1910.1053(h)(2): No Compressed Air for Silica Cleanup
Employers must not allow compressed air to clean clothing or surfaces where it could add to worker exposure to respirable crystalline silica, unless it is used with a ventilation system that effectively captures the dust cloud or no alternative method is feasible.
Key takeaways
- 1910.1053(h)(2) is part of OSHA's general industry standards (29 CFR Part 1910).
- OSHA cited it 30 times in the last 3 years, in 30 inspections, with $16,761 in current penalties.
- 1 death is linked to inspections that cited this rule.
- Most citations: NC (3), MD (3), TN (3).
- 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) is one requirement inside 1910.1053 Respirable crystalline silica, an OSHA general industry standard (Part 1910). It includes 2 sub-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
(2) The employer shall not allow compressed air to be used to clean clothing or surfaces where such activity could contribute to employee exposure to respirable crystalline silica unless: 30 citations
(i) The compressed air is used in conjunction with a ventilation system that effectively captures the dust cloud created by the compressed air; or Open (h)(2)(i) 21 citations
(ii) No alternative method is feasible. 3 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).
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 | 20 |
| 2025 | 5 |
| 2026 | 4 |
Top states: NC (3), MD (3), TN (3), OK (2), NY (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 |
| 67752 - BRM OF KENTUCKY INC | MIDDLESBORO, KY | $1,750 |
Free toolbox talk
A 5-minute crew talk on 1910.1053(h)(2), plus alerts when this rule changes. Free.
OSHA interpretation letters
- Handling and disposal of respirable silica dust, contaminated equipment, and filters from vacuums and PPE (2022-02-14)
Related parts of this rule
- 1910.1053(h) Housekeeping 81 citations
- 1910.1053(h)(1) 51 citations
- 1910.1053(h)(2)(i) 21 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
Can compressed air be used to blow off silica dust?
Not where it could contribute to exposure, unless used with a ventilation system that effectively captures the dust cloud or no alternative is feasible.
Does this cover cleaning clothing?
Yes. It covers clothing and surfaces.
Which standard is this?
The general industry silica standard, 1910.1053.
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.