1910.1025(f)(2): Lead Respirator Program
Employers must run a respiratory protection program under 1910.134 that covers each employee required by the lead standard to use a respirator. 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
- 1910.1025(f)(2) is part of OSHA's general industry standards (29 CFR Part 1910).
- OSHA cited it 17 times in the last 3 years, in 17 inspections, with $32,886 in current penalties.
- Most citations: MI (4), FL (3), IN (2).
- Related part: 1910.1025(f) Respiratory protection (23 citations).
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In this article
What this rule covers
29 CFR 1910.1025(f)(2) ("Respirator program") is one requirement inside 1910.1025 Lead, an OSHA general industry standard (Part 1910). 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. 17 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) 17 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)(C) of this section to determine whether or not the employee can use a respirator while performing the required duty. Open (f)(2)(ii)
Source: eCFR, text current as of 2026-10-15. Read all of 1910.1025.
Export the list: 17 inspections cited 1910.1025(f)(2) in the last 3 years, with employer, location, penalty and date.
Purple Belt, $59/moWhere and how often it was cited
| Year | Citations |
|---|---|
| 2024 | 5 |
| 2025 | 3 |
| 2026 | 9 |
Top states: MI (4), FL (3), IN (2), WI (2), CT (1)
Largest penalties
| Employer | Location | Penalty for this rule |
|---|---|---|
| AMDEP HOLDINGS LLC | KISSIMMEE, FL | $9,268 |
| HEARING PROTECTION LLC | WATERTOWN, WI | $4,635 |
| METALS AND ADDITIVES LLC | BRAZIL, IN | $4,500 |
| FRONTIER JUSTICE, LLC | JENKS, OK | $4,448 |
| JJ METAL SERVICES INC | HALLANDALE BEACH, FL | $2,979 |
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OSHA interpretation letters
None exist. OSHA has not published a letter of interpretation for 1910.1025(f)(2).
Related parts of this rule
- 1910.1025(f) Respiratory protection 23 citations
- 1910.1025(f)(2)(i) 17 citations
- 1910.1025(f)(2)(ii)
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Frequently asked questions
What respirator program is required for lead?
A program in accordance with 1910.134(b) through (d) (except (d)(1)(iii)), and (f) through (m).
What happens if I have trouble breathing in a respirator?
The employer must provide a medical examination to determine whether you can use a respirator.
Who must the program cover?
Each employee required by this section to use a respirator.
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 2026-11-06
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.