1910.134(k)(1)(i): Respirator Training: Why and How Fit Matters
Employers must make sure each employee who uses a respirator can show they know why the respirator is necessary and how improper fit, use or maintenance can reduce its protection.
Key takeaways
- 1910.134(k)(1)(i) is part of OSHA's general industry standards (29 CFR Part 1910, Subpart I).
- OSHA cited it 22 times in the last 3 years, in 22 inspections, with $12,143 in current penalties.
- 1 death is linked to inspections that cited this rule.
- Most citations: CA (4), OH (2), ME (2).
- Related part: 1910.134(k) Training and information (1,842 citations).
- Free 5-minute toolbox talk for your crew below.
In this article
What this rule covers
29 CFR 1910.134(k)(1)(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) Why the respirator is necessary and how improper fit, usage, or maintenance can compromise the protective effect of the respirator; 22 citations
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(k)(1)(i).
At 1:08 p.m. on March 20, 2024, an employee died of silicosis from occupational exposure.
Where and how often it was cited
| Year | Citations |
|---|---|
| 2023 | 1 |
| 2024 | 15 |
| 2025 | 2 |
| 2026 | 4 |
Top states: CA (4), OH (2), ME (2), TN (2), NY (2)
Largest penalties
| Employer | Location | Penalty for this rule |
|---|---|---|
| SIGMA CORPORATION | HOUSTON, TX | $8,643 |
| PRECISION ENVIRONMENTAL COMPANY | MIDDLETOWN, OH | $3,500 |
| TOWER MAINTENANCE CORPORATION | EAST HADDAM, CT | $0 |
| KENRIC STEEL, LLC | MILLVILLE, NJ | $0 |
| PPX2024XEG419X0016 - CITY OF BUCKEYE - PUBLIC WORKS FACILITIES | BUCKEYE, AZ | $0 |
Free toolbox talk
A 5-minute crew talk on 1910.134(k)(1)(i), plus alerts when this rule changes. Free.
OSHA interpretation letters
None exist. OSHA has not published a letter of interpretation for 1910.134(k)(1)(i).
Related parts of this rule
- 1910.134(k) Training and information 1,842 citations
- 1910.134(k)(6) 533 citations
- 1910.134(k)(1) 489 citations
- 1910.134(k)(3) 197 citations
- 1910.134(k)(5) 71 citations
- 1910.134(k)(1)(v) 13 citations
- 1910.134(k)(5)(ii) 3 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
What is this training item about?
Why the respirator is necessary and how improper fit, usage or maintenance can compromise its protection.
Who must know this?
Each employee required to use a respirator.
Can poor maintenance reduce protection?
Yes. The rule names improper maintenance as something that can compromise protection.
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.