1926.62(h): Lead Housekeeping in Construction
Employers must keep surfaces as free as practicable of lead buildup and clean by vacuuming or other methods that keep lead from becoming airborne. Shoveling, sweeping and brushing are allowed only where vacuuming or equally effective methods were tried and found ineffective, vacuums need HEPA filters, and compressed air may be used only with a ventilation system that captures the dust.
Key takeaways
- 1926.62(h) is part of OSHA's construction standards (29 CFR Part 1926, Subpart D).
- OSHA cited it 14 times in the last 3 years, in 13 inspections, with $34,256 in current penalties.
- Most citations: MA (3), MN (2), NY (2).
- Related part: 1926.62(h)(1) (11 citations).
- Free 5-minute toolbox talk for your crew below.
In this article
What this rule covers
29 CFR 1926.62(h) ("Housekeeping") is one requirement inside 1926.62 Lead, an OSHA construction standard (Part 1926, Subpart D). 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
(h) Housekeeping. 14 citations
(1) All surfaces shall be maintained as free as practicable of accumulations of lead. Open (h)(1) 11 citations
(2) Clean-up of floors and other surfaces where lead accumulates shall wherever possible, be cleaned by vacuuming or other methods that minimize the likelihood of lead becoming airborne.
(3) Shoveling, dry or wet sweeping, and brushing may be used only where vacuuming or other equally effective methods have been tried and found not to be effective. 2 citations
(4) Where vacuuming methods are selected, the vacuums shall be equipped with HEPA filters and used and emptied in a manner which minimizes the reentry of lead into the workplace. 1 citations
(5) Compressed air shall not be used to remove lead from any surface unless the compressed air is used in conjunction with a ventilation system designed to capture the airborne dust created by the compressed air.
Source: eCFR, text current as of 2026-10-15. Read all of 1926.62.
Where and how often it was cited
| Year | Citations |
|---|---|
| 2023 | 1 |
| 2024 | 8 |
| 2025 | 3 |
| 2026 | 2 |
Top states: MA (3), MN (2), NY (2), OR (1), CT (1)
Largest penalties
| Employer | Location | Penalty for this rule |
|---|---|---|
| COMMODORE MAINTENANCE CORPORATION | BROOKLYN, NY | $9,680 |
| J FLETCHER CREAMER & SONS, INCORPORATED | BELMONT, MA | $8,038 |
| SEAMAN & SCHUSKE METAL WORKS | SAINT JOSEPH, MO | $5,808 |
| 68870 - MIDWEST PRO PAINTING, INC. | LOUISVILLE, KY | $3,920 |
| RUIZ & R LLC | WINCHESTER, VA | $2,425 |
Free toolbox talk
A 5-minute crew talk on 1926.62(h), plus alerts when this rule changes. Free.
OSHA interpretation letters
- Clarification of "as free as practicable" lead contamination on surfaces (2025-09-29)
- Clarification of "as free as practicable" and lead contamination under 29 CFR 1926.62. (2003-01-13)
Related parts of this rule
- 1926.62(h)(1) 11 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
How should lead dust be cleaned up?
By vacuuming or other methods that minimize lead becoming airborne, wherever possible.
Can I sweep lead dust?
Only where vacuuming or other equally effective methods have been tried and found not to be effective.
Can compressed air be used?
Only together with a ventilation system designed to capture the airborne dust it creates.
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.