1910.1025(e)(3): Written Lead Compliance Program
Employers must set up and carry out a written program to cut lead exposure to or below the PEL using engineering and work practice controls. The plan must include descriptions of each lead-emitting operation, control methods, technology considered, air monitoring data, an implementation schedule, a work practice program and other listed items. It must be available at the worksite and revised at least annually.
Key takeaways
- 1910.1025(e)(3) is part of OSHA's general industry standards (29 CFR Part 1910).
- OSHA cited it 39 times in the last 3 years, in 35 inspections, with $67,941 in current penalties.
- Most citations: PA (7), TN (7), MI (5).
- Related part: 1910.1025(e) Methods of compliance (96 citations).
- Free 5-minute toolbox talk for your crew below.
In this article
What this rule covers
29 CFR 1910.1025(e)(3) ("Compliance program") is one requirement inside 1910.1025 Lead, an OSHA general industry standard (Part 1910). It includes 12 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
(3) Compliance program. 39 citations
(i) Each employer shall establish and implement a written compliance program to reduce exposures to or below the permissible exposure limit, and interim levels if applicable, solely by means of engineering and work practice controls in accordance with the implementation schedule in paragraph (e)(1). Open (e)(3)(i) 23 citations
(ii) Written plans for these compliance programs shall include at least the following: Open (e)(3)(ii) 10 citations
(A) A description of each operation in which lead is emitted; e.g. machinery used, material processed, controls in place, crew size, employee job responsibilities, operating procedures and maintenance practices; 3 citations
(B) A description of the specific means that will be employed to achieve compliance, including engineering plans and studies used to determine methods selected for controlling exposure to lead; 2 citations
(C) A report of the technology considered in meeting the permissible exposure limit; 1 citations
(D) Air monitoring data which documents the source of lead emissions;
(E) A detailed schedule for implementation of the program, including documentation such as copies of purchase orders for equipment, construction contracts, etc.; 1 citations
(F) A work practice program which includes items required under paragraphs (g), (h) and (i) of this regulation; 2 citations
(G) An administrative control schedule required by paragraph (e)(5) of this section, if applicable;
(H) Other relevant information.
(iii) Written programs shall be submitted upon request to the Assistant Secretary and the Director, and shall be available at the worksite for examination and copying by the Assistant Secretary, Director, any affected employee or authorized employee representatives.
(iv) Written programs must be revised and updated at least annually to reflect the current status of the program. 6 citations
Source: eCFR, text current as of 2026-10-15. Read all of 1910.1025.
Where and how often it was cited
| Year | Citations |
|---|---|
| 2023 | 1 |
| 2024 | 13 |
| 2025 | 14 |
| 2026 | 11 |
Top states: PA (7), TN (7), MI (5), FL (4), GA (4)
Largest penalties
| Employer | Location | Penalty for this rule |
|---|---|---|
| SHOOTERS WORLD, LLC | TAMPA, FL | $11,585 |
| THE BUICK RESOURCE RECYCLING FACILITY | BOSS, MO | $9,794 |
| MOUNT JOY WIRE CORPORATION | MOUNT JOY, PA | $8,511 |
| APC INTERNATIONAL LTD | MILL HALL, PA | $6,488 |
| BLUE TRAIL RANGE | WALLINGFORD, CT | $5,469 |
Free toolbox talk
A 5-minute crew talk on 1910.1025(e)(3), plus alerts when this rule changes. Free.
OSHA interpretation letters
None exist. OSHA has not published a letter of interpretation for 1910.1025(e)(3).
Related parts of this rule
- 1910.1025(e) Methods of compliance 96 citations
- 1910.1025(e)(1) Engineering and work practice controls 30 citations
- 1910.1025(e)(1)(i) 28 citations
- 1910.1025(e)(3)(i) 23 citations
- 1910.1025(e)(4) Mechanical ventilation 20 citations
- 1910.1025(e)(4)(i) 18 citations
- 1910.1025(e)(3)(ii) 10 citations
- 1910.1025(e)(4)(ii) Recirculation of air 2 citations
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Frequently asked questions
How often must the lead compliance program be updated?
At least annually to reflect the current status of the program.
Who can see the written program?
It must be available at the worksite for examination and copying by the Assistant Secretary, Director, any affected employee or authorized employee representatives.
How must exposure be reduced under the program?
Solely by means of engineering and work practice controls, following the implementation schedule in paragraph (e)(1).
About this page
Sources
- 29 CFR 1910.1025 (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 2026-10-21
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.