1926.1153(f)(2): OSHA rule
Key takeaways
- 1926.1153(f)(2) is part of OSHA's construction standards (29 CFR Part 1926, Subpart Z).
- OSHA cited it 9 times in the last 3 years, in 9 inspections, with $22,744 in current penalties.
- Related part: 1926.1153(f) Housekeeping (68 citations).
- Free 5-minute toolbox talk for your crew below.
In this article
What this rule covers
29 CFR 1926.1153(f)(2) is one requirement inside 1926.1153 Respirable crystalline silica, an OSHA construction standard (Part 1926, Subpart Z). It includes 2 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
(2) The employer shall not allow compressed air to be used to clean clothing or surfaces where such activity could contribute to employee exposure to respirable crystalline silica unless: 9 citations
(i) The compressed air is used in conjunction with a ventilation system that effectively captures the dust cloud created by the compressed air; or 3 citations
(ii) No alternative method is feasible.
Source: eCFR, text current as of 2026-10-15. Read all of 1926.1153.
Where and how often it was cited
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OSHA interpretation letters
- Handling and disposal of respirable silica dust, contaminated equipment, and filters from vacuums and PPE (2022-02-14)
Related parts of this rule
- 1926.1153(f) Housekeeping 68 citations
- 1926.1153(f)(1) 59 citations
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About this page
Sources
- 29 CFR 1926.1153 (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.