1910.1048(m): Formaldehyde Hazard Communication
Chemical manufacturers, importers, distributors and employers must follow the Hazard Communication Standard for formaldehyde, addressing at least cancer, sensitization, irritation, acute toxicity and flammability. Employers must include formaldehyde in their hazcom program and give workers labels, safety data sheets and training. This covers mixtures over 0.1 percent formaldehyde and materials that can release it at 0.1 ppm or more; those releasing above 0.5 ppm need labels stating "May Cause Cancer."
Key takeaways
- 1910.1048(m) 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 $34,883 in current penalties.
- Most citations: OR (6), MI (4), MD (3).
- Related part: 1910.1048(m)(1) Hazard communication—General (22 citations).
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In this article
What this rule covers
29 CFR 1910.1048(m) ("Communication of hazards") is one requirement inside 1910.1048 Formaldehyde, 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 — 25 citations
(1) Hazard communication—General. Open (m)(1) 22 citations
(i) Chemical manufacturers, importers, distributors and employers shall comply with all requirements of the Hazard Communication Standard (HCS) (§ 1910.1200) for formaldehyde. Open (m)(1)(i) 2 citations
(ii) In classifying the hazards of formaldehyde at least the following hazards are to be addressed: Cancer; skin and respiratory sensitization; eye, skin and respiratory tract irritation; acute toxicity effects; and flammability. Open (m)(1)(ii) 6 citations
(iii) Employers shall include formaldehyde 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 formaldehyde and to safety data sheets, and is trained in accordance with the requirements of HCS and paragraph (n) of this section. Open (m)(1)(iii) 14 citations
(iv) Paragraphs (m)(1)(i), (m)(1)(ii), and (m)(1)(iii) of this section apply to chemicals associated with formaldehyde gas, all mixtures or solutions composed of greater than 0.1 percent formaldehyde, and materials capable of releasing formaldehyde into the air at concentrations reaching or exceeding 0.1 ppm. Open (m)(1)(iv)
(v) In making the determinations of anticipated levels of formaldehyde release, the employer may rely on objective data indicating the extent of potential formaldehyde release under reasonably foreseeable conditions of use.
(2) 2 citations
(i) In addition to the requirements in paragraphs (m)(1) through (m)(1)(iv) of this section, for materials listed in paragraph (m)(1)(iv) capable of releasing formaldehyde at levels above 0.5 ppm, labels shall appropriately address all hazards as defined in paragraph (d) of § 1910.1200 and Appendices A and B to § 1910.1200, including cancer and respiratory sensitization, and shall contain the hazard statement “May Cause Cancer.” 2 citations
(ii) As a minimum, for all materials listed in paragraph (m)(1)(i) and (iv) of this section capable of releasing formaldehyde at levels of 0.1 ppm to 0.5 ppm, labels shall identify that the product contains formaldehyde; list the name and address of the responsible party; and state that physical and health hazard information is readily available from the employer and from safety data sheets.
(iii) Prior to June 1, 2015, employers may include the phrase “Potential Cancer Hazard” in lieu of “May Cause Cancer” as specified in paragraph (m)(2)(i) of this section.
Source: eCFR, text current as of 2026-10-15. Read all of 1910.1048.
Export the list: 22 inspections cited 1910.1048(m) in the last 3 years, with employer, location, penalty and date.
Purple Belt, $59/moWhere and how often it was cited
| Year | Citations |
|---|---|
| 2024 | 17 |
| 2025 | 6 |
| 2026 | 2 |
Top states: OR (6), MI (4), MD (3), ID (2), NM (2)
Largest penalties
| Employer | Location | Penalty for this rule |
|---|---|---|
| ESSITY PROFESSIONAL HYGIENE NORTH AMERICA, LLC | MANCHESTER, CT | $15,000 |
| NOBLE BIOMATERIALS, INC. | SCRANTON, PA | $7,235 |
| MARADYNE CORPORATION | CLEVELAND, OH | $5,792 |
| PETSMART | VIRGINIA BEACH, VA | $3,098 |
| SUNRISE HARDWOOD FLOORS, INC | MERIDIAN, ID | $2,305 |
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OSHA interpretation letters
None exist. OSHA has not published a letter of interpretation for 1910.1048(m).
Related parts of this rule
- 1910.1048(m)(1) Hazard communication—General 22 citations
- 1910.1048(m)(1)(iii) 14 citations
- 1910.1048(m)(1)(ii) 6 citations
- 1910.1048(m)(1)(i) 2 citations
- 1910.1048(m)(1)(iv)
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Frequently asked questions
Which materials are covered?
Formaldehyde gas, mixtures or solutions greater than 0.1 percent formaldehyde, and materials capable of releasing it at 0.1 ppm or more.
What hazards must be addressed?
At least cancer; skin and respiratory sensitization; eye, skin and respiratory tract irritation; acute toxicity; and flammability.
When must a label say "May Cause Cancer"?
For listed materials capable of releasing formaldehyde at levels above 0.5 ppm.
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.