1910.1048(j): Housekeeping
Key takeaways
- 1910.1048(j) is part of OSHA's general industry standards (29 CFR Part 1910).
- OSHA cited it 3 times in the last 3 years, in 2 inspections, with $6,916 in current penalties.
- Related part: 1910.1048(j)(4).
- Free 5-minute toolbox talk for your crew below.
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In this article
What this rule covers
29 CFR 1910.1048(j) ("Housekeeping") is one requirement inside 1910.1048 Formaldehyde, an OSHA general industry standard (Part 1910). It includes 4 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
(j) Housekeeping. For operations involving formaldehyde liquids or gas, the employer shall conduct a program to detect leaks and spills, including regular visual inspections. 3 citations
(1) Preventative maintenance of equipment, including surveys for leaks, shall be undertaken at regular intervals.
(2) In work areas where spillage may occur, the employer shall make provisions to contain the spill, to decontaminate the work area, and to dispose of the waste. 1 citations
(3) The employer shall assure that all leaks are repaired and spills are cleaned promptly by employees wearing suitable protective equipment and trained in proper methods for cleanup and decontamination. 2 citations
(4) Formaldehyde-contaminated waste and debris resulting from leaks or spills shall be placed for disposal in sealed containers bearing a label warning of formaldehyde's presence and of the hazards associated with formaldehyde. The employer shall ensure that the labels are in accordance with paragraph (m) of this section. Open (j)(4)
Source: eCFR, text current as of 2026-10-15. Read all of 1910.1048.
Export the list: 2 inspections cited 1910.1048(j) in the last 3 years, with employer, location, penalty and date.
Purple Belt, $59/moWhere and how often it was cited
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OSHA interpretation letters
None exist. OSHA has not published a letter of interpretation for 1910.1048(j).
Related parts of this rule
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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 2026-11-06
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.