1910.1048(m)(1): Formaldehyde Hazard Communication
Chemical manufacturers, importers, distributors and employers must follow the Hazard Communication Standard for formaldehyde, covering at least cancer, sensitization, irritation, acute toxicity and flammability. Employers must include formaldehyde in their program and give access to labels, safety data sheets and training. This applies to mixtures over 0.1 percent formaldehyde and materials that can release it at 0.1 ppm or more.
Key takeaways
- 1910.1048(m)(1) is part of OSHA's general industry standards (29 CFR Part 1910).
- OSHA cited it 22 times in the last 3 years, in 20 inspections, with $33,730 in current penalties.
- Most citations: OR (5), MI (4), ID (2).
- Related part: 1910.1048(m) Communication of hazards (25 citations).
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In this article
What this rule covers
29 CFR 1910.1048(m)(1) ("Hazard communication—General") is one requirement inside 1910.1048 Formaldehyde, an OSHA general industry standard (Part 1910). It includes 5 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
(1) Hazard communication—General. 22 citations
(i) Chemical manufacturers, importers, distributors and employers shall comply with all requirements of the Hazard Communication Standard (HCS) (§ 1910.1200) for formaldehyde. Open (m)(1)(i) 2 citations
(ii) In classifying the hazards of formaldehyde at least the following hazards are to be addressed: Cancer; skin and respiratory sensitization; eye, skin and respiratory tract irritation; acute toxicity effects; and flammability. Open (m)(1)(ii) 6 citations
(iii) Employers shall include formaldehyde 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 formaldehyde and to safety data sheets, and is trained in accordance with the requirements of HCS and paragraph (n) of this section. Open (m)(1)(iii) 14 citations
(iv) Paragraphs (m)(1)(i), (m)(1)(ii), and (m)(1)(iii) of this section apply to chemicals associated with formaldehyde gas, all mixtures or solutions composed of greater than 0.1 percent formaldehyde, and materials capable of releasing formaldehyde into the air at concentrations reaching or exceeding 0.1 ppm. Open (m)(1)(iv)
(v) In making the determinations of anticipated levels of formaldehyde release, the employer may rely on objective data indicating the extent of potential formaldehyde release under reasonably foreseeable conditions of use.
Source: eCFR, text current as of 2026-10-15. Read all of 1910.1048.
Export the list: 20 inspections cited 1910.1048(m)(1) in the last 3 years, with employer, location, penalty and date.
Purple Belt, $59/moWhere and how often it was cited
| Year | Citations |
|---|---|
| 2024 | 15 |
| 2025 | 6 |
| 2026 | 1 |
Top states: OR (5), MI (4), ID (2), MD (2), NM (2)
Largest penalties
| Employer | Location | Penalty for this rule |
|---|---|---|
| ESSITY PROFESSIONAL HYGIENE NORTH AMERICA, LLC | MANCHESTER, CT | $15,000 |
| NOBLE BIOMATERIALS, INC. | SCRANTON, PA | $7,235 |
| MARADYNE CORPORATION | CLEVELAND, OH | $5,792 |
| PETSMART | VIRGINIA BEACH, VA | $3,098 |
| SUNRISE HARDWOOD FLOORS, INC | MERIDIAN, ID | $2,305 |
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A 5-minute crew talk on 1910.1048(m)(1), plus alerts when this rule changes. Free.
OSHA interpretation letters
None exist. OSHA has not published a letter of interpretation for 1910.1048(m)(1).
Related parts of this rule
- 1910.1048(m) Communication of hazards 25 citations
- 1910.1048(m)(1)(iii) 14 citations
- 1910.1048(m)(1)(ii) 6 citations
- 1910.1048(m)(1)(i) 2 citations
- 1910.1048(m)(1)(iv)
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Frequently asked questions
Which hazards must be addressed for formaldehyde?
At least cancer; skin and respiratory sensitization; eye, skin and respiratory tract irritation; acute toxicity effects; and flammability.
Which materials are covered?
Formaldehyde gas, mixtures or solutions greater than 0.1 percent formaldehyde, and materials that can release formaldehyde at concentrations reaching or exceeding 0.1 ppm.
Can an employer use data to judge release levels?
Yes, the employer may rely on objective data on potential release under reasonably foreseeable conditions of use.
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 2026-11-05
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.