1926.62(i): Lead Hygiene Facilities and Practices
Where employees are exposed to lead above the PEL, employers must keep food, drinks, tobacco and cosmetics out of the work area. They must provide clean change areas with separate storage for work and street clothes, make sure protective clothing does not leave the workplace, provide showers where feasible with employees showering at shift end, and provide lunch areas kept as free as practicable from lead.
Key takeaways
- 1926.62(i) is part of OSHA's construction standards (29 CFR Part 1926, Subpart D).
- OSHA cited it 25 times in the last 3 years, in 15 inspections, with $49,607 in current penalties.
- Most citations: NY (8), OR (3), MA (2).
- Related part: 1926.62(i)(2) Change areas (13 citations).
- Free 5-minute toolbox talk for your crew below.
In this article
What this rule covers
29 CFR 1926.62(i) ("Hygiene facilities and practices") is one requirement inside 1926.62 Lead, an OSHA construction standard (Part 1926, Subpart D). It includes 16 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
(i) Hygiene facilities and practices. 25 citations
(1) The employer shall assure that in areas where employees are exposed to lead above the PEL without regard to the use of respirators, food or beverage is not present or consumed, tobacco products are not present or used, and cosmetics are not applied.
(2) Change areas. Open (i)(2) 13 citations
(i) The employer shall provide clean change areas for employees whose airborne exposure to lead is above the PEL, and as interim protection for employees performing tasks as specified in paragraph (d)(2) of this section, without regard to the use of respirators. Open (i)(2)(i) 10 citations
(ii) The employer shall assure that change areas are equipped with separate storage facilities for protective work clothing and equipment and for street clothes which prevent cross-contamination. 2 citations
(iii) The employer shall assure that employees do not leave the workplace wearing any protective clothing or equipment that is required to be worn during the work shift. 1 citations
(3) Showers. 2 citations
(i) The employer shall provide shower facilities, where feasible, for use by employees whose airborne exposure to lead is above the PEL. 1 citations
(ii) The employer shall assure, where shower facilities are available, that employees shower at the end of the work shift and shall provide an adequate supply of cleansing agents and towels for use by affected employees. 1 citations
(4) Eating facilities. Open (i)(4) 3 citations
(i) The employer shall provide lunchroom facilities or eating areas for employees whose airborne exposure to lead is above the PEL, without regard to the use of respirators.
(ii) The employer shall assure that lunchroom facilities or eating areas are as free as practicable from lead contamination and are readily accessible to employees. Open (i)(4)(ii) 1 citations
(iii) The employer shall assure that employees whose airborne exposure to lead is above the PEL, without regard to the use of a respirator, wash their hands and face prior to eating, drinking, smoking or applying cosmetics.
(iv) The employer shall assure that employees do not enter lunchroom facilities or eating areas with protective work clothing or equipment unless surface lead dust has been removed by vacuuming, downdraft booth, or other cleaning method that limits dispersion of lead dust. 2 citations
(5) Hand washing facilities. 7 citations
(i) The employer shall provide adequate handwashing facilities for use by employees exposed to lead in accordance with 29 CFR 1926.51(f). 7 citations
(ii) Where showers are not provided the employer shall assure that employees wash their hands and face at the end of the work-shift.
Source: eCFR, text current as of 2026-10-15. Read all of 1926.62.
Where and how often it was cited
| Year | Citations |
|---|---|
| 2024 | 14 |
| 2025 | 10 |
| 2026 | 1 |
Top states: NY (8), OR (3), MA (2), CT (2), MD (2)
Largest penalties
| Employer | Location | Penalty for this rule |
|---|---|---|
| COMMODORE MAINTENANCE CORPORATION | BROOKLYN, NY | $23,170 |
| COMMODORE MAINTENANCE CORPORATION | BROOKLYN, NY | $19,358 |
| SANDHU CONTRACTING INC. | TANNERSVILLE, NY | $6,620 |
| LEGACY CONTRACTING, INC. | NORTH BEND, OR | $259 |
| 106590 - PHILLIP KRUGER CONSTRUCTION LLC | LAKEFIELD, MN | $200 |
Free toolbox talk
A 5-minute crew talk on 1926.62(i), 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(i)(2) Change areas 13 citations
- 1926.62(i)(2)(i) 10 citations
- 1926.62(i)(4) Eating facilities 3 citations
- 1926.62(i)(4)(ii) 1 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
Can workers eat in lead exposure areas?
No. In areas above the PEL, food or beverage must not be present or consumed, and tobacco and cosmetics are not allowed.
Can protective clothing go home?
No, employees must not leave the workplace wearing required protective clothing or equipment.
Are showers required?
Where feasible, for employees exposed above the PEL, and employees must shower at the end of the shift where showers are available.
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.