1910.252(c)(4): Ventilation in confined spaces
Key takeaways
- 1910.252(c)(4) is part of OSHA's general industry standards (29 CFR Part 1910, Subpart Q).
- OSHA cited it 4 times in the last 3 years, in 4 inspections, with $13,636 in current penalties.
- Related part: 1910.252(c) Health protection and ventilation (72 citations).
- Free 5-minute toolbox talk for your crew below.
In this article
What this rule covers
29 CFR 1910.252(c)(4) ("Ventilation in confined spaces") is one requirement inside 1910.252 General requirements, an OSHA general industry standard (Part 1910, Subpart Q). It includes 5 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
(4) Ventilation in confined spaces — 4 citations
(i) Air replacement. All welding and cutting operations carried on in confined spaces shall be adequately ventilated to prevent the accumulation of toxic materials or possible oxygen deficiency. This applies not only to the welder but also to helpers and other personnel in the immediate vicinity. All air replacing that withdrawn shall be clean and respirable. 4 citations
(ii) Airline respirators. In circumstances for which it is impossible to provide such ventilation, airline respirators or hose masks approved for this purpose by the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) under 42 CFR part 84 must be used.
(iii) Self-contained units. In areas immediately hazardous to life, a full-facepiece, pressure-demand, self-contained breathing apparatus or a combination full-facepiece, pressure-demand supplied-air respirator with an auxiliary, self-contained air supply approved by NIOSH under 42 CFR part 84 must be used.
(iv) Outside helper. Where welding operations are carried on in confined spaces and where welders and helpers are provided with hose masks, hose masks with blowers or self-contained breathing equipment approved by the Mine Safety and Health Administration and the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, a worker shall be stationed on the outside of such confined spaces to insure the safety of those working within.
(v) Oxygen for ventilation. Oxygen shall never be used for ventilation.
Source: eCFR, text current as of 2026-10-15. Read all of 1910.252.
Where and how often it was cited
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Related parts of this rule
- 1910.252(c) Health protection and ventilation 72 citations
- 1910.252(c)(1) General 33 citations
- 1910.252(c)(1)(iv) Hazard communication 25 citations
- 1910.252(c)(2) Ventilation for general welding and cutting 17 citations
- 1910.252(c)(2)(i) General 14 citations
- 1910.252(c)(6)(ii) Indoors 13 citations
- 1910.252(c)(6) Zinc 13 citations
- 1910.252(c)(11)(i) Manufacturer's instructions 3 citations
- 1910.252(c)(11) Cleaning compounds 3 citations
- 1910.252(c)(10) Mercury
- 1910.252(c)(9) Cadmium
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Sources
- 29 CFR 1910.252 (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.