Subpart Z
The appendix provides a recommended, nonmandatory set of procedures for biological monitoring of workers exposed to lead in construction work. The document titled Nonmandatory Protocol for Biological Monitoring in 1926.1127 App F is intended as guidance—not a binding regulation—and mirrors the guidance in appendix F to 1910.1027.
No. The protocol in 1926.1127 App F is explicitly nonmandatory—it is guidance that employers may follow to set up biological monitoring, but employers remain legally bound by the mandatory requirements of the lead standard itself (1926.1127).
Yes. The appendix states that the requirements applicable to construction work under 1926.1127 App F are identical to the procedures set forth in appendix F to 1910.1027, so construction employers can use the same nonmandatory protocol as general industry employers.
Yes. Employers may use the nonmandatory protocol in 1926.1127 App F as a practical template for biological monitoring programs, but adopting the appendix does not replace or relax the mandatory elements of the lead standard in 1926.1127.
No. Using the guidance in 1926.1127 App F does not exempt an employer from meeting the mandatory requirements in 1926.1127; the appendix is advisory only and cannot substitute for regulatory obligations.
The appendix is intended for employers, safety and health professionals, medical reviewers, and others involved with biological monitoring of workers covered by the lead standards in both construction and general industry. For construction work, see 1926.1127 App F and for the identical guidance in general industry, see appendix F to 1910.1027.
The appendix can inform medical monitoring practices and assist medical professionals, but it is advisory; final medical and removal decisions must follow the mandatory rules and medical requirements in the applicable lead standard (1926.1127) and applicable medical judgment. The appendix (1926.1127 App F) is not a substitute for those regulatory criteria.
No. The appendix states that the procedures for construction are identical to those in general industry—1926.1127 App F expressly says the requirements applicable to construction work are identical to appendix F to 1910.1027.
Yes. Employers in States with OSHA-approved State Plans should confirm whether the State has its own biological monitoring guidance or more stringent rules, because State plans may adopt requirements that differ from or add to Federal guidance. OSHA has explained that State Plan states may have different or more stringent requirements in other contexts (see, for example, the asbestos interpretation discussing State Plans in the Asbestos remediation protocols letter). Employers should consult their State Plan authority in addition to 1926.1127 App F.
No. The appendix is advisory guidance and does not replace the enforceable regulatory language; the mandatory requirements remain in 1910.1027 for general industry and 1926.1127 for construction, while 1926.1127 App F provides nonmandatory procedures that mirror appendix F to 1910.1027.
Yes—employers should document the biological monitoring program they implement even if it follows the nonmandatory protocol, because clear documentation helps show how the employer meets legal obligations under the mandatory standard. While the appendix itself is guidance (1926.1127 App F), documentation is an essential part of compliance with the enforceable provisions in 1926.1127.
Employers can read the full, nonmandatory protocol in 1926.1127 App F; because the construction appendix is identical to the general industry version, they can also consult appendix F to 1910.1027 for the same guidance.