1910.101: Compressed Gas Cylinder Safety
Employers must make sure compressed gas cylinders under their control are in safe condition, as far as can be seen by visual inspection, and follow the inspection rules referenced in the standard. Handling, storage and use of compressed gases, and pressure relief devices on containers, must follow the Compressed Gas Association pamphlets incorporated by reference.
Key takeaways
- 1910.101 is part of OSHA's general industry standards (29 CFR Part 1910, Subpart H).
- OSHA cited it 582 times in the last 3 years, in 577 inspections, with $1,209,762 in current penalties.
- 3 deaths are linked to inspections that cited this rule.
- Most citations: NY (48), TN (48), NC (43).
- Most-cited part: 1910.101(b) Compressed gases (556 citations).
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In this article
What this rule covers
29 CFR 1910.101, "Compressed gases (general requirements)", is an OSHA general industry standard (Part 1910, Subpart H). It has 3 numbered paragraphs. The official text below is copied word for word from the Electronic Code of Federal Regulations (eCFR). The numbers, injury cases and training on this page show how OSHA enforces it on real job sites.
Official text
Show the full text of 1910.101 (3 paragraphs)
(a) Inspection of compressed gas cylinders. Each employer shall determine that compressed gas cylinders under his control are in a safe condition to the extent that this can be determined by visual inspection. Visual and other inspections shall be conducted as prescribed in the Hazardous Materials Regulations of the Department of Transportation (49 CFR parts 171-179 and 14 CFR part 103). Where those regulations are not applicable, visual and other inspections shall be conducted in accordance with Compressed Gas Association Pamphlets C-6-1968 and C-8-1962, which is incorporated by reference as specified in § 1910.6. Open (a) 24 citations
(b) Compressed gases. The in-plant handling, storage, and utilization of all compressed gases in cylinders, portable tanks, rail tankcars, or motor vehicle cargo tanks shall be in accordance with Compressed Gas Association Pamphlet P-1-1965, which is incorporated by reference as specified in § 1910.6. Open (b) 556 citations
(c) Safety relief devices for compressed gas containers. Compressed gas cylinders, portable tanks, and cargo tanks shall have pressure relief devices installed and maintained in accordance with Compressed Gas Association Pamphlets S-1.1-1963 and 1965 addenda and S-1.2-1963, which is incorporated by reference as specified in § 1910.6. 2 citations
[39 FR 23502, June 27, 1974, as amended at 61 FR 9236, Mar. 7, 1996]
Source: eCFR, text current as of 2026-10-15.
Export the list: 577 inspections cited 1910.101 in the last 3 years, with employer, location, penalty and date.
Purple Belt, $59/moInjuries linked to this rule
3 deaths are linked to inspections where OSHA cited 1910.101.
At 2:30 p.m. on November 12, 2024, Employee #1, employed by a recycling company,was attempting to clear debris below a conveyor belt when the machine unexpectedly activated, causing the employee to be crushed. The employee suffered blunt trauma from the crushing incident and was later…
Full case list with employer, penalty, filters and download is part of OSHA Data (Purple Belt).
Unlock with Purple BeltWhere and how often it was cited
| Year | Citations |
|---|---|
| 2023 | 23 |
| 2024 | 241 |
| 2025 | 180 |
| 2026 | 138 |
Top states: NY (48), TN (48), NC (43), CT (42), VA (40)
Largest penalties
| Employer | Location | Penalty for this rule |
|---|---|---|
| FAMILY DOLLAR STORES OF TEXAS LLC | HOUSTON, TX | $96,794 |
| UNITED REFRIGERATION INC | HARTFORD, CT | $23,832 |
| SOBOBA CASINO RESORT | SAN JACINTO, CA | $18,414 |
| TYCO FIRE PRODUCTS | MARINETTE, WI | $16,550 |
| DOLLAR GENERAL CORPORATION/DOLGENCORP LLC | DOVER, DE | $15,211 |
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OSHA interpretation letters
None exist. OSHA has not published a letter of interpretation for 1910.101.
Most-cited parts of this rule
- 1910.101(b) Compressed gases 556 citations
- 1910.101(a) Inspection of compressed gas cylinders 24 citations
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Frequently asked questions
Who is responsible for checking gas cylinders?
Each employer must determine that compressed gas cylinders under its control are in safe condition to the extent visual inspection can tell.
What rules cover handling and storing compressed gas?
In-plant handling, storage and use must follow Compressed Gas Association Pamphlet P-1-1965, incorporated by reference.
Do cylinders need pressure relief devices?
Yes. Cylinders, portable tanks and cargo tanks must have pressure relief devices installed and maintained per the referenced CGA pamphlets.
About this page
Sources
- 29 CFR 1910.101 (eCFR), text current as of 2026-10-15
- U.S. Department of Labor enforcement data: OSHA inspections, citations and accident records, copied nightly; data as of 2026-11-06
3-year window. Federal OSHA only; state-plan rules are not counted. Plain-language text is a summary, not legal advice; the official text controls. Black Belt Safety is not part of OSHA or the Department of Labor.