1910.1025(m)(2): Lead Warning Signs
Employers must post DANGER LEAD warning signs in each work area where the PEL is exceeded, stating that lead may damage fertility or the unborn child, causes damage to the central nervous system, and no eating, drinking or smoking. No contradicting statement may appear on or near the sign, and signs must be lit and cleaned so the legend is readily visible.
Key takeaways
- 1910.1025(m)(2) is part of OSHA's general industry standards (29 CFR Part 1910).
- OSHA cited it 15 times in the last 3 years, in 15 inspections, with $18,085 in current penalties.
- Most citations: NJ (2), MI (2), FL (2).
- Related part: 1910.1025(m) Communication of hazards (63 citations).
- Free 5-minute toolbox talk for your crew below.
In this article
What this rule covers
29 CFR 1910.1025(m)(2) ("Signs") is one requirement inside 1910.1025 Lead, an OSHA general industry standard (Part 1910). It includes 5 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) Signs. 15 citations
(i) The employer shall post the following warning signs in each work area where the PEL is exceeded: Open (m)(2)(i) 15 citations
DANGER
LEAD
MAY DAMAGE FERTILITY OR THE UNBORN CHILD
CAUSES DAMAGE TO THE CENTRAL NERVOUS SYSTEM
DO NOT EAT, DRINK OR SMOKE IN THIS AREA
(ii) The employer shall ensure that no statement appears on or near any sign required by this paragraph (m)(2) which contradicts or detracts from the meaning of the required sign.
(iii) The employer shall ensure that signs required by this paragraph (m)(2) are illuminated and cleaned as necessary so that the legend is readily visible.
(iv) The employer may use signs required by other statutes, regulations, or ordinances in addition to, or in combination with, signs required by this paragraph (m)(2).
(v) Prior to June 1, 2016, employers may use the following legend in lieu of that specified in paragraph (m)(2)(ii) of this section:
WARNING
LEAD WORK AREA
POISON
NO SMOKING OR EATING
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 | 7 |
| 2025 | 3 |
| 2026 | 4 |
Top states: NJ (2), MI (2), FL (2), CT (1), PA (1)
Largest penalties
| Employer | Location | Penalty for this rule |
|---|---|---|
| SHOOTERS WORLD, LLC | TAMPA, FL | $11,585 |
| LONG SHOT PISTOL & RIFLE, LLC | SECAUCUS, NJ | $5,000 |
| 77357 - H - A BURNERS LLC | PRAIRIEVILLE, LA | $1,500 |
| KJ O2D INC. | BAYONNE, NJ | $0 |
| BLUE TRAIL RANGE | WALLINGFORD, CT | $0 |
Free toolbox talk
A 5-minute crew talk on 1910.1025(m)(2), plus alerts when this rule changes. Free.
OSHA interpretation letters
None exist. OSHA has not published a letter of interpretation for 1910.1025(m)(2).
Related parts of this rule
- 1910.1025(m) Communication of hazards 63 citations
- 1910.1025(m)(1) Hazard communication—general 48 citations
- 1910.1025(m)(1)(iii) 34 citations
- 1910.1025(m)(2)(i) 15 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
Where must lead warning signs be posted?
In each work area where the PEL is exceeded.
What must the sign say?
DANGER, LEAD, MAY DAMAGE FERTILITY OR THE UNBORN CHILD, CAUSES DAMAGE TO THE CENTRAL NERVOUS SYSTEM, DO NOT EAT, DRINK OR SMOKE IN THIS AREA.
Can other signs be posted with it?
Yes, signs required by other laws may be used with it, but nothing on or near it may contradict or detract from its meaning.
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.