1910.119(g)(1): Initial Process Safety Training
Employers must train each employee operating a covered process, and each employee before operating a newly assigned process, in an overview of the process and its operating procedures. Training must emphasize specific safety and health hazards, emergency operations including shutdown, and safe work practices for the job. For employees already operating a process on May 26, 1992, the employer may instead certify in writing that they have the needed knowledge and skills.
Key takeaways
- 1910.119(g)(1) is part of OSHA's general industry standards (29 CFR Part 1910, Subpart H).
- OSHA cited it 27 times in the last 3 years, in 27 inspections, with $155,505 in current penalties.
- Most citations: OH (4), TN (3), OR (3).
- Related part: 1910.119(g) Training (59 citations).
- Free 5-minute toolbox talk for your crew below.
In this article
What this rule covers
29 CFR 1910.119(g)(1) ("Initial training") is one requirement inside 1910.119 Process safety management of highly hazardous chemicals, an OSHA general industry standard (Part 1910, Subpart H). 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
(1) Initial training. 27 citations
(i) Each employee presently involved in operating a process, and each employee before being involved in operating a newly assigned process, shall be trained in an overview of the process and in the operating procedures as specified in paragraph (f) of this section. The training shall include emphasis on the specific safety and health hazards, emergency operations including shutdown, and safe work practices applicable to the employee's job tasks. Open (g)(1)(i) 26 citations
(ii) In lieu of initial training for those employees already involved in operating a process on May 26, 1992, an employer may certify in writing that the employee has the required knowledge, skills, and abilities to safely carry out the duties and responsibilities as specified in the operating procedures.
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 | 10 |
| 2025 | 8 |
| 2026 | 7 |
Top states: OH (4), TN (3), OR (3), PA (3), WI (3)
Largest penalties
| Employer | Location | Penalty for this rule |
|---|---|---|
| BAE SYSTEMS ORDNANCE SYSTEMS INC. | RADFORD, VA | $16,550 |
| AMTEC CORPORATION | CLEAR LAKE, SD | $16,131 |
| DOUBLE R BRAND FOODS LLC | LUFKIN, TX | $14,895 |
| SPRAY PRODUCTS CORPORATION | PLYMOUTH MEETING, PA | $14,518 |
| 317738482 - FERRELLGAS LP | EAGLE CREEK, OR | $13,833 |
Free toolbox talk
A 5-minute crew talk on 1910.119(g)(1), plus alerts when this rule changes. Free.
OSHA interpretation letters
None exist. OSHA has not published a letter of interpretation for 1910.119(g)(1).
Related parts of this rule
- 1910.119(g) Training 59 citations
- 1910.119(g)(1)(i) 26 citations
- 1910.119(g)(3) Training documentation 21 citations
- 1910.119(g)(2) Refresher training 11 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
Who needs initial PSM training?
Each employee involved in operating a process, and each employee before operating a newly assigned process.
What must the training emphasize?
The specific safety and health hazards, emergency operations including shutdown, and safe work practices for the employee's job tasks.
Is there an alternative for long-time operators?
For employees operating a process on May 26, 1992, the employer may certify in writing that they have the required knowledge, skills and abilities.
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.