1910.1025(j)(2)(i): Blood Lead Testing Schedule
Employers must offer blood lead and ZPP testing to covered employees at least every 6 months; at least every two months for employees whose last blood lead level was at or above 40 µg/100 g of whole blood, until two consecutive tests are below 40 µg/100 g; and at least monthly during a medical removal period due to elevated blood lead.
Key takeaways
- 1910.1025(j)(2)(i) is part of OSHA's general industry standards (29 CFR Part 1910).
- OSHA cited it 11 times in the last 3 years, in 10 inspections, with $41,752 in current penalties.
- Most citations: WI (2), TN (2), NJ (2).
- Related part: 1910.1025(j) Medical surveillance (33 citations).
- Free 5-minute toolbox talk for your crew below.
In this article
What this rule covers
29 CFR 1910.1025(j)(2)(i) ("Blood lead and ZPP level sampling and analysis") is one requirement inside 1910.1025 Lead, an OSHA general industry standard (Part 1910). It includes 3 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
(i) Blood lead and ZPP level sampling and analysis. The employer shall make available biological monitoring in the form of blood sampling and analysis for lead and zinc protoporphyrin levels to each employee covered under paragraph (j)(1)(i) of this section on the following schedule: 11 citations
(A) At least every 6 months to each employee covered under paragraph (j)(1)(i) of this section; 6 citations
(B) At least every two months for each employee whose last blood sampling and analysis indicated a blood lead level at or above 40 µg/100 g of whole blood. This frequency shall continue until two consecutive blood samples and analyses indicate a blood lead level below 40 µg/100 g of whole blood; and 2 citations
(C) At least monthly during the removal period of each employee removed from exposure to lead due to an elevated blood lead level.
Source: eCFR, text current as of 2026-10-15. Read all of 1910.1025.
Where and how often it was cited
| Year | Citations |
|---|---|
| 2024 | 1 |
| 2025 | 6 |
| 2026 | 4 |
Top states: WI (2), TN (2), NJ (2), PA (1), NC (1)
Largest penalties
| Employer | Location | Penalty for this rule |
|---|---|---|
| UNIVERSAL RECYCLING TECHNOLOGIES, LLC | JANESVILLE, WI | $16,131 |
| UNITED BRASS WORKS, INC. | ERIE, PA | $6,332 |
| LONG SHOT PISTOL & RIFLE, LLC | SECAUCUS, NJ | $6,000 |
| HOFFMAN'S GUN CENTER, INC. | NEWINGTON, CT | $4,966 |
| MAHONEY FOUNDRIES, INC. DBA VERMONT FOUNDRY COMPANY | VERMONT, IL | $4,823 |
Free toolbox talk
A 5-minute crew talk on 1910.1025(j)(2)(i), plus alerts when this rule changes. Free.
OSHA interpretation letters
None exist. OSHA has not published a letter of interpretation for 1910.1025(j)(2)(i).
Related parts of this rule
- 1910.1025(j) Medical surveillance 33 citations
- 1910.1025(j)(1) General 15 citations
- 1910.1025(j)(1)(i) 15 citations
- 1910.1025(j)(2) Biological monitoring 13 citations
- 1910.1025(j)(3) Medical examinations and consultations 5 citations
- 1910.1025(j)(3)(v) Written medical opinions 1 citations
- 1910.1025(j)(2)(ii) Follow-up blood sampling tests 1 citations
- 1910.1025(j)(3)(iii) Multiple physician review mechanism
- 1910.1025(j)(3)(v)(B)
- 1910.1025(j)(4) Chelation
- 1910.1025(j)(2)(iii) Accuracy of blood lead level sampling and analysis
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 often is routine blood lead testing?
At least every 6 months for each covered employee.
When does testing go to every two months?
When the last blood lead level was at or above 40 µg/100 g of whole blood, until two consecutive results are below 40 µg/100 g.
How often during medical removal?
At least monthly during the removal period.
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.