1910.134(c)(2)(i): Voluntary Respirator Use
Employers may provide respirators when workers ask for them, or let workers bring their own, if the employer decides that wearing them will not create a hazard. When voluntary use is allowed, the employer must give each user the information in Appendix D of the respiratory protection standard.
Key takeaways
- 1910.134(c)(2)(i) is part of OSHA's general industry standards (29 CFR Part 1910, Subpart I).
- OSHA cited it 838 times in the last 3 years, in 838 inspections, with $378,186 in current penalties.
- 6 deaths are linked to inspections that cited this rule.
- Most citations: OR (79), TN (72), UT (63).
- Related part: 1910.134(c) Respiratory protection program (4,071 citations).
- Free 5-minute toolbox talk for your crew below.
In this article
What this rule covers
29 CFR 1910.134(c)(2)(i) 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
(i) An employer may provide respirators at the request of employees or permit employees to use their own respirators, if the employer determines that such respirator use will not in itself create a hazard. If the employer determines that any voluntary respirator use is permissible, the employer shall provide the respirator users with the information contained in appendix D to this section (“Information for Employees Using Respirators When Not Required Under the Standard”); and 838 citations
Source: eCFR, text current as of 2026-10-15. Read all of 1910.134.
Injuries linked to this rule
6 deaths are linked to inspections where OSHA cited 1910.134(c)(2)(i).
On December 9, 2024, an employee working as a laborer for a power washing service had soaked one barn and was getting ready to wash another barn. The employee prepared the equipment in order to clean and wash the barn. He then entered a barn…
Full case list with employer, penalty, filters and download is part of OSHA Data (Purple Belt).
Unlock with Purple BeltWhere and how often it was cited
| Year | Citations |
|---|---|
| 2023 | 48 |
| 2024 | 300 |
| 2025 | 277 |
| 2026 | 213 |
Top states: OR (79), TN (72), UT (63), NY (59), NC (55)
Largest penalties
| Employer | Location | Penalty for this rule |
|---|---|---|
| CAVCO INDUSTRIES INC. | AUSTIN, TX | $13,828 |
| NEW MEXICO HIGHLANDS UNIVERSITY | LAS VEGAS, NM | $11,250 |
| LYON PROPERTY MANAGEMENT, LLC | CUMBERLAND, RI | $9,931 |
| ORANGE EV | KANSAS CITY, KS | $7,093 |
| HACKENSACK POLICE DEPARTMENT | HACKENSACK, NJ | $7,000 |
Free toolbox talk
A 5-minute crew talk on 1910.134(c)(2)(i), plus alerts when this rule changes. Free.
OSHA interpretation letters
None exist. OSHA has not published a letter of interpretation for 1910.134(c)(2)(i).
Related parts of this rule
- 1910.134(c) Respiratory protection program 4,071 citations
- 1910.134(c)(1) 2,038 citations
- 1910.134(c)(2) 1,789 citations
- 1910.134(c)(2)(ii) 781 citations
- 1910.134(c)(3) 83 citations
- 1910.134(c)(1)(ii) 56 citations
- 1910.134(c)(1)(iii) 31 citations
- 1910.134(c)(1)(viii) 20 citations
- 1910.134(c)(1)(ix) 18 citations
- 1910.134(c)(1)(i) 17 citations
- 1910.134(c)(1)(v) 17 citations
- 1910.134(c)(1)(iv) 12 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
Can I wear my own respirator if one is not required?
Yes, if your employer allows it and has determined that the respirator use will not itself create a hazard.
What is Appendix D?
It is the OSHA information sheet for employees using respirators when not required under the standard. Employers must give it to voluntary users.
Does voluntary use mean there are no rules?
No. The employer must first make sure the use is not a hazard and must give the Appendix D information.
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.