1926.62(f)(2): Respirator Program for Lead
Employers must run a respiratory protection program under 1910.134(b) through (d) (except (d)(1)(iii)) and (f) through (m) for each employee who must use a respirator for lead. If an employee has breathing difficulty during fit testing or respirator use, the employer must provide a medical examination to decide whether the employee can use a respirator.
Key takeaways
- 1926.62(f)(2) is part of OSHA's construction standards (29 CFR Part 1926, Subpart D).
- OSHA cited it 11 times in the last 3 years, in 11 inspections, with $16,755 in current penalties.
- Most citations: MI (3), NY (3), VA (2).
- Related part: 1926.62(f) Respiratory protection (16 citations).
- Free 5-minute toolbox talk for your crew below.
In this article
What this rule covers
29 CFR 1926.62(f)(2) ("Respirator program") is one requirement inside 1926.62 Lead, an OSHA construction standard (Part 1926, Subpart D). It includes 2 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) Respirator program. 11 citations
(i) The employer must implement a respiratory protection program in accordance with § 1910.134(b) through (d) (except (d)(1)(iii)), and (f) through (m), which covers each employee required by this section to use a respirator. Open (f)(2)(i) 11 citations
(ii) If an employee has breathing difficulty during fit testing or respirator use, the employer must provide the employee with a medical examination in accordance with paragraph (j)(3)(i)(B) of this section to determine whether or not the employee can use a respirator while performing the required duty.
Source: eCFR, text current as of 2026-10-15. Read all of 1926.62.
Where and how often it was cited
| Year | Citations |
|---|---|
| 2024 | 6 |
| 2025 | 5 |
Top states: MI (3), NY (3), VA (2), CT (1), RI (1)
Largest penalties
| Employer | Location | Penalty for this rule |
|---|---|---|
| DR COLORS LLC | PROVIDENCE, RI | $8,595 |
| HOUSES PAINTING AND MORE LLC | STAUNTON, VA | $3,075 |
| DIMITRI PAINTING CORP | CENTRAL ISLIP, NY | $2,000 |
| RUIZ & R LLC | WINCHESTER, VA | $1,535 |
| GRANITE-KRAEMER JV, II | BAY CITY, MI | $1,050 |
Free toolbox talk
A 5-minute crew talk on 1926.62(f)(2), plus alerts when this rule changes. Free.
OSHA interpretation letters
None exist. OSHA has not published a letter of interpretation for 1926.62(f)(2).
Related parts of this rule
- 1926.62(f) Respiratory protection 16 citations
- 1926.62(f)(2)(i) 11 citations
Get your crew competent
Trainers on Black Belt Safety: Marc Harvey, Dana Reyes
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Frequently asked questions
Which program rules apply?
1910.134(b) through (d) (except (d)(1)(iii)), and (f) through (m).
What if I have trouble breathing in my respirator?
The employer must provide a medical examination to determine whether you can use a respirator for the duty.
Who does the program cover?
Each employee required by the lead rule to use a respirator.
About this page
Sources
- 29 CFR 1926.62 (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.