29 CFR 1926.62: OSHA Lead in Construction

Regulatory citation: 29 CFR 1926.62, Lead (Construction)

What Is the OSHA Lead in Construction Standard?

Section 1926.62 protects construction workers exposed to lead. It covers demolition, renovation, painting, blasting, welding and similar work on materials containing lead. The standard sets airborne exposure limits and requires exposure assessment, controls, respirators, hygiene facilities, medical surveillance and training.

Why Lead Exposure Matters

Lead builds up in the body over time. It can damage the nervous system, kidneys, blood and reproductive system, often before symptoms appear. Workers can also carry lead dust home.

Core Obligations

1. Keep Exposure Below the Limits (1926.62(b) and (c))

The permissible exposure limit (PEL) is 50 micrograms per cubic meter of air (µg/m³) as an 8-hour time-weighted average. For shifts longer than 8 hours, the limit is reduced using the formula 400 divided by hours worked. The action level is 30 µg/m³, which triggers monitoring, medical surveillance and training duties.

2. Assess Exposure Before and During Work (1926.62(d))

Employers must find out whether any employee may be exposed at or above the action level. Monitoring at or above the action level must be repeated at least every 6 months, and above the PEL at least quarterly. Monitoring may stop after two consecutive results, taken at least 7 days apart, fall below the action level. Employees must be told their results in writing within 5 working days.

3. Provide Interim Protection for High-Risk Tasks (1926.62(d)(2))

Until an assessment shows otherwise, certain tasks are presumed to cause high exposure. Manual scraping, manual sanding, manual demolition, heat gun use and power tool cleaning with dust collection on lead coatings are treated as above the PEL. Lead burning, rivet busting, using lead-containing mortar and power tool cleaning without dust collection are treated as above 500 µg/m³. Abrasive blasting, welding, cutting and torch burning on lead coatings are treated as above 2,500 µg/m³. Workers on these tasks need suitable respirators, protective clothing, change areas, handwashing, blood testing and training.

4. Write and Update a Compliance Program (1926.62(e))

Where exposure exceeds the PEL, employers must use engineering and work practice controls to reduce it as far as feasible, with respirators covering any remaining exposure. A written compliance program must be in place before the job starts. It must be revised at least annually.

5. Provide Medical Surveillance (1926.62(j))

Initial blood lead and zinc protoporphyrin testing must be offered to anyone exposed at or above the action level on any day. A full program applies when exposure at or above the action level lasts more than 30 days in any 12 consecutive months. Blood testing is required every 2 months for the first 6 months and every 6 months after that, or every 2 months while a result is 40 µg/dl or higher. Workers must be told their blood lead results in writing within 5 working days.

6. Remove Workers With High Blood Lead (1926.62(k))

An employee whose periodic and follow-up blood tests show 50 µg/dl or more must be removed from exposure at or above the action level. They may return once two consecutive tests are below 40 µg/dl. During removal, the employer must maintain earnings, seniority and benefits for up to 18 months.

7. Provide Hygiene Facilities and Training (1926.62(i) and (l))

Employees above the PEL need clean change areas, eating areas and handwashing facilities, and showers where feasible. No eating, drinking, smoking or cosmetics are allowed in those areas. Training must be given before job assignment and at least annually for anyone exposed at or above the action level on any day.

Common Compliance Approaches

Plan Controls Into the Bid

Contractors identify lead coatings early and price in wet methods, HEPA tools, containment and hygiene units.

Use Task-Based Exposure Data

Personal air sampling on the first days of a job confirms whether interim protection can be adjusted.

Example: Lead Controls in Practice

A painting contractor is hired to remove coatings from an old steel bridge using abrasive blasting. Before air monitoring results are available, the crew is treated as exposed above 2,500 µg/m³. Workers wear supplied-air hoods, use a shower trailer and give baseline blood samples. Two months later, one worker's blood lead rises to 42 µg/dl, so the contractor moves him to testing every 2 months and reviews his work practices.

Related regulations: OSHA respiratory protection, OSHA access to exposure and medical records, EPA lead renovation, repair and painting rule.

Note: General industry lead work is covered by a separate standard, 29 CFR 1910.1025. State plan states may set stricter rules.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does the standard apply to residential renovation?

Yes. It covers construction work on homes, and EPA renovation rules may also apply.

Can I skip interim protection if I expect low exposure?

Not for the listed tasks. Interim protection applies until your exposure assessment shows employees are not exposed above the PEL.

Does a removed worker lose pay?

No. Medical removal protection keeps earnings, seniority and other rights and benefits in place for up to 18 months per removal.