1926.62(l)(1): Lead Hazard Communication and Training
Employers must include lead in their hazard communication program, give workers access to labels and safety data sheets, and address reproductive, nervous system, kidney, blood and acute toxicity hazards. Workers exposed at or above the action level on any day, or to irritating lead compounds, must be trained before job assignment, and those at or above the action level at least annually.
Key takeaways
- 1926.62(l)(1) is part of OSHA's construction standards (29 CFR Part 1926, Subpart D).
- OSHA cited it 19 times in the last 3 years, in 16 inspections, with $33,899 in current penalties.
- 1 death is linked to inspections that cited this rule.
- Most citations: IL (5), OR (2), AK (2).
- Related part: 1926.62(l) Communication of hazards (48 citations).
- Free 5-minute toolbox talk for your crew below.
In this article
What this rule covers
29 CFR 1926.62(l)(1) ("General") is one requirement inside 1926.62 Lead, an OSHA construction standard (Part 1926, Subpart D). It includes 9 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) General — 19 citations
(i) Hazard communication. The employer shall include lead in the program established to comply with the Hazard Communication Standard (HCS) (§ 1910.1200). The employer shall ensure that each employee has access to labels on containers of lead and safety data sheets, and is trained in accordance with the provisions of HCS and paragraph (l) of this section. The employer shall ensure that at least the following hazards are addressed: Open (l)(1)(i) 10 citations
(A) Reproductive/developmental toxicity; 1 citations
(B) Central nervous system effects;
(C) Kidney effects;
(D) Blood effects; and
(E) Acute toxicity effects.
(ii) The employer shall train each employee who is subject to exposure to lead at or above the action level on any day, or who is subject to exposure to lead compounds which may cause skin or eye irritation (e.g., lead arsenate, lead azide), in accordance with the requirements of this section. The employer shall institute a training program and ensure employee participation in the program. Open (l)(1)(ii) 9 citations
(iii) The employer shall provide the training program as initial training prior to the time of job assignment or prior to the start up date for this requirement, whichever comes last.
(iv) The employer shall also provide the training program at least annually for each employee who is subject to lead exposure at or above the action level on any day.
Source: eCFR, text current as of 2026-10-15. Read all of 1926.62.
Injuries linked to this rule
1 death is linked to inspections where OSHA cited 1926.62(l)(1).
At 5:00 p.m. on February 16, 2024, Employee #1 was working for a highway/street construction contractor. Employee #1 was using a portable grinder to cut a hanger on a pipe attached to the bottom of the bridge. It appears that when the hanger was cut…
Where and how often it was cited
| Year | Citations |
|---|---|
| 2023 | 1 |
| 2024 | 9 |
| 2025 | 6 |
| 2026 | 3 |
Top states: IL (5), OR (2), AK (2), NY (2), VA (2)
Largest penalties
| Employer | Location | Penalty for this rule |
|---|---|---|
| ALASKA DEMOLITION, LLC | GIRDWOOD, AK | $16,131 |
| 68870 - MIDWEST PRO PAINTING, INC. | LOUISVILLE, KY | $3,920 |
| K.L.F. ENTERPRISES, INC. | WAUKEGAN, IL | $3,726 |
| DIMITRI PAINTING CORP | CENTRAL ISLIP, NY | $3,000 |
| URBAN RESIDENTIAL PROPERTY, LLC. | ALLENTOWN, PA | $2,849 |
Free toolbox talk
A 5-minute crew talk on 1926.62(l)(1), plus alerts when this rule changes. Free.
OSHA interpretation letters
None exist. OSHA has not published a letter of interpretation for 1926.62(l)(1).
Related parts of this rule
- 1926.62(l) Communication of hazards 48 citations
- 1926.62(l)(3)(i) 17 citations
- 1926.62(l)(3) Access to information and training materials 17 citations
- 1926.62(l)(2) Training program 12 citations
- 1926.62(l)(1)(i) Hazard communication 10 citations
- 1926.62(l)(1)(ii) 9 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
What lead hazards must be covered?
At least reproductive/developmental toxicity, central nervous system effects, kidney effects, blood effects and acute toxicity effects.
Who must receive lead training?
Each employee exposed to lead at or above the action level on any day, or to lead compounds that may cause skin or eye irritation.
How often is training required?
Initially before job assignment, and at least annually for employees exposed at or above the action level on any day.
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.