1910.134(h)(2): Respirator Storage
Employers must store respirators so they are protected from damage, contamination, dust, sunlight, extreme temperatures, too much moisture and damaging chemicals, and packed so the facepiece and exhalation valve do not get deformed. Emergency respirators must also be kept close to the work area, stored in clearly marked compartments or covers, and stored according to the manufacturer's instructions.
Key takeaways
- 1910.134(h)(2) is part of OSHA's general industry standards (29 CFR Part 1910, Subpart I).
- OSHA cited it 493 times in the last 3 years, in 493 inspections, with $296,196 in current penalties.
- 2 deaths are linked to inspections that cited this rule.
- Most citations: TN (63), MI (39), OR (35).
- Related part: 1910.134(h) Maintenance and care of respirators (804 citations).
- Free 5-minute toolbox talk for your crew below.
In this article
What this rule covers
29 CFR 1910.134(h)(2) ("Storage") is one requirement inside 1910.134 Respiratory protection, an OSHA general industry standard (Part 1910, Subpart I). It includes 5 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
(2) Storage. The employer shall ensure that respirators are stored as follows: 493 citations
(i) All respirators shall be stored to protect them from damage, contamination, dust, sunlight, extreme temperatures, excessive moisture, and damaging chemicals, and they shall be packed or stored to prevent deformation of the facepiece and exhalation valve. Open (h)(2)(i) 447 citations
(ii) In addition to the requirements of paragraph (h)(2)(i) of this section, emergency respirators shall be: 3 citations
(A) Kept accessible to the work area;
(B) Stored in compartments or in covers that are clearly marked as containing emergency respirators; and 1 citations
(C) Stored in accordance with any applicable manufacturer instructions. 2 citations
Source: eCFR, text current as of 2026-10-15. Read all of 1910.134.
Injuries linked to this rule
2 deaths are linked to inspections where OSHA cited 1910.134(h)(2).
At 8:30 a.m. on May 7, 2024, Employee #1 was preparing to sand an epoxy patch when they exited the area, reporting difficulty breathing. The employee collapsed shortly afterward. Despite immediate attention, the employee later died from a severe asthma attack. The cause of the…
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 | 32 |
| 2024 | 186 |
| 2025 | 163 |
| 2026 | 112 |
Top states: TN (63), MI (39), OR (35), VA (33), NV (23)
Largest penalties
| Employer | Location | Penalty for this rule |
|---|---|---|
| CRASH CHAMPIONS, LLC | OLATHE, KS | $19,506 |
| FLEETPRIDE INC. | CORPUS CHRISTI, TX | $16,550 |
| SMITH-MIDLAND CORPORATION | MIDLAND, VA | $12,135 |
| LMI FINISHING, INC. | CATOOSA, OK | $11,524 |
| ARSI ASBESTOS REMOVAL SERVICES INC. | MOBERLY, MO | $11,292 |
Free toolbox talk
A 5-minute crew talk on 1910.134(h)(2), plus alerts when this rule changes. Free.
OSHA interpretation letters
Related parts of this rule
- 1910.134(h) Maintenance and care of respirators 804 citations
- 1910.134(h)(2)(i) 447 citations
- 1910.134(h)(1) Cleaning and disinfecting 148 citations
- 1910.134(h)(3) Inspection 131 citations
- 1910.134(h)(3)(i) 60 citations
- 1910.134(h)(1)(i) 56 citations
- 1910.134(h)(3)(iii) 37 citations
- 1910.134(h)(4) Repairs 32 citations
- 1910.134(h)(3)(ii) 27 citations
- 1910.134(h)(3)(ii)(A) 21 citations
- 1910.134(h)(1)(ii) 12 citations
- 1910.134(h)(3)(i)(A) 10 citations
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Frequently asked questions
How should everyday respirators be stored?
Protected from damage, contamination, dust, sunlight, extreme temperatures, excessive moisture and damaging chemicals, and packed so the facepiece and exhalation valve keep their shape.
Where should emergency respirators be kept?
Accessible to the work area, in compartments or covers clearly marked as holding emergency respirators.
Do manufacturer instructions matter for storage?
Yes. Emergency respirators must be stored according to any applicable manufacturer instructions.
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.