1910.119(f)(1)(i): Operating Procedure Steps for Each Phase
Written process operating procedures must include steps for each operating phase: initial startup, normal operations, temporary operations, emergency shutdown, emergency operations, normal shutdown, and startup after a turnaround or emergency shutdown. Emergency shutdown steps must include when shutdown is required and assign it to qualified operators.
Key takeaways
- 1910.119(f)(1)(i) is part of OSHA's general industry standards (29 CFR Part 1910, Subpart H).
- OSHA cited it 43 times in the last 3 years, in 30 inspections, with $373,954 in current penalties.
- Most citations: OH (9), TN (5), TX (5).
- Related part: 1910.119(f) Operating procedures (211 citations).
- Free 5-minute toolbox talk for your crew below.
In this article
What this rule covers
29 CFR 1910.119(f)(1)(i) ("Steps for each operating phase:") is one requirement inside 1910.119 Process safety management of highly hazardous chemicals, an OSHA general industry standard (Part 1910, Subpart H). It includes 7 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
(i) Steps for each operating phase: 43 citations
(A) Initial startup; 2 citations
(B) Normal operations; 5 citations
(C) Temporary operations; 3 citations
(D) Emergency shutdown including the conditions under which emergency shutdown is required, and the assignment of shutdown responsibility to qualified operators to ensure that emergency shutdown is executed in a safe and timely manner. Open (f)(1)(i)(d) 14 citations
(E) Emergency Operations; 4 citations
(F) Normal shutdown; and, 4 citations
(G) Startup following a turnaround, or after an emergency shutdown. 7 citations
Source: eCFR, text current as of 2026-10-15. Read all of 1910.119.
Where and how often it was cited
| Year | Citations |
|---|---|
| 2023 | 3 |
| 2024 | 8 |
| 2025 | 19 |
| 2026 | 13 |
Top states: OH (9), TN (5), TX (5), OR (4), VA (3)
Largest penalties
| Employer | Location | Penalty for this rule |
|---|---|---|
| ACCURATE ENERGETIC SYSTEMS, LLC | MC EWEN, TN | $70,000 |
| ARC AUTOMOTIVE, INC. | HARTSVILLE, TN | $30,000 |
| BLUE CUBE OPERATIONS LLC | FREEPORT, TX | $16,550 |
| FULLER INDUSTRIES, INC. | GREAT BEND, KS | $16,147 |
| BLANCHARD REFINING COMPANY, LLC | TEXAS CITY, TX | $16,131 |
Free toolbox talk
A 5-minute crew talk on 1910.119(f)(1)(i), plus alerts when this rule changes. Free.
OSHA interpretation letters
None exist. OSHA has not published a letter of interpretation for 1910.119(f)(1)(i).
Related parts of this rule
- 1910.119(f) Operating procedures 211 citations
- 1910.119(f)(1) 153 citations
- 1910.119(f)(4) 32 citations
- 1910.119(f)(1)(ii) Operating limits: 30 citations
- 1910.119(f)(1)(iii) Safety and health considerations: 29 citations
- 1910.119(f)(3) 22 citations
- 1910.119(f)(1)(i)(D) 14 citations
- 1910.119(f)(1)(iii)(B) 14 citations
- 1910.119(f)(1)(iv) Safety systems and their functions 3 citations
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Frequently asked questions
Which operating phases need written steps?
Initial startup, normal operations, temporary operations, emergency shutdown, emergency operations, normal shutdown, and startup after a turnaround or emergency shutdown.
What must emergency shutdown steps include?
The conditions requiring emergency shutdown and assignment of shutdown responsibility to qualified operators.
Why assign shutdown to qualified operators?
To ensure emergency shutdown is executed in a safe and timely manner.
About this page
Sources
- 29 CFR 1910.119 (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 2026-10-21
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.