Workplace Safety & Compliance
Cal/OSHA Lead Safety Resources
California’s lead exposure requirements affect construction employers whose employees may encounter lead during roofing, renovation, demolition, repair and other construction activities. RCAC has gathered resources to help contractors understand the requirements and find additional guidance.
Current Requirements
California’s Updated Construction Lead Standard
Cal/OSHA’s amended lead standard for the construction industry took effect January 1, 2025. The regulation applies to construction work where employees may be occupationally exposed to lead.
Roofing contractors should review their work practices, exposure-assessment procedures, training and safety programs to determine how the requirements may apply to their operations.
Construction activities covered may include
Start with Cal/OSHA Guidance
Cal/OSHA maintains current guidance, employer resources and the complete regulatory language for occupational lead exposure in construction.
Lead Exposure Prevention
Review Cal/OSHA’s current construction-industry guidance, employer information and supporting resources.
Cal/OSHA Construction Lead GuidanceConstruction Lead Standard
Read California Code of Regulations, Title 8, Section 1532.1 for the full construction lead requirements.
View Title 8 Section 1532.1Employer Summary
Cal/OSHA’s executive summary provides an overview of major changes and employer responsibilities under the updated standard.
View Employer SummaryWhat Contractors Should Know
The revised construction standard includes significant changes to occupational lead protections. Contractors should consult the regulation and Cal/OSHA guidance for requirements applicable to their specific work.
Lower Exposure Limits
The updated standard lowered permissible occupational lead exposure limits and the action level.
Exposure Assessment
Employers may need to assess employee exposure and determine appropriate protections for work involving lead.
Worker Protections
Requirements may involve training, regulated areas, hygiene practices, respiratory protection, medical surveillance and other controls.
RCAC Lead Standards Archive
During development of California’s revised lead standards, RCAC provided members with information and advocacy materials addressing the proposed changes. These documents are retained here for historical reference and should not be relied upon as current compliance guidance.
The earlier RCAC materials titled Take Action – Oppose Lead Standards Revisions, The Truth About the Impact of Cal/OSHA’s Proposed Lead Standards on Construction, and related documents were produced while the regulations were still under consideration. The amended standards have since been adopted and are now in effect.
Advocacy & Government Affairs
RCAC provides information and resources related to legislative and regulatory issues affecting California roofing contractors.
Advocacy & Government Affairs