1910.134(h)(3): Respirator Inspection
Employers must make sure routine-use respirators are inspected before each use and during cleaning, emergency respirators at least monthly and per the manufacturer, with function checks before and after each use, and escape-only respirators before being carried into the workplace. Inspections must check function, connections, parts and elastomer condition, SCBA must be inspected monthly with cylinders recharged when pressure falls to 90% of the manufacturer's recommended level, and emergency respirator inspections must be certified on a tag or label.
Key takeaways
- 1910.134(h)(3) is part of OSHA's general industry standards (29 CFR Part 1910, Subpart I).
- OSHA cited it 131 times in the last 3 years, in 116 inspections, with $181,661 in current penalties.
- 1 death is linked to inspections that cited this rule.
- Most citations: IL (60), NJ (11), VA (10).
- Related part: 1910.134(h) Maintenance and care of respirators (804 citations).
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In this article
What this rule covers
29 CFR 1910.134(h)(3) ("Inspection") is one requirement inside 1910.134 Respiratory protection, an OSHA general industry standard (Part 1910, Subpart I). It includes 11 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
(3) Inspection. 131 citations
(i) The employer shall ensure that respirators are inspected as follows: Open (h)(3)(i) 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
(ii) The employer shall ensure that respirator inspections include the following: Open (h)(3)(ii) 27 citations
(A) A check of respirator function, tightness of connections, and the condition of the various parts including, but not limited to, the facepiece, head straps, valves, connecting tube, and cartridges, canisters or filters; and Open (h)(3)(ii)(a) 21 citations
(B) A check of elastomeric parts for pliability and signs of deterioration. 5 citations
(iii) In addition to the requirements of paragraphs (h)(3)(i) and (ii) of this section, self-contained breathing apparatus shall be inspected monthly. Air and oxygen cylinders shall be maintained in a fully charged state and shall be recharged when the pressure falls to 90% of the manufacturer's recommended pressure level. The employer shall determine that the regulator and warning devices function properly. Open (h)(3)(iii) 37 citations
(iv) For respirators maintained for emergency use, the employer shall: 6 citations
(A) Certify the respirator by documenting the date the inspection was performed, the name (or signature) of the person who made the inspection, the findings, required remedial action, and a serial number or other means of identifying the inspected respirator; and 5 citations
(B) Provide this information on a tag or label that is attached to the storage compartment for the respirator, is kept with the respirator, or is included in inspection reports stored as paper or electronic files. This information shall be maintained until replaced following a subsequent certification.
Source: eCFR, text current as of 2026-10-15. Read all of 1910.134.
Injuries linked to this rule
1 death is linked to inspections where OSHA cited 1910.134(h)(3).
At 8:00 a.m. on January 26, 2024, a fire fighter and Lieutenant fell while retreating from an attic fire. The fire fighter was reported to have fallen into the stairwell and may have become entangled on his bail-out cord. The firefighter was killed due to…
Where and how often it was cited
| Year | Citations |
|---|---|
| 2023 | 7 |
| 2024 | 72 |
| 2025 | 27 |
| 2026 | 25 |
Top states: IL (60), NJ (11), VA (10), TX (5), TN (5)
Largest penalties
| Employer | Location | Penalty for this rule |
|---|---|---|
| PLAINFIELD FIRE DEPARTMENT - HEADQUARTERS | PLAINFIELD, NJ | $38,430 |
| PLAINFIELD FIRE DEPARTMENT - ENGINE 4 | PLAINFIELD, NJ | $31,500 |
| VALERO REFINING COMPANY- OKLAHOMA | ARDMORE, OK | $16,550 |
| SOCORRO, CITY OF, WASTEWATER/WATER DEPARTMENT | SOCORRO, NM | $14,464 |
| ROBIN INDUSTRIES, INC. | BERLIN, OH | $10,000 |
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A 5-minute crew talk on 1910.134(h)(3), 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) Storage 493 citations
- 1910.134(h)(2)(i) 447 citations
- 1910.134(h)(1) Cleaning and disinfecting 148 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 often must routine-use respirators be inspected?
Before each use and during cleaning.
How often must emergency respirators be inspected?
At least monthly and according to the manufacturer's recommendations, and checked for proper function before and after each use.
When must SCBA cylinders be recharged?
When the pressure falls to 90% of the manufacturer's recommended pressure level.
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.