1910.243(b)(2): Air Hoses Rated for the Job
Employers must make sure hoses and hose connections used to carry compressed air to tools are designed for the pressure and service they are subjected to.
Key takeaways
- 1910.243(b)(2) is part of OSHA's general industry standards (29 CFR Part 1910, Subpart P).
- OSHA cited it 46 times in the last 3 years, in 46 inspections, with $102,975 in current penalties.
- Most citations: TX (7), MO (6), CO (6).
- Related part: 1910.243(b) Pneumatic powered tools and hose (46 citations).
- Free 5-minute toolbox talk for your crew below.
In this article
What this rule covers
29 CFR 1910.243(b)(2) ("Airhose") is one requirement inside 1910.243 Guarding of portable powered tools, an OSHA general industry standard (Part 1910, Subpart P). 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) Airhose. Hose and hose connections used for conducting compressed air to utilization equipment shall be designed for the pressure and service to which they are subjected. 46 citations
Source: eCFR, text current as of 2026-10-15. Read all of 1910.243.
Where and how often it was cited
| Year | Citations |
|---|---|
| 2023 | 4 |
| 2024 | 23 |
| 2025 | 9 |
| 2026 | 10 |
Top states: TX (7), MO (6), CO (6), WI (6), NJ (3)
Largest penalties
| Employer | Location | Penalty for this rule |
|---|---|---|
| POMPANOOSUC MILLS CORPORATION | EAST THETFORD, VT | $10,641 |
| ACI PLASTICS INC. | KANSAS CITY, MO | $9,457 |
| JOHNSON CONTROLS, INC | ALBANY, MO | $9,078 |
| PALLET LOGISTICS OF AMERICA | SAN ANTONIO, TX | $6,913 |
| CHURCH & DWIGHT CO., INC. | HARRISONVILLE, MO | $5,531 |
Free toolbox talk
A 5-minute crew talk on 1910.243(b)(2), plus alerts when this rule changes. Free.
OSHA interpretation letters
None exist. OSHA has not published a letter of interpretation for 1910.243(b)(2).
Related parts of this rule
- 1910.243(b) Pneumatic powered tools and hose 46 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 does this rule require?
Air hoses and connections must be designed for the pressure and service they are used for.
Does this apply to the fittings?
Yes. Both hoses and hose connections are covered.
What if a hose is not rated for the pressure?
Do not use it, since the rule requires hoses designed for the pressure and service.
About this page
Sources
- 29 CFR 1910.243 (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 2026-10-24
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.