Lead (Construction) Compliance for Construction

29 CFR 1926.62 — Protects construction workers from lead exposure during demolition, removal, surface prep, repaint, abrasive blasting, and other work disturbing lead-containing materials in pre-1978 structures, bridges, and steel.

Any construction employer whose workers may be exposed to lead during construction, alteration, or repair work.

How Lead (Construction) Applies to Construction

Lead exposure is presumed for demolition, abrasive blasting, torch cutting, and welding on pre-1978 painted surfaces. Use Table 1 controls during initial assessment, then refine based on air-sampling data. Personal cleanliness and waste-stream management are the most-missed elements.

Key Requirements

  • PEL of 50 µg/m³ as 8-hour TWA; Action Level 30 µg/m³
  • Initial exposure assessment for any task with lead-disturbing potential
  • Engineering and work-practice controls before respirators
  • Respiratory protection per Table 1 (presumed exposure tasks) until assessment completed
  • Hygiene facilities — handwashing, change rooms, showers (above PEL)
  • Medical surveillance for workers exposed at or above Action Level for 30+ days/year
  • Worker training before assignment and annually
  • Recordkeeping — exposure assessments (30 yr), medical records (duration of employment + 30 yr)

Most-Cited Violations

  • 1926.62(d) — No initial exposure assessment
  • 1926.62(e) — Inadequate engineering/work-practice controls
  • 1926.62(j) — No hygiene facilities
  • 1926.62(l) — No worker training

Typical fine range: $5,000–$16,550 per Serious citation. Multi-employer site exposures (general-public lead release) elevate to Willful and trigger EPA RRP and state-program enforcement.

How SafetyNet Helps Construction Employers Comply with Lead (Construction)

  • Gap Assessment — Third-party audit against 1926.62 with prioritized remediation roadmap.
  • On-Site Managed Services — Embedded certified safety professional running your Lead (Construction) program day-to-day.
  • Citation Assistance — If you have received a 1926.62 citation, our consultants help with informal-conference negotiation and abatement.

Free Tools

Lead (Construction) for Other Industries

Other Standards Relevant to Construction

This page summarizes federal OSHA requirements. State-plan jurisdictions may have stricter requirements. Fine ranges are planning estimates; they are not legal advice. For a binding compliance assessment, contact a SafetyNet consultant.