1910.134(a)(1): Engineering Controls First for Air Contaminants
To prevent illness from breathing harmful dusts, fumes, mists, gases, smoke, sprays or vapors, the main goal is to prevent contaminated air using engineering controls like enclosure, ventilation and less toxic substitutes, as far as feasible. Respirators must be used when engineering controls are not feasible or while they are being put in place.
Key takeaways
- 1910.134(a)(1) is part of OSHA's general industry standards (29 CFR Part 1910, Subpart I).
- OSHA cited it 12 times in the last 3 years, in 12 inspections, with $23,026 in current penalties.
- Most citations: MI (5), TX (2), AR (1).
- Related part: 1910.134(a) Permissible practice (314 citations).
- Free 5-minute toolbox talk for your crew below.
In this article
What this rule covers
29 CFR 1910.134(a)(1) is one requirement inside 1910.134 Respiratory protection, an OSHA general industry standard (Part 1910, Subpart I). 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) In the control of those occupational diseases caused by breathing air contaminated with harmful dusts, fogs, fumes, mists, gases, smokes, sprays, or vapors, the primary objective shall be to prevent atmospheric contamination. This shall be accomplished as far as feasible by accepted engineering control measures (for example, enclosure or confinement of the operation, general and local ventilation, and substitution of less toxic materials). When effective engineering controls are not feasible, or while they are being instituted, appropriate respirators shall be used pursuant to this section. 12 citations
Source: eCFR, text current as of 2026-10-15. Read all of 1910.134.
Where and how often it was cited
| Year | Citations |
|---|---|
| 2023 | 1 |
| 2024 | 4 |
| 2025 | 4 |
| 2026 | 3 |
Top states: MI (5), TX (2), AR (1), IL (1), AK (1)
Largest penalties
| Employer | Location | Penalty for this rule |
|---|---|---|
| DARLING INGREDIENTS INC. | GRAPELAND, TX | $4,965 |
| APEX PROPERTY SERVICE | PLAISTOW, NH | $4,965 |
| LUIS ROLDAN | JONESBORO, AR | $4,839 |
| SWEET HOME CONSTRUCTION, INC. | ANCHORAGE, AK | $3,457 |
| SINTEL INC | SPRING LAKE, MI | $2,800 |
Free toolbox talk
A 5-minute crew talk on 1910.134(a)(1), plus alerts when this rule changes. Free.
OSHA interpretation letters
- Respirators for silica dust must be selected based on exposure levels. (1999-05-12)
- Hierarchy of air contaminant controls; respirators for emergencies. (1993-01-26)
Related parts of this rule
- 1910.134(a) Permissible practice 314 citations
- 1910.134(a)(2) 302 citations
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Frequently asked questions
What is the first choice for controlling air contaminants?
Accepted engineering control measures, as far as feasible.
What are examples of engineering controls?
Enclosure or confinement of the operation, general and local ventilation, and substitution of less toxic materials.
When are respirators used?
When effective engineering controls are not feasible, or while they are being instituted.
About this page
Sources
- 29 CFR 1910.134 (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 2026-10-20
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.