1910.1053(h)(2)(i): Compressed Air With Dust Capture
One condition for using compressed air to clean clothing or surfaces under the general industry silica rule is that it is used together with a ventilation system that effectively captures the dust cloud it creates.
Key takeaways
- 1910.1053(h)(2)(i) is part of OSHA's general industry standards (29 CFR Part 1910).
- OSHA cited it 21 times in the last 3 years, in 21 inspections, with $14,311 in current penalties.
- 1 death is linked to inspections that cited this rule.
- Most citations: TN (3), OK (2), NY (2).
- Related part: 1910.1053(h) Housekeeping (81 citations).
- Free 5-minute toolbox talk for your crew below.
In this article
What this rule covers
29 CFR 1910.1053(h)(2)(i) is one requirement inside 1910.1053 Respirable crystalline silica, an OSHA general industry standard (Part 1910). 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
(i) The compressed air is used in conjunction with a ventilation system that effectively captures the dust cloud created by the compressed air; or 21 citations
Source: eCFR, text current as of 2026-10-15. Read all of 1910.1053.
Injuries linked to this rule
1 death is linked to inspections where OSHA cited 1910.1053(h)(2)(i).
At 1:08 p.m. on March 20, 2024, an employee died of silicosis from occupational exposure.
Where and how often it was cited
| Year | Citations |
|---|---|
| 2023 | 1 |
| 2024 | 15 |
| 2025 | 3 |
| 2026 | 2 |
Top states: TN (3), OK (2), NY (2), WI (2), IL (2)
Largest penalties
| Employer | Location | Penalty for this rule |
|---|---|---|
| ARTELYE, INC. | BELTSVILLE, MD | $6,400 |
| FLORENZA MARBLE & GRANITE CORPORATION | CHICAGO, IL | $2,374 |
| INTEGRA-CAST INCORPORATED | NEW BRITAIN, CT | $2,250 |
| MARGO STATE LINE, INC. | FOLKSTON, GA | $1,959 |
| BEXAR CONCRETE WORKS INC. | SAN ANTONIO, TX | $1,328 |
Free toolbox talk
A 5-minute crew talk on 1910.1053(h)(2)(i), plus alerts when this rule changes. Free.
OSHA interpretation letters
None exist. OSHA has not published a letter of interpretation for 1910.1053(h)(2)(i).
Related parts of this rule
- 1910.1053(h) Housekeeping 81 citations
- 1910.1053(h)(1) 51 citations
- 1910.1053(h)(2) 30 citations
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
When can compressed air be used under this item?
When it is used in conjunction with a ventilation system that effectively captures the dust cloud created by the compressed air.
What must the ventilation capture?
The dust cloud created by the compressed air.
Is this the only condition?
No. The rule lists another option joined by "or".
About this page
Sources
- 29 CFR 1910.1053 (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 2026-10-21
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.