1926.62(i)(2)(i): Clean Change Areas for Lead Work
Employers must provide clean change areas for workers whose airborne lead exposure is above the PEL, and as interim protection for workers doing the tasks listed in paragraph (d)(2) of the lead standard, whether or not respirators are used.
Key takeaways
- 1926.62(i)(2)(i) is part of OSHA's construction standards (29 CFR Part 1926, Subpart D).
- OSHA cited it 10 times in the last 3 years, in 10 inspections, with $259 in current penalties.
- Most citations: VA (1), OR (1), MA (1).
- Related part: 1926.62(i) Hygiene facilities and practices (25 citations).
- Free 5-minute toolbox talk for your crew below.
In this article
What this rule covers
29 CFR 1926.62(i)(2)(i) is one requirement inside 1926.62 Lead, an OSHA construction standard (Part 1926, Subpart D). 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) The employer shall provide clean change areas for employees whose airborne exposure to lead is above the PEL, and as interim protection for employees performing tasks as specified in paragraph (d)(2) of this section, without regard to the use of respirators. 10 citations
Source: eCFR, text current as of 2026-10-15. Read all of 1926.62.
Where and how often it was cited
| Year | Citations |
|---|---|
| 2024 | 5 |
| 2025 | 4 |
| 2026 | 1 |
Top states: VA (1), OR (1), MA (1), CT (1), AK (1)
Largest penalties
| Employer | Location | Penalty for this rule |
|---|---|---|
| LEGACY CONTRACTING, INC. | NORTH BEND, OR | $259 |
| HOUSES PAINTING AND MORE LLC | STAUNTON, VA | $0 |
| JD CORDAGE LLC | PLYMOUTH, MA | $0 |
| CORNERSTONE IMPROVEMENT, LLC | HARTFORD, CT | $0 |
| JET PROS, LLC | ANCHORAGE, AK | $0 |
Free toolbox talk
A 5-minute crew talk on 1926.62(i)(2)(i), 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(i) Hygiene facilities and practices 25 citations
- 1926.62(i)(2) Change areas 13 citations
- 1926.62(i)(4) Eating facilities 3 citations
- 1926.62(i)(4)(ii) 1 citations
Get your crew competent
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Frequently asked questions
Who gets a clean change area for lead work?
Workers with airborne lead exposure above the PEL, and workers doing tasks listed in paragraph (d)(2) as interim protection.
Does wearing a respirator change this?
No. Change areas are required without regard to the use of respirators.
Why are change areas needed?
They give workers a clean place to change so lead is not carried on street clothes.
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.