1910.1025(m): Lead Hazard Communication and Signs
Employers must include lead in their hazard communication program, give employees access to labels and safety data sheets, and train them. In each work area where the PEL is exceeded, employers must post DANGER LEAD warning signs, keep them clean and lit so they are readily visible, and allow nothing nearby that contradicts them.
Key takeaways
- 1910.1025(m) is part of OSHA's general industry standards (29 CFR Part 1910).
- OSHA cited it 63 times in the last 3 years, in 58 inspections, with $62,405 in current penalties.
- Most citations: MI (12), CT (9), TN (7).
- Related part: 1910.1025(m)(1) Hazard communication—general (48 citations).
- Free 5-minute toolbox talk for your crew below.
In this article
What this rule covers
29 CFR 1910.1025(m) ("Communication of hazards") is one requirement inside 1910.1025 Lead, an OSHA general industry standard (Part 1910). It includes 10 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
(m) Communication of hazards — 63 citations
(1) Hazard communication—general. Open (m)(1) 48 citations
(i) Chemical manufacturers, importers, distributors and employers shall comply with all requirements of the Hazard Communication Standard (HCS) (§ 1910.1200) for lead. 9 citations
(ii) In classifying the hazards of lead at least the following hazards are to be addressed: Reproductive/developmental toxicity; central nervous system effects; kidney effects; blood effects; and acute toxicity effects. 5 citations
(iii) Employers shall include lead in the hazard communication program established to comply with the HCS (§ 1910.1200). Employers shall ensure that each employee has access to labels on containers of lead and to safety data sheets, and is trained in accordance with the requirements of HCS and paragraph (l) of this section. Open (m)(1)(iii) 34 citations
(2) Signs. Open (m)(2) 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 | 3 |
| 2024 | 26 |
| 2025 | 17 |
| 2026 | 17 |
Top states: MI (12), CT (9), TN (7), NY (6), IL (4)
Largest penalties
| Employer | Location | Penalty for this rule |
|---|---|---|
| SHOOTERS WORLD, LLC | TAMPA, FL | $11,585 |
| AMDEP HOLDINGS LLC | KISSIMMEE, FL | $9,268 |
| UNITY TUBE, INC. | EAST PALESTINE, OH | $5,532 |
| BLUE TRAIL RANGE | WALLINGFORD, CT | $5,469 |
| LONG SHOT PISTOL & RIFLE, LLC | SECAUCUS, NJ | $5,000 |
Free toolbox talk
A 5-minute crew talk on 1910.1025(m), plus alerts when this rule changes. Free.
OSHA interpretation letters
None exist. OSHA has not published a letter of interpretation for 1910.1025(m).
Related parts of this rule
- 1910.1025(m)(1) Hazard communication—general 48 citations
- 1910.1025(m)(1)(iii) 34 citations
- 1910.1025(m)(2) Signs 15 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 does 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.
Which lead hazards must be addressed in classification?
At least reproductive/developmental toxicity, central nervous system effects, kidney effects, blood effects and acute toxicity effects.
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.