1926.62(h)(1): Keep Surfaces Free of Lead
Employers must keep all surfaces as free as practicable of accumulations of lead.
Key takeaways
- 1926.62(h)(1) is part of OSHA's construction standards (29 CFR Part 1926, Subpart D).
- OSHA cited it 11 times in the last 3 years, in 11 inspections, with $33,256 in current penalties.
- Most citations: MN (2), NY (2), OR (1).
- Related part: 1926.62(h) Housekeeping (14 citations).
- Free 5-minute toolbox talk for your crew below.
In this article
What this rule covers
29 CFR 1926.62(h)(1) is one requirement inside 1926.62 Lead, an OSHA construction standard (Part 1926, Subpart D). 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) All surfaces shall be maintained as free as practicable of accumulations of lead. 11 citations
Source: eCFR, text current as of 2026-10-15. Read all of 1926.62.
Where and how often it was cited
| Year | Citations |
|---|---|
| 2023 | 1 |
| 2024 | 5 |
| 2025 | 3 |
| 2026 | 2 |
Top states: MN (2), NY (2), OR (1), CT (1), MI (1)
Largest penalties
| Employer | Location | Penalty for this rule |
|---|---|---|
| COMMODORE MAINTENANCE CORPORATION | BROOKLYN, NY | $9,680 |
| J FLETCHER CREAMER & SONS, INCORPORATED | BELMONT, MA | $8,038 |
| SEAMAN & SCHUSKE METAL WORKS | SAINT JOSEPH, MO | $5,808 |
| 68870 - MIDWEST PRO PAINTING, INC. | LOUISVILLE, KY | $3,920 |
| RUIZ & R LLC | WINCHESTER, VA | $2,425 |
Free toolbox talk
A 5-minute crew talk on 1926.62(h)(1), plus alerts when this rule changes. Free.
OSHA interpretation letters
- Clarification of "as free as practicable" lead contamination on surfaces (2025-09-29)
- Clarification of "as free as practicable" and lead contamination under 29 CFR 1926.62. (2003-01-13)
Related parts of this rule
- 1926.62(h) Housekeeping 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 does this rule require?
All surfaces must be maintained as free as practicable of lead accumulations.
Which surfaces?
All surfaces.
Is any amount of lead dust allowed?
The rule says as free as practicable of accumulations.
About this page
Sources
- 29 CFR 1926.62 (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 2026-10-19
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.