1910.1048(n)(1): Formaldehyde Training Participation
Employers must make sure all employees assigned to workplaces with formaldehyde exposure take part in a training program. Training is not required where the employer can show, using objective data, that employees are not exposed at or above 0.1 ppm.
Key takeaways
- 1910.1048(n)(1) 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 $18,965 in current penalties.
- Most citations: MI (4), MA (2), ID (2).
- Related part: 1910.1048(n) Employee information and training (27 citations).
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In this article
What this rule covers
29 CFR 1910.1048(n)(1) ("Participation") 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
(1) Participation. The employer shall assure that all employees who are assigned to workplaces where there is exposure to formaldehyde participate in a training program, except that where the employer can show, using objective data, that employees are not exposed to formaldehyde at or above 0.1 ppm, the employer is not required to provide training. 15 citations
Source: eCFR, text current as of 2026-10-15. Read all of 1910.1048.
Export the list: 15 inspections cited 1910.1048(n)(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 | 8 |
| 2025 | 3 |
| 2026 | 4 |
Top states: MI (4), MA (2), ID (2), MN (2), VA (2)
Largest penalties
| Employer | Location | Penalty for this rule |
|---|---|---|
| CONDAIR OPERATIONS, LLC | RICHMOND, VA | $8,550 |
| QUEST DIAGNOSTICS MASSACHUSETTS, LLC | MARLBOROUGH, MA | $2,500 |
| SUNRISE HARDWOOD FLOORS, INC | MERIDIAN, ID | $2,305 |
| LEGACY CREMATION OF IDAHO LLC | BOISE, ID | $2,000 |
| GOKOH COLDWATER INC | COLDWATER, MI | $1,750 |
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A 5-minute crew talk on 1910.1048(n)(1), plus alerts when this rule changes. Free.
OSHA interpretation letters
None exist. OSHA has not published a letter of interpretation for 1910.1048(n)(1).
Related parts of this rule
- 1910.1048(n) Employee information and training 27 citations
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Frequently asked questions
Who must attend formaldehyde training?
All employees assigned to workplaces where there is exposure to formaldehyde.
When is training not required?
When the employer can show, using objective data, that employees are not exposed to formaldehyde at or above 0.1 ppm.
What proof is needed to skip training?
Objective data.
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 2026-11-06
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.