1910.119(f)(3): Keeping Operating Procedures Current
Employers must review process safety operating procedures as often as necessary so they reflect current practice, including changes in process chemicals, technology, equipment and facilities. The employer must certify every year that the operating procedures are current and accurate.
Key takeaways
- 1910.119(f)(3) is part of OSHA's general industry standards (29 CFR Part 1910, Subpart H).
- OSHA cited it 22 times in the last 3 years, in 22 inspections, with $154,182 in current penalties.
- Most citations: OK (3), MN (3), TX (3).
- Related part: 1910.119(f) Operating procedures (211 citations).
- Free 5-minute toolbox talk for your crew below.
In this article
What this rule covers
29 CFR 1910.119(f)(3) is one requirement inside 1910.119 Process safety management of highly hazardous chemicals, 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
(3) The operating procedures shall be reviewed as often as necessary to assure that they reflect current operating practice, including changes that result from changes in process chemicals, technology, and equipment, and changes to facilities. The employer shall certify annually that these operating procedures are current and accurate. 22 citations
Source: eCFR, text current as of 2026-10-15. Read all of 1910.119.
Where and how often it was cited
| Year | Citations |
|---|---|
| 2023 | 1 |
| 2024 | 9 |
| 2025 | 8 |
| 2026 | 4 |
Top states: OK (3), MN (3), TX (3), TN (2), MI (2)
Largest penalties
| Employer | Location | Penalty for this rule |
|---|---|---|
| ACCURATE ENERGETIC SYSTEMS, LLC | MC EWEN, TN | $70,000 |
| SWIFT BEEF COMPANY | CACTUS, TX | $16,131 |
| LOPEZ FOODS, INC. | OKLAHOMA CITY, OK | $11,823 |
| HILAND DAIRY FOODS COMPANY | NORMAN, OK | $10,000 |
| THE LUBRIZOL CORPORATION | ELMENDORF, TX | $8,275 |
Free toolbox talk
A 5-minute crew talk on 1910.119(f)(3), plus alerts when this rule changes. Free.
OSHA interpretation letters
None exist. OSHA has not published a letter of interpretation for 1910.119(f)(3).
Related parts of this rule
- 1910.119(f) Operating procedures 211 citations
- 1910.119(f)(1) 153 citations
- 1910.119(f)(1)(i) Steps for each operating phase: 43 citations
- 1910.119(f)(4) 32 citations
- 1910.119(f)(1)(ii) Operating limits: 30 citations
- 1910.119(f)(1)(iii) Safety and health considerations: 29 citations
- 1910.119(f)(1)(i)(D) 14 citations
- 1910.119(f)(1)(iii)(B) 14 citations
- 1910.119(f)(1)(iv) Safety systems and their functions 3 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
How often must operating procedures be reviewed?
As often as necessary to make sure they reflect current operating practice.
Is there an annual requirement?
Yes. The employer must certify annually that the operating procedures are current and accurate.
What changes should trigger a review?
Changes in process chemicals, technology, equipment and facilities.
About this page
Sources
- 29 CFR 1910.119 (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.