements of paragraph (k) of this section was less than six months prior to the date of termination.
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(k)(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
Free toolbox talk
A 5-minute crew talk on 1910.1026(k)(2), plus alerts when this rule changes. Free.
OSHA interpretation letters
None exist. OSHA has not published a letter of interpretation for 1910.1026(k)(2).
Related parts of this rule
- 1910.1026(k) Medical surveillance 23 citations
- 1910.1026(k)(1) General 18 citations
- 1910.1026(k)(1)(i) 18 citations
- 1910.1026(k)(2)(i) 1 citations
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Frequently asked questions
How often are chromium (VI) medical exams required?
Annually, plus at the other times listed in 1910.1026(k)(2).
When is the first exam due?
Within 30 days after initial assignment, unless the employee had a qualifying exam within the last twelve months.
Is an exam needed when someone leaves the job?
Yes, at termination, unless the last qualifying exam was less than six months prior.
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.