HomeKnowledgeOSHA 1926.62 — Lead Exposure in Construction
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OSHA 1926.62 — Lead Exposure in Construction

Updated Mar 26, 2026
Lead exposure limits: 50 µg/m³ PEL, blood lead monitoring, medical surveillance, abatement procedures.

1926.62: Lead in construction. PEL: 50 µg/m³ (8-hr TWA). Action level: 30 µg/m³. Sources: lead paint removal/demolition (pre-1978 buildings), soldering, cutting painted steel, bridge work. Trigger tasks (Table 1): manual demolition of lead structures, abrasive blasting, torch cutting painted surfaces, rivet removal. These trigger tasks require compliance with full standard regardless of monitoring. Engineering controls: HEPA vacuum, wet methods, containment, negative pressure enclosures. Respiratory: half-face P100 (up to 10x PEL), PAPR (up to 25x), supplied air (up to 1000x). Medical surveillance: BLL testing at initial assignment, then every 2 months until 2 consecutive <40 µg/dL. Medical removal: BLL ≥50 µg/dL = removed from exposure with medical removal protection (MRP — maintain earnings). Hygiene: change area, handwash, no eating/smoking in work areas.

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OSHAleadabatementpre-1978medical-surveillance
DETAILS
pel
50 µg/m³
regulation
29 CFR 1926.62
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