1910.101(a): Compressed Gas Cylinder Inspection
Employers must determine, by visual inspection, that compressed gas cylinders under their control are in safe condition. Visual and other inspections must follow the DOT Hazardous Materials Regulations (49 CFR parts 171-179 and 14 CFR part 103), or, where those do not apply, Compressed Gas Association Pamphlets C-6-1968 and C-8-1962.
Key takeaways
- 1910.101(a) is part of OSHA's general industry standards (29 CFR Part 1910, Subpart H).
- OSHA cited it 24 times in the last 3 years, in 24 inspections, with $74,264 in current penalties.
- Most citations: ID (5), NM (4), NC (3).
- Free 5-minute toolbox talk for your crew below.
In this article
What this rule covers
29 CFR 1910.101(a) ("Inspection of compressed gas cylinders") is one requirement inside 1910.101 Compressed gases (general requirements), an OSHA general industry standard (Part 1910, Subpart H). 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
(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. 24 citations
Source: eCFR, text current as of 2026-10-15. Read all of 1910.101.
Where and how often it was cited
| Year | Citations |
|---|---|
| 2023 | 1 |
| 2024 | 12 |
| 2025 | 6 |
| 2026 | 5 |
Top states: ID (5), NM (4), NC (3), NY (2), PR (2)
Largest penalties
| Employer | Location | Penalty for this rule |
|---|---|---|
| KESSEL PAVING & CONCRETE INC | VINTON, TX | $13,406 |
| UNIFI LLC | ALBUQUERQUE, NM | $10,625 |
| CORTEZ GAS COMPANY | TRUTH OR CONSEQUENCES, NM | $9,521 |
| GUADALUPE COUNTY HOSPITAL | SANTA ROSA, NM | $6,694 |
| ALBANY FIRE EXTINGUISHER, LLC | WATERVLIET, NY | $6,250 |
Free toolbox talk
A 5-minute crew talk on 1910.101(a), plus alerts when this rule changes. Free.
OSHA interpretation letters
- Storage and use of compressed gas cylinders; whether cylinder is considered an oxidizing compressed gas or oxygen cylinder. (2008-05-23)
- Inspection and maintenance requirements for compressed natural gas storage cylinders; use of updated Compressed Gas Association pamphlets for guidance. (2002-09-26)
Get your crew competent
Trainers on Black Belt Safety: Marc Harvey, Dana Reyes
Trainers and suppliers: feature your business on this rule for $25/month.
Frequently asked questions
Who must inspect cylinders?
Each employer, for cylinders under its control.
Which rules govern inspections?
DOT Hazardous Materials Regulations (49 CFR parts 171-179 and 14 CFR part 103).
What if DOT rules do not apply?
Use Compressed Gas Association Pamphlets C-6-1968 and C-8-1962.
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 2026-10-20
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.