CFR 137 - Lead (Lifting of Judicial Stay)

Federal OSHA originally promulgated the Occupational Exposure to Lead standard on November 14, 1978 which established a PEL of 50 ug/m3 based on an 8-hour time-weighted average. This standard was challenged by both industry and labor. The courts have found that it is technologically and economically feasible for all industries except brass and bronze ingot manufacturers to attain a PEL of 50 ug/m3 through engineering controls and work practice. Therefore, the stay for all lead chemical manufacturers, copper smelters and large nonferrous foundries (those with 20 or more employees) was lifted effective July 19, 1991.

This final rule at 29 CFR 1910.1025 was adopted verbatim (Federal Register) in North Carolina by the Commissioner of Labor with an effective date of April 1, 1996.