1910.1048(h)(1)(i): Prevent Eye and Skin Contact With Formaldehyde
Employers must prevent all eye and skin contact with liquids containing 1 percent or more formaldehyde by using chemical protective clothing made of material impervious to formaldehyde and other PPE, such as goggles and face shields, as appropriate to the operation.
Key takeaways
- 1910.1048(h)(1)(i) is part of OSHA's general industry standards (29 CFR Part 1910).
- OSHA cited it 15 times in the last 3 years, in 15 inspections, with $46,161 in current penalties.
- Most citations: MD (2), NY (2), MN (2).
- Related part: 1910.1048(h) Protective equipment and clothing (21 citations).
- Free 5-minute toolbox talk for your crew below.
In this article
What this rule covers
29 CFR 1910.1048(h)(1)(i) is one requirement inside 1910.1048 Formaldehyde, 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
(i) All contact of the eyes and skin with liquids containing 1 percent or more formaldehyde shall be prevented by the use of chemical protective clothing made of material impervious to formaldehyde and the use of other personal protective equipment, such as goggles and face shields, as appropriate to the operation. 15 citations
Source: eCFR, text current as of 2026-10-15. Read all of 1910.1048.
Where and how often it was cited
| Year | Citations |
|---|---|
| 2024 | 9 |
| 2025 | 2 |
| 2026 | 4 |
Top states: MD (2), NY (2), MN (2), NC (2), CT (1)
Largest penalties
| Employer | Location | Penalty for this rule |
|---|---|---|
| FOREFRONT MANAGEMENT, LLC | PLEASANT PRAIRIE, WI | $11,823 |
| DUREZ CORPORATION | NIAGARA FALLS, NY | $9,330 |
| ORADELL ANIMAL HOSPITAL, INC. | PARAMUS, NJ | $6,913 |
| ARNOT OGDEN MEDICAL CENTER | ELMIRA, NY | $5,531 |
| 159163 - CARRIAGE FUNERAL HOLDINGS, INC. | LAKE PARK, NC | $3,400 |
Free toolbox talk
A 5-minute crew talk on 1910.1048(h)(1)(i), plus alerts when this rule changes. Free.
OSHA interpretation letters
None exist. OSHA has not published a letter of interpretation for 1910.1048(h)(1)(i).
Related parts of this rule
- 1910.1048(h) Protective equipment and clothing 21 citations
- 1910.1048(h)(1) Selection 18 citations
- 1910.1048(h)(1)(ii) 1 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
When is protective clothing required for formaldehyde liquids?
To prevent all contact of the eyes and skin with liquids containing 1 percent or more formaldehyde.
What kind of clothing is required?
Chemical protective clothing made of material impervious to formaldehyde.
What eye protection may be needed?
Other PPE such as goggles and face shields, as appropriate to the operation.
About this page
Sources
- 29 CFR 1910.1048 (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 2026-10-23
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.