1910.1026(f)(1)(i): Chromium (VI) Exposure Controls
Except as allowed for aerospace painting and low-frequency tasks, employers must use engineering and work practice controls to reduce and keep chromium (VI) exposure at or below the PEL unless they can show the controls are not feasible. Where feasible controls are not enough, employers must use them to reach the lowest levels achievable and add respirators meeting paragraph (g).
Key takeaways
- 1910.1026(f)(1)(i) 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 $3,375 in current penalties.
- Most citations: MI (3), GA (2), OH (2).
- Related part: 1910.1026(f) Methods of compliance (16 citations).
- Free 5-minute toolbox talk for your crew below.
In this article
What this rule covers
29 CFR 1910.1026(f)(1)(i) is one requirement inside 1910.1026 Chromium (VI), an OSHA general industry standard (Part 1910). 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) Except as permitted in paragraph (f)(1)(ii) and paragraph (f)(1)(iii) of this section, the employer shall use engineering and work practice controls to reduce and maintain employee exposure to chromium (VI) to or below the PEL unless the employer can demonstrate that such controls are not feasible. Wherever feasible engineering and work practice controls are not sufficient to reduce employee exposure to or below the PEL, the employer shall use them to reduce employee exposure to the lowest levels achievable, and shall supplement them by the use of respiratory protection that complies with the requirements of paragraph (g) of this section. 15 citations
Source: eCFR, text current as of 2026-10-15. Read all of 1910.1026.
Where and how often it was cited
| Year | Citations |
|---|---|
| 2023 | 1 |
| 2024 | 7 |
| 2025 | 6 |
| 2026 | 1 |
Top states: MI (3), GA (2), OH (2), WI (2), KY (1)
Largest penalties
| Employer | Location | Penalty for this rule |
|---|---|---|
| 66152 - NORTH AMERICAN STAINLESS GP | GHENT, KY | $3,375 |
| SOUTHERN INDUSTRIAL CHEMICALS, INC. | ATLANTA, GA | $0 |
| INDUSTRIAL PLATING COMPANY, INC. | CHATTANOOGA, TN | $0 |
| GREAT DANE, LLC | ELYSBURG, PA | $0 |
| KADANT BLACK CLAWSON LLC | LEBANON, OH | $0 |
Free toolbox talk
A 5-minute crew talk on 1910.1026(f)(1)(i), plus alerts when this rule changes. Free.
OSHA interpretation letters
Related parts of this rule
- 1910.1026(f) Methods of compliance 16 citations
- 1910.1026(f)(1) Engineering and work practice controls 16 citations
- 1910.1026(f)(2) Prohibition of rotation
- 1910.1026(f)(1)(ii)
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Frequently asked questions
What is required first to control chromium (VI)?
Engineering and work practice controls to reduce and maintain exposure to or below the PEL.
Is there a feasibility exception?
Yes, unless the employer can demonstrate that such controls are not feasible.
When are respirators added?
When feasible controls are not sufficient to reduce exposure to or below the PEL.
About this page
Sources
- 29 CFR 1910.1026 (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 2026-10-20
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.