1910.261(g)(12): Blowoff valves and piping
Key takeaways
- 1910.261(g)(12) is part of OSHA's general industry standards (29 CFR Part 1910, Subpart R).
- Related part: 1910.261(g) Chemical processes of making pulp.
- Free 5-minute toolbox talk for your crew below.
In this article
What this rule covers
29 CFR 1910.261(g)(12) ("Blowoff valves and piping") is one requirement inside 1910.261 Pulp, paper, and paperboard mills, an OSHA general industry standard (Part 1910, Subpart R). It includes 4 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
(12) Blowoff valves and piping.
(i) The blowoff valve of a digester shall be arranged so as to be operated from another room, remote from safety valves.
(ii) Through bolts instead of cap bolts shall be used on all digester pipings. Open (g)(12)(ii)
(iii) Heavy duty pipe, valves, and fittings shall be used between the digester and blow pit. These valves, fittings, and pipes shall be inspected at least semiannually to determine the degree of deterioration.
(iv) Digester blow valves shall be pinned or locked in closed position throughout the entire cooking period. Open (g)(12)(iv)
Source: eCFR, text current as of 2026-10-15. Read all of 1910.261.
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A 5-minute crew talk on 1910.261(g)(12), plus alerts when this rule changes. Free.
OSHA interpretation letters
- Digester Piping Must Be Secured With Through Bolts (2013-01-22)
- Requirement to pin or lock digester valves (1975-04-18)
Related parts of this rule
- 1910.261(g) Chemical processes of making pulp
- 1910.261(g)(9) Exits (digester building)
- 1910.261(g)(12)(ii)
- 1910.261(g)(12)(iv)
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About this page
Sources
- 29 CFR 1910.261 (eCFR), text current as of 2026-10-15
- U.S. Department of Labor enforcement data: OSHA inspections, citations and accident records, copied nightly
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.