1910.119(f)(4): PSM Safe Work Practices
Under process safety management, employers must develop and implement safe work practices to control hazards during operations such as lockout/tagout, confined space entry, opening process equipment or piping, and controlling entry into the facility by maintenance, contractor, laboratory or other support personnel. These practices apply to both employees and contractor employees.
Key takeaways
- 1910.119(f)(4) is part of OSHA's general industry standards (29 CFR Part 1910, Subpart H).
- OSHA cited it 32 times in the last 3 years, in 32 inspections, with $324,092 in current penalties.
- Most citations: TX (9), PA (4), LA (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)(4) 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
(4) The employer shall develop and implement safe work practices to provide for the control of hazards during operations such as lockout/tagout; confined space entry; opening process equipment or piping; and control over entrance into a facility by maintenance, contractor, laboratory, or other support personnel. These safe work practices shall apply to employees and contractor employees. 32 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 | 2 |
| 2024 | 13 |
| 2025 | 8 |
| 2026 | 9 |
Top states: TX (9), PA (4), LA (3), OK (2), IA (2)
Largest penalties
| Employer | Location | Penalty for this rule |
|---|---|---|
| DEER PARK REFINING LTD | DEER PARK, TX | $16,550 |
| DIAMOND SHAMROCK REFINING COMPANY, L.P. | THREE RIVERS, TX | $16,550 |
| BLUE CUBE OPERATIONS LLC | FREEPORT, TX | $16,550 |
| UNITED STATES STEEL CORPORATION | CLAIRTON, PA | $16,550 |
| ONEOK HYDROCARBON LP | MONT BELVIEU, TX | $16,550 |
Free toolbox talk
A 5-minute crew talk on 1910.119(f)(4), plus alerts when this rule changes. Free.
OSHA interpretation letters
- Requirements for the control of personnel entering a facility under the Process Safety Management standard. (2005-03-16)
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)(1)(ii) Operating limits: 30 citations
- 1910.119(f)(1)(iii) Safety and health considerations: 29 citations
- 1910.119(f)(3) 22 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
What operations need safe work practices?
Operations such as lockout/tagout, confined space entry, opening process equipment or piping, and control over entrance by support personnel.
Do contractors have to follow them?
Yes. These safe work practices apply to employees and contractor employees.
Is writing them enough?
No. The employer must develop and implement them.
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.