1910.1048(d)(2): Initial Formaldehyde Monitoring
Employers must identify all employees who may be exposed to formaldehyde at or above the action level or STEL and accurately determine each one's exposure, either by measuring everyone or using a representative sampling strategy for each job classification and workshift. Monitoring must be repeated whenever changes may cause new or additional exposure, and promptly when workers report related respiratory or skin symptoms.
Key takeaways
- 1910.1048(d)(2) is part of OSHA's general industry standards (29 CFR Part 1910).
- OSHA cited it 25 times in the last 3 years, in 22 inspections, with $45,202 in current penalties.
- Most citations: MI (8), VA (4), TN (4).
- Related part: 1910.1048(d) Exposure monitoring (72 citations).
- Free 5-minute toolbox talk for your crew below.
In this article
What this rule covers
29 CFR 1910.1048(d)(2) ("Initial monitoring") is one requirement inside 1910.1048 Formaldehyde, 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
(2) Initial monitoring. The employer shall identify all employees who may be exposed at or above the action level or at or above the STEL and accurately determine the exposure of each employee so identified. 25 citations
(i) Unless the employer chooses to measure the exposure of each employee potentially exposed to formaldehyde, the employer shall develop a representative sampling strategy and measure sufficient exposures within each job classification for each workshift to correctly characterize and not underestimate the exposure of any employee within each exposure group. 2 citations
(ii) The initial monitoring process shall be repeated each time there is a change in production, equipment, process, personnel, or control measures which may result in new or additional exposure to formaldehyde. 5 citations
(iii) If the employer receives reports of signs or symptoms of respiratory or dermal conditions associated with formaldehyde exposure, the employer shall promptly monitor the affected employee's exposure. 1 citations
Source: eCFR, text current as of 2026-10-15. Read all of 1910.1048.
Where and how often it was cited
| Year | Citations |
|---|---|
| 2024 | 14 |
| 2025 | 5 |
| 2026 | 6 |
Top states: MI (8), VA (4), TN (4), NM (2), CT (1)
Largest penalties
| Employer | Location | Penalty for this rule |
|---|---|---|
| UNM SANDOVAL REGIONAL MEDICAL CENTER | RIO RANCHO, NM | $16,554 |
| CONDAIR OPERATIONS, LLC | RICHMOND, VA | $8,550 |
| NOBLE BIOMATERIALS, INC. | SCRANTON, PA | $7,235 |
| CHEMSOLV, INC. | ROANOKE, VA | $3,703 |
| INNOVED INSTITUTE, LLC | ELK GROVE VILLAGE, IL | $3,500 |
Free toolbox talk
A 5-minute crew talk on 1910.1048(d)(2), plus alerts when this rule changes. Free.
OSHA interpretation letters
None exist. OSHA has not published a letter of interpretation for 1910.1048(d)(2).
Related parts of this rule
- 1910.1048(d) Exposure monitoring 72 citations
- 1910.1048(d)(1) General 45 citations
- 1910.1048(d)(1)(i) 43 citations
Get your crew competent
Trainers on Black Belt Safety: Marc Harvey, Dana Reyes
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Frequently asked questions
Must every employee be sampled?
No. The employer may use a representative sampling strategy that correctly characterizes and does not underestimate any employee's exposure.
When must monitoring be repeated?
Each time a change in production, equipment, process, personnel or control measures may cause new or additional exposure.
What if workers report symptoms?
The employer must promptly monitor the affected employee's exposure.
About this page
Sources
- 29 CFR 1910.1048 (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.