1910.253(b)(2)(iv): Cylinder Valve Protection Caps
Employers must keep valve protection caps in place and hand-tight on compressed gas cylinders designed to take a cap, except when the cylinder is in use or connected for use.
Key takeaways
- 1910.253(b)(2)(iv) is part of OSHA's general industry standards (29 CFR Part 1910, Subpart Q).
- OSHA cited it 105 times in the last 3 years, in 105 inspections, with $146,617 in current penalties.
- Most citations: MD (20), VA (15), TX (9).
- Related part: 1910.253(b) Cylinders and containers (902 citations).
- Free 5-minute toolbox talk for your crew below.
In this article
What this rule covers
29 CFR 1910.253(b)(2)(iv) is one requirement inside 1910.253 Oxygen-fuel gas welding and cutting, an OSHA general industry standard (Part 1910, Subpart Q). 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
(iv) Valve protection caps, where cylinder is designed to accept a cap, shall always be in place, hand-tight, except when cylinders are in use or connected for use. 105 citations
Source: eCFR, text current as of 2026-10-15. Read all of 1910.253.
Where and how often it was cited
| Year | Citations |
|---|---|
| 2023 | 5 |
| 2024 | 37 |
| 2025 | 39 |
| 2026 | 24 |
Top states: MD (20), VA (15), TX (9), NC (8), TN (7)
Largest penalties
| Employer | Location | Penalty for this rule |
|---|---|---|
| VTCU, CORP. | POCATELLO, ID | $14,188 |
| PROCESS MANUFACTURING COMPANY, INC. | TULSA, OK | $12,600 |
| LAWRENCE BROTHERS, INC. | BLUEFIELD, VA | $11,162 |
| SEABOARD TRIUMPH FOODS | SIOUX CITY, IA | $8,867 |
| S&B METAL PRODUCTS OF BRADENTON, LLC | BRADENTON, FL | $8,511 |
Free toolbox talk
A 5-minute crew talk on 1910.253(b)(2)(iv), plus alerts when this rule changes. Free.
OSHA interpretation letters
None exist. OSHA has not published a letter of interpretation for 1910.253(b)(2)(iv).
Related parts of this rule
- 1910.253(b) Cylinders and containers 902 citations
- 1910.253(b)(4) Oxygen storage 563 citations
- 1910.253(b)(4)(iii) 470 citations
- 1910.253(b)(2) Storage of cylinders—general 313 citations
- 1910.253(b)(2)(ii) 200 citations
- 1910.253(b)(4)(i) 92 citations
- 1910.253(b)(5) Operating procedures 16 citations
- 1910.253(b)(5)(ii) 11 citations
- 1910.253(b)(1) Approval and marking 7 citations
- 1910.253(b)(5)(iii) 5 citations
- 1910.253(b)(5)(ii)(D) 4 citations
- 1910.253(b)(5)(ii)(I) 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 the valve cap be on?
Always, where the cylinder is designed to accept a cap, except when in use or connected for use.
How tight should the cap be?
Hand-tight.
Does this apply to all cylinders?
It applies where the cylinder is designed to accept a cap.
About this page
Sources
- 29 CFR 1910.253 (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.