1910.119(j)(3): Training for Process Maintenance Workers
Under process safety management, employers must train each employee who maintains process equipment in an overview of the process and its hazards, and in the procedures for their job tasks, so they can do the work safely.
Key takeaways
- 1910.119(j)(3) is part of OSHA's general industry standards (29 CFR Part 1910, Subpart H).
- OSHA cited it 13 times in the last 3 years, in 13 inspections, with $156,007 in current penalties.
- Most citations: OR (2), IN (1), OH (1).
- Related part: 1910.119(j) Mechanical integrity (227 citations).
- Free 5-minute toolbox talk for your crew below.
In this article
What this rule covers
29 CFR 1910.119(j)(3) ("Training for process maintenance activities") 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) Training for process maintenance activities. The employer shall train each employee involved in maintaining the on-going integrity of process equipment in an overview of that process and its hazards and in the procedures applicable to the employee's job tasks to assure that the employee can perform the job tasks in a safe manner. 13 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 | 1 |
| 2025 | 4 |
| 2026 | 7 |
Top states: OR (2), IN (1), OH (1), FL (1), IL (1)
Largest penalties
| Employer | Location | Penalty for this rule |
|---|---|---|
| ACCURATE ENERGETIC SYSTEMS, LLC | MC EWEN, TN | $70,000 |
| H.F. SINCLAIR | ARTESIA, NM | $16,554 |
| UNITED STATES STEEL CORPORATION | CLAIRTON, PA | $16,550 |
| ONEOK HYDROCARBON LP | MONT BELVIEU, TX | $16,550 |
| VALERO REFINING COMPANY- OKLAHOMA | ARDMORE, OK | $16,550 |
Free toolbox talk
A 5-minute crew talk on 1910.119(j)(3), plus alerts when this rule changes. Free.
OSHA interpretation letters
None exist. OSHA has not published a letter of interpretation for 1910.119(j)(3).
Related parts of this rule
- 1910.119(j) Mechanical integrity 227 citations
- 1910.119(j)(4) Inspection and testing 96 citations
- 1910.119(j)(2) Written procedures 72 citations
- 1910.119(j)(5) Equipment deficiencies 35 citations
- 1910.119(j)(4)(i) 29 citations
- 1910.119(j)(4)(iii) 27 citations
- 1910.119(j)(4)(iv) 20 citations
- 1910.119(j)(4)(ii) 17 citations
- 1910.119(j)(6) Quality assurance 8 citations
- 1910.119(j)(6)(ii) 7 citations
- 1910.119(j)(1) Application 3 citations
- 1910.119(j)(6)(i)
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 this training?
Each employee involved in maintaining the on-going integrity of process equipment.
What must the training cover?
An overview of the process and its hazards and the procedures that apply to the employee's job tasks.
What is the goal of the training?
To assure the employee can perform the job tasks in a safe manner.
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.