1910.1026(l): Chromium (VI) Hazard Communication and Training
Manufacturers, importers, distributors and employers must follow the Hazard Communication Standard for chromium (VI), addressing at least cancer, eye irritation and skin sensitization. Employers must include chromium (VI) in their HazCom program, give employees access to labels and safety data sheets, train them, and make sure each employee can demonstrate knowledge of this section and the medical surveillance program. A copy of the section must be available at no cost.
Key takeaways
- 1910.1026(l) is part of OSHA's general industry standards (29 CFR Part 1910).
- OSHA cited it 173 times in the last 3 years, in 128 inspections, with $213,459 in current penalties.
- Most citations: WI (25), MN (24), TN (18).
- Related part: 1910.1026(l)(1) Hazard communication—general (117 citations).
- Free 5-minute toolbox talk for your crew below.
In this article
What this rule covers
29 CFR 1910.1026(l) ("Communication of chromium (VI) hazards to employees") is one requirement inside 1910.1026 Chromium (VI), an OSHA general industry standard (Part 1910). It includes 9 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
(l) Communication of chromium (VI) hazards to employees — 173 citations
(1) Hazard communication—general — Open (l)(1) 117 citations
(i) Chemical manufacturers, importers, distributors and employers shall comply with all requirements of the Hazard Communication Standard (HCS) (§ 1910.1200) for chromium (VI). 4 citations
(ii) In classifying the hazards of chromium (VI) at least the following hazards are to be addressed: Cancer, eye irritation, and skin sensitization. Open (l)(1)(ii) 14 citations
(iii) Employers shall include chromium (VI) in the hazard communication program established to comply with the HCS (§ 1910.1200). Employers shall ensure that each employee has access to labels on containers of chromium (VI) and to safety data sheets, and is trained in accordance with the requirements of HCS and paragraph (l)(2) of this section. Open (l)(1)(iii) 65 citations
(2) Employee information and training. Open (l)(2) 56 citations
(i) The employer shall ensure that each employee can demonstrate knowledge of at least the following: Open (l)(2)(i) 38 citations
(A) The contents of this section; and 9 citations
(B) The purpose and a description of the medical surveillance program required by paragraph (k) of this section. 1 citations
(ii) The employer shall make a copy of this section readily available without cost to all affected employees. 9 citations
Source: eCFR, text current as of 2026-10-15. Read all of 1910.1026.
Where and how often it was cited
| Year | Citations |
|---|---|
| 2023 | 7 |
| 2024 | 68 |
| 2025 | 65 |
| 2026 | 33 |
Top states: WI (25), MN (24), TN (18), MI (16), PA (15)
Largest penalties
| Employer | Location | Penalty for this rule |
|---|---|---|
| SOUTHERN INDUSTRIAL CHEMICALS, INC. | ATLANTA, GA | $19,356 |
| UTILITY TRAILER MANUFACTURING COMPANY | ATKINS, VA | $13,765 |
| UTILITY TRAILER MANUFACTURING COMPANY, LLC | ATKINS, VA | $13,415 |
| KEWAUNEE FABRICATIONS, L.L.C. | KEWAUNEE, WI | $13,005 |
| BLUE ORIGIN, LLC | MERRITT ISLAND, FL | $11,823 |
Free toolbox talk
A 5-minute crew talk on 1910.1026(l), plus alerts when this rule changes. Free.
OSHA interpretation letters
None exist. OSHA has not published a letter of interpretation for 1910.1026(l).
Related parts of this rule
- 1910.1026(l)(1) Hazard communication—general 117 citations
- 1910.1026(l)(1)(iii) 65 citations
- 1910.1026(l)(2) Employee information and training 56 citations
- 1910.1026(l)(2)(i) 38 citations
- 1910.1026(l)(1)(ii) 14 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 chromium (VI) hazards must be addressed?
At least cancer, eye irritation and skin sensitization.
What must employees be able to show they know?
The contents of the chromium (VI) section and the purpose and description of the medical surveillance program.
Must employees get access to the standard?
Yes. A copy of the section must be readily available without cost to all affected employees.
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.