1910.1026(l)(1): Chromium (VI) Hazard Communication
Chemical manufacturers, importers, distributors and employers must follow the Hazard Communication Standard for chromium (VI), addressing at least cancer, eye irritation and skin sensitization. Employers must include chromium (VI) in their hazard communication program and make sure each employee has access to labels and safety data sheets and is trained.
Key takeaways
- 1910.1026(l)(1) is part of OSHA's general industry standards (29 CFR Part 1910).
- OSHA cited it 117 times in the last 3 years, in 110 inspections, with $126,163 in current penalties.
- Most citations: MN (23), WI (16), TN (12).
- Related part: 1910.1026(l) Communication of chromium (VI) hazards to employees (173 citations).
- Free 5-minute toolbox talk for your crew below.
In this article
What this rule covers
29 CFR 1910.1026(l)(1) ("Hazard communication—general") is one requirement inside 1910.1026 Chromium (VI), 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
(1) Hazard communication—general — 117 citations
(i) Chemical manufacturers, importers, distributors and employers shall comply with all requirements of the Hazard Communication Standard (HCS) (§ 1910.1200) for chromium (VI). 4 citations
(ii) In classifying the hazards of chromium (VI) at least the following hazards are to be addressed: Cancer, eye irritation, and skin sensitization. Open (l)(1)(ii) 14 citations
(iii) Employers shall include chromium (VI) 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 chromium (VI) and to safety data sheets, and is trained in accordance with the requirements of HCS and paragraph (l)(2) of this section. Open (l)(1)(iii) 65 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 | 5 |
| 2024 | 43 |
| 2025 | 45 |
| 2026 | 24 |
Top states: MN (23), WI (16), TN (12), MI (11), IL (8)
Largest penalties
| Employer | Location | Penalty for this rule |
|---|---|---|
| KEWAUNEE FABRICATIONS, L.L.C. | KEWAUNEE, WI | $13,005 |
| SOUTHERN INDUSTRIAL CHEMICALS, INC. | ATLANTA, GA | $12,904 |
| BLUE ORIGIN, LLC | MERRITT ISLAND, FL | $11,823 |
| E-ONE, INC. | HAMBURG, NY | $5,320 |
| WINKLE INDUSTRIES INCORPORATED | ALLIANCE, OH | $5,244 |
Free toolbox talk
A 5-minute crew talk on 1910.1026(l)(1), plus alerts when this rule changes. Free.
OSHA interpretation letters
None exist. OSHA has not published a letter of interpretation for 1910.1026(l)(1).
Related parts of this rule
- 1910.1026(l) Communication of chromium (VI) hazards to employees 173 citations
- 1910.1026(l)(1)(iii) 65 citations
- 1910.1026(l)(2) Employee information and training 56 citations
- 1910.1026(l)(2)(i) 38 citations
- 1910.1026(l)(1)(ii) 14 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
What hazards must be addressed for chromium (VI)?
At least cancer, eye irritation and skin sensitization.
Must chromium (VI) be in the hazard communication program?
Yes. Employers must include it in the program established under 1910.1200.
What access do employees need?
Access to container labels and safety data sheets, plus training.
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.