2021 Update

NOM-010-STPS-2021

Safety and health conditions in workplaces where chemical substances capable of contaminating are generated, handled, transported, or stored. Complete guide and compliance solutions.

Learn About the Standard How MCAT Helps

What is NOM-010-STPS-2021?

Official Mexican Standard NOM-010-STPS-2021 establishes safety and health conditions for risk prevention from exposure to chemical contaminants in the workplace.

Who does it apply to?

  • Industries donde se generen polvos metálicos
  • Welding and cutting processes
  • Chemical substance handling
  • Foundries and forges
  • Mineral grinding and processing
  • Carpentry and sawmills
Effective: La NOM-010-STPS-2021 entró en vigor el 16 de octubre de 2021, replacing a la versión de 1999. Las empresas tenían 12 months para adaptarse.

Main Employer Obligations

  1. Identify chemical agents present in the workplace
  2. Evaluate exposure through monitored measurement
  3. Engineering controls (ventilation, extraction)
  4. PPE when controls are insufficient
  5. Training for workers
  6. Registration and monitoring of worker health

Occupational Exposure Limits

PEL values (Permissible Exposure Limit) according to NOM-010-STPS-2021

Chemical AgentPEL (mg/m³)Industries Típicas
Sílice cristalina0.025Mining, construcción, fundición
Polvo de madera (duro)1.0Carpintería, muebles
Humo de soldadura (metal total)5.0Soldadura, metalmecánica
Cromo VI0.005Galvanoplastia, soldadura
Níquel0.5Fundición, aleaciones
Manganeso0.2Soldadura, fundición
Aluminio (polvo)10.0Metalurgia, reciclaje
Harina (polvo orgánico)1.0Alimentos, panificación

* Reference values. Consult the complete table in NOM-010-STPS-2021 for all agents.

Penalties for Non-Compliance

STPS can impose significant penalties for non-compliance with NOM-010-STPS-2021:

$50,000 - $200,000

Penalty for lack of evaluation

$100,000 - $500,000

Penalty for lack of controls

$200,000 - $4'000,000

Penalty for total non-compliance

Temporary closure

Possible in serious cases

Prescription: Fines must be paid within 30 business days following notification. After this period, they increase with updates.

How does MCAT help with compliance?

  • Emission Measurement

    Service de muestreo y análisis para determinar los niveles de exposición en su planta.

  • Control Systems

    Design e installation de sistemas de extracción y ventilación que reducen la exposición por debajo del LPP.

  • Documentation

    Technical reports to demonstrate compliance during STPS audits.

  • Continuous Monitoring

    Sensors and alert systems for permanent compliance verification.

Frequently Asked Questions

NOM-010-STPS-2021 establishes:

  • Initially: Initial evaluation to identify agents and levels
  • Cada 12 months: If results were below 50% of the PEL
  • Cada 6 months: If results were between 50-100% of the PEL
  • Immediately: When process conditions change

Engineering controls are technical measures that eliminate or reduce exposure at its source. Tienen prioridad sobre el PPE según la jerarquía de controles. Ejemplos:

  • Local exhaust ventilation systems
  • Ventilación general
  • Encapsulamiento de procesos
  • Automatización de tareas
  • Cambio de materiales menos peligrosos

MCAT diseña e instala controles de ingeniería certifieds.

Yes. MCAT works with EMA-accredited laboratories to perform chemical agent sampling according to NOM-010-STPS-2021. El servicio incluye: identificación de puntos de muestreo, medición por persona y área, análisis en laboratorio certified, informe técnico con recomendaciones y soporte para plan de acción.

Do you comply with NOM-010-STPS-2021?

Request a free assessment. We help you identify gaps and design compliance solutions.

Request Assessment Call: 722 134 2932