1926.803(e): Compression
Key takeaways
- 1926.803(e) is part of OSHA's construction standards (29 CFR Part 1926, Subpart S).
- Related part: 1926.803(e)(5).
- Free 5-minute toolbox talk for your crew below.
In this article
What this rule covers
29 CFR 1926.803(e) ("Compression") is one requirement inside 1926.803 Compressed air, an OSHA construction standard (Part 1926, Subpart S). 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
(e) Compression.
(1) Every employee going under air pressure for the first time shall be instructed on how to avoid excessive discomfort.
(2) During the compression of employees, the pressure shall not be increased to more than 3 p.s.i.g. within the first minute. The pressure shall be held at 3 p.s.i.g. and again at 7 p.s.i.g. sufficiently long to determine if any employees are experiencing discomfort.
(3) After the first minute the pressure shall be raised uniformly and at a rate not to exceed 10 p.s.i. per minute.
(4) If any employee complains of discomfort, the pressure shall be held to determine if the symptoms are relieved. If, after 5 minutes the discomfort does not disappear, the lock attendant shall gradually reduce the pressure until the employee signals that the discomfort has ceased. If he does not indicate that the discomfort has disappeared, the lock attendant shall reduce the pressure to atmospheric and the employee shall be released from the lock.
(5) No employee shall be subjected to pressure exceeding 50 pounds per square inch except in emergency. Open (e)(5)
Source: eCFR, text current as of 2026-10-15. Read all of 1926.803.
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OSHA interpretation letters
- Standards for decompression chambers for use with pressurized face-tunnel boring machines. (2010-07-23)
Related parts of this rule
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About this page
Sources
- 29 CFR 1926.803 (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.