1910.134(e)(6)(i): Written PLHCP Recommendation
Employers must obtain a written recommendation from the PLHCP about the employee's ability to use a respirator. It may include only limits related to the employee's medical condition or workplace conditions, any need for follow-up evaluations, and a statement that the employee has been given a copy.
Key takeaways
- 1910.134(e)(6)(i) is part of OSHA's general industry standards (29 CFR Part 1910, Subpart I).
- OSHA cited it 52 times in the last 3 years, in 52 inspections, with $56,372 in current penalties.
- Most citations: OR (14), CT (7), NJ (6).
- Related part: 1910.134(e) Medical evaluation (2,653 citations).
- Free 5-minute toolbox talk for your crew below.
In this article
What this rule covers
29 CFR 1910.134(e)(6)(i) is one requirement inside 1910.134 Respiratory protection, an OSHA general industry standard (Part 1910, Subpart I). It includes 3 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
(i) Obtain a written recommendation regarding the employee's ability to use the respirator from the PLHCP. The recommendation shall provide only the following information: 52 citations
(A) Any limitations on respirator use related to the medical condition of the employee, or relating to the workplace conditions in which the respirator will be used, including whether or not the employee is medically able to use the respirator; Open (e)(6)(i)(a)
(B) The need, if any, for follow-up medical evaluations; and Open (e)(6)(i)(b) 1 citations
(C) A statement that the PLHCP has provided the employee with a copy of the PLHCP's written recommendation. 3 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 | 2 |
| 2024 | 17 |
| 2025 | 19 |
| 2026 | 14 |
Top states: OR (14), CT (7), NJ (6), WI (3), NY (3)
Largest penalties
| Employer | Location | Penalty for this rule |
|---|---|---|
| QUALITY SAUSAGE COMPANY LLC | DALLAS, TX | $9,669 |
| TOWNSHIP OF FRANKLIN | SOMERSET, NJ | $7,000 |
| BOROUGH OF OLD TAPPAN | OLD TAPPAN, NJ | $7,000 |
| THE L.C. DOANE COMPANY | IVORYTON, CT | $5,807 |
| PRAM SINGING WOODS TE LLC DBA SPRING HILLS SINGING WOODS | DAYTON, OH | $4,113 |
Free toolbox talk
A 5-minute crew talk on 1910.134(e)(6)(i), plus alerts when this rule changes. Free.
OSHA interpretation letters
- Whether the respiratory protection medical evaluation may consider factors beyond respirator use (2025-08-01)
- Retention of Spirometry Records (2019-09-18)
- Mandatory annual blood work requirements in OSHA's Respiratory Protection and Ethylene Oxide standards (2017-06-12)
Related parts of this rule
- 1910.134(e) Medical evaluation 2,653 citations
- 1910.134(e)(1) General 2,526 citations
- 1910.134(e)(6) Medical determination 52 citations
- 1910.134(e)(2) Medical evaluation procedures 22 citations
- 1910.134(e)(4) Administration of the medical questionnaire and examinations 19 citations
- 1910.134(e)(2)(i) 17 citations
- 1910.134(e)(7) Additional medical evaluations 17 citations
- 1910.134(e)(4)(i) 16 citations
- 1910.134(e)(7)(ii) 11 citations
- 1910.134(e)(5) Supplemental information for the PLHCP 10 citations
- 1910.134(e)(5)(i) 6 citations
- 1910.134(e)(3) Follow-up medical examination 5 citations
Get your crew competent
Trainers on Black Belt Safety: Marc Harvey, Dana Reyes
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Frequently asked questions
Who writes the respirator recommendation?
The physician or other licensed health care professional (PLHCP).
Can the recommendation include my full medical details?
It shall provide only the limits on use, the need for follow-up evaluations, and the copy statement.
Must the employer get it in writing?
Yes, it must be a written recommendation.
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.