1910.119(j)(4)(iii): How Often to Inspect Process Equipment
Employers must set inspection and test frequencies for process equipment consistent with manufacturers' recommendations and good engineering practices, and inspect more often if prior operating experience shows it is needed.
Key takeaways
- 1910.119(j)(4)(iii) is part of OSHA's general industry standards (29 CFR Part 1910, Subpart H).
- OSHA cited it 27 times in the last 3 years, in 27 inspections, with $222,323 in current penalties.
- Most citations: TX (7), OR (3), IL (2).
- Related part: 1910.119(j) Mechanical integrity (227 citations).
- Free 5-minute toolbox talk for your crew below.
In this article
What this rule covers
29 CFR 1910.119(j)(4)(iii) is one requirement inside 1910.119 Process safety management of highly hazardous chemicals, an OSHA general industry standard (Part 1910, Subpart H). 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
(iii) The frequency of inspections and tests of process equipment shall be consistent with applicable manufacturers' recommendations and good engineering practices, and more frequently if determined to be necessary by prior operating experience. 27 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 | 4 |
| 2024 | 12 |
| 2025 | 8 |
| 2026 | 3 |
Top states: TX (7), OR (3), IL (2), MA (2), OH (2)
Largest penalties
| Employer | Location | Penalty for this rule |
|---|---|---|
| ROQUETTE AMERICA, INC. | KEOKUK, IA | $22,322 |
| SWIFT BEEF COMPANY | CACTUS, TX | $16,131 |
| PPG INDUSTRIES, INC. | CIRCLEVILLE, OH | $16,131 |
| SHELL CHEMICAL LP | DEER PARK, TX | $15,625 |
| BLANCHARD REFINING COMPANY, LLC | TEXAS CITY, TX | $15,625 |
Free toolbox talk
A 5-minute crew talk on 1910.119(j)(4)(iii), plus alerts when this rule changes. Free.
OSHA interpretation letters
None exist. OSHA has not published a letter of interpretation for 1910.119(j)(4)(iii).
Related parts of this rule
- 1910.119(j) Mechanical integrity 227 citations
- 1910.119(j)(4) Inspection and testing 96 citations
- 1910.119(j)(2) Written procedures 72 citations
- 1910.119(j)(5) Equipment deficiencies 35 citations
- 1910.119(j)(4)(i) 29 citations
- 1910.119(j)(4)(iv) 20 citations
- 1910.119(j)(4)(ii) 17 citations
- 1910.119(j)(3) Training for process maintenance activities 13 citations
- 1910.119(j)(6) Quality assurance 8 citations
- 1910.119(j)(6)(ii) 7 citations
- 1910.119(j)(1) Application 3 citations
- 1910.119(j)(6)(i)
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
How often must process equipment be inspected?
Consistent with applicable manufacturers' recommendations and good engineering practices.
When are more frequent inspections needed?
When prior operating experience shows they are necessary.
Is this part of mechanical integrity?
Yes. It is under 1910.119(j)(4).
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.