1910.124(j): Inspecting Dipping and Coating Operations
Employers must inspect hoods and ductwork for corrosion or damage and confirm adequate airflow at least quarterly during operation and before restarting after a long shutdown. They must periodically inspect dipping equipment, provide ventilation or respirators for hot work vapors, and clean dip tanks of solvents and vapors before welding, burning or open-flame work on them.
Key takeaways
- 1910.124(j) is part of OSHA's general industry standards (29 CFR Part 1910, Subpart H).
- OSHA cited it 14 times in the last 3 years, in 10 inspections, with $19,680 in current penalties.
- Most citations: CT (4), PA (3), VA (2).
- Free 5-minute toolbox talk for your crew below.
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In this article
What this rule covers
29 CFR 1910.124(j) is one requirement inside 1910.124 General requirements for dipping and coating operations, an OSHA general industry standard (Part 1910, Subpart H). It includes 9 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
(j) What must I do to inspect and maintain my dipping or coating operation? You must: 14 citations
(1) Inspect the hoods and ductwork of the ventilation system for corrosion or damage: 3 citations
(i) At least quarterly during operation; and 3 citations
(ii) Prior to operation after a prolonged shutdown.
(2) Ensure that the airflow is adequate: 5 citations
(i) At least quarterly during operation; and 5 citations
(ii) Prior to operation after a prolonged shutdown.
(3) Periodically inspect all dipping and coating equipment, including covers, drains, overflow piping, and electrical and fire-extinguishing systems, and promptly correct any deficiencies; 5 citations
(4) Provide mechanical ventilation or respirators (selected and used as specified in § 1910.134, OSHA's Respiratory Protection standard) to protect employees in the vapor area from exposure to toxic substances released during welding, burning, or open-flame work; and
(5) Have dip tanks thoroughly cleaned of solvents and vapors before permitting welding, burning, or open-flame work on them.
[64 FR 13909, Mar. 23, 1999, as amended at 77 FR 17777, Mar. 26, 2012]
Source: eCFR, text current as of 2026-10-15. Read all of 1910.124.
Export the list: 10 inspections cited 1910.124(j) in the last 3 years, with employer, location, penalty and date.
Purple Belt, $59/moWhere and how often it was cited
| Year | Citations |
|---|---|
| 2023 | 1 |
| 2024 | 6 |
| 2025 | 5 |
| 2026 | 2 |
Top states: CT (4), PA (3), VA (2), NM (2), NY (1)
Largest penalties
| Employer | Location | Penalty for this rule |
|---|---|---|
| ROGERS FOAM CORPORATION | SANTA TERESA, NM | $8,112 |
| METCO INDUSTRIES, INC. | SAINT MARYS, PA | $3,702 |
| ACME MONACO CORPORATION | NEW BRITAIN, CT | $2,333 |
| J T INMAN CO., INC. | NORTH ATTLEBORO, MA | $2,000 |
| TERRYBERRY COMPANY LLC | GRAND RAPIDS, MI | $1,800 |
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A 5-minute crew talk on 1910.124(j), plus alerts when this rule changes. Free.
OSHA interpretation letters
None exist. OSHA has not published a letter of interpretation for 1910.124(j).
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Frequently asked questions
How often must ventilation hoods and ducts be inspected?
At least quarterly during operation, and before operation after a prolonged shutdown.
What must be done before welding on a dip tank?
The tank must be thoroughly cleaned of solvents and vapors.
What equipment must be inspected periodically?
Dipping and coating equipment, including covers, drains, overflow piping, and electrical and fire-extinguishing systems.
About this page
Sources
- 29 CFR 1910.124 (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 2026-11-06
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.