1910.134(h)(3)(i): Respirator Inspections
Employers must make sure routine-use respirators are inspected before each use and during cleaning, emergency-use respirators are inspected at least monthly and per the manufacturer and checked for function before and after each use, and escape-only respirators are inspected before being carried into the workplace.
Key takeaways
- 1910.134(h)(3)(i) is part of OSHA's general industry standards (29 CFR Part 1910, Subpart I).
- OSHA cited it 60 times in the last 3 years, in 59 inspections, with $16,594 in current penalties.
- Most citations: IL (40), TN (4), VA (3).
- 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)(3)(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) The employer shall ensure that respirators are inspected as follows: 60 citations
(A) All respirators used in routine situations shall be inspected before each use and during cleaning; Open (h)(3)(i)(a) 10 citations
(B) All respirators maintained for use in emergency situations shall be inspected at least monthly and in accordance with the manufacturer's recommendations, and shall be checked for proper function before and after each use; and 9 citations
(C) Emergency escape-only respirators shall be inspected before being carried into the workplace for use. 1 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 | 3 |
| 2024 | 34 |
| 2025 | 13 |
| 2026 | 10 |
Top states: IL (40), TN (4), VA (3), MI (2), FL (2)
Largest penalties
| Employer | Location | Penalty for this rule |
|---|---|---|
| BRADLEY BEACH FIRE DEPARTMENT | BRADLEY BEACH, NJ | $6,300 |
| HOUSES PAINTING AND MORE LLC | STAUNTON, VA | $3,075 |
| J.G. SOLIS CORP | MIDLAND, TX | $2,903 |
| HARTZELL CONSTRUCTION, INC. | BOCA GRANDE, FL | $2,128 |
| RO-LIN FARM SERVICES, INC. | GERMANTOWN, OH | $1,688 |
Free toolbox talk
A 5-minute crew talk on 1910.134(h)(3)(i), plus alerts when this rule changes. Free.
OSHA interpretation letters
None exist. OSHA has not published a letter of interpretation for 1910.134(h)(3)(i).
Related parts of this rule
- 1910.134(h) Maintenance and care of respirators 804 citations
- 1910.134(h)(2) Storage 493 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)(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
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
How often must a routine-use respirator be inspected?
Before each use and during cleaning.
How often must emergency respirators be inspected?
At least monthly and in accordance with the manufacturer's recommendations, and checked for proper function before and after each use.
When are escape-only respirators inspected?
Before being carried into the workplace for use.
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.