1910.134(a)(2): Providing Respirators and a Program
Employers must provide a respirator to each employee when it is necessary to protect that employee's health, choosing respirators that are applicable and suitable for the purpose. The employer must set up and maintain a respiratory protection program that includes the paragraph (c) requirements and covers each employee required to use a respirator.
Key takeaways
- 1910.134(a)(2) is part of OSHA's general industry standards (29 CFR Part 1910, Subpart I).
- OSHA cited it 302 times in the last 3 years, in 302 inspections, with $541,761 in current penalties.
- Most citations: MN (223), TX (20), OR (9).
- Related part: 1910.134(a) Permissible practice (314 citations).
- Free 5-minute toolbox talk for your crew below.
In this article
What this rule covers
29 CFR 1910.134(a)(2) is one requirement inside 1910.134 Respiratory protection, an OSHA general industry standard (Part 1910, Subpart I). 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) A respirator shall be provided to each employee when such equipment is necessary to protect the health of such employee. The employer shall provide the respirators which are applicable and suitable for the purpose intended. The employer shall be responsible for the establishment and maintenance of a respiratory protection program, which shall include the requirements outlined in paragraph (c) of this section. The program shall cover each employee required by this section to use a respirator. 302 citations
Source: eCFR, text current as of 2026-10-15. Read all of 1910.134.
Where and how often it was cited
| Year | Citations |
|---|---|
| 2023 | 8 |
| 2024 | 92 |
| 2025 | 131 |
| 2026 | 71 |
Top states: MN (223), TX (20), OR (9), PA (7), MI (6)
Largest penalties
| Employer | Location | Penalty for this rule |
|---|---|---|
| ACCURATE ENERGETIC SYSTEMS, LLC | MC EWEN, TN | $54,000 |
| TURNER INDUSTRIES | FREEPORT, TX | $16,550 |
| RYNONE MANUFACTURING CORP. | SAYRE, PA | $14,895 |
| INNOVATION FOODS | MILLVILLE, NJ | $14,518 |
| OWENS & MINOR, INC. | NORTH KANSAS CITY, MO | $11,291 |
Free toolbox talk
A 5-minute crew talk on 1910.134(a)(2), plus alerts when this rule changes. Free.
OSHA interpretation letters
- Requirement for employer to assess potential hazards of handling trailer debris to provide necessary PPE and hazard communication information to affected employees. (2007-07-03)
- Respirators for silica dust must be selected based on exposure levels. (1999-05-12)
- Paragraph (a)(2) applies to respirators provided for emergency use. (1983-12-22)
Related parts of this rule
- 1910.134(a) Permissible practice 314 citations
- 1910.134(a)(1) 12 citations
Get your crew competent
Trainers on Black Belt Safety: Marc Harvey, Dana Reyes
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Frequently asked questions
Who provides respirators?
The employer must provide respirators that are applicable and suitable for the purpose intended.
When must a respirator be provided?
When such equipment is necessary to protect the health of the employee.
Who is covered by the program?
Each employee required by 1910.134 to use a respirator.
About this page
Sources
- 29 CFR 1910.134 (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.