1910.134(k)(3): Respirator Training Before Use
Employers must provide respirator training before requiring an employee to use a respirator in the workplace.
Key takeaways
- 1910.134(k)(3) is part of OSHA's general industry standards (29 CFR Part 1910, Subpart I).
- OSHA cited it 197 times in the last 3 years, in 197 inspections, with $82,104 in current penalties.
- 1 death is linked to inspections that cited this rule.
- Most citations: TN (26), NY (25), FL (21).
- 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)(3) 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
(3) The employer shall provide the training prior to requiring the employee to use a respirator in the workplace. 197 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)(3).
At 12:57 p.m. on July 3, 2024, Employee #1 was spraying paint while wearing a respirator. The employee grabbed a trash bin and removed the mask, appearing to have difficulty breathing before collapsing to the floor. The employee struck his head on the concrete when…
Where and how often it was cited
| Year | Citations |
|---|---|
| 2023 | 14 |
| 2024 | 68 |
| 2025 | 76 |
| 2026 | 39 |
Top states: TN (26), NY (25), FL (21), NC (17), NJ (17)
Largest penalties
| Employer | Location | Penalty for this rule |
|---|---|---|
| CALIBER COLLISION | COLORADO SPRINGS, CO | $13,826 |
| CITY AND BOROUGH OF JUNEAU | JUNEAU, AK | $8,066 |
| EDISON TOWNSHIP BUILDING | EDISON, NJ | $7,000 |
| 68968 - THE BOLDT COMPANY | SCOTTSVILLE, KY | $7,000 |
| HENRY BRICK COMPANY, INC. | SELMA, AL | $5,759 |
Free toolbox talk
A 5-minute crew talk on 1910.134(k)(3), plus alerts when this rule changes. Free.
OSHA interpretation letters
None exist. OSHA has not published a letter of interpretation for 1910.134(k)(3).
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)(5) 71 citations
- 1910.134(k)(1)(i) 22 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
When must respirator training happen?
Before the employer requires the employee to use a respirator in the workplace.
Can a worker use a respirator first and be trained later?
No. Training must be provided prior to requiring respirator use.
Who must provide the training?
The employer.
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.