1910.134(h)(3)(ii): What a Respirator Inspection Must Check
Employers must make sure respirator inspections check how the respirator works, how tight the connections are, and the condition of its parts, including the facepiece, head straps, valves, connecting tube and cartridges, canisters or filters. Rubber and other elastomeric parts must be checked for pliability and signs of deterioration.
Key takeaways
- 1910.134(h)(3)(ii) is part of OSHA's general industry standards (29 CFR Part 1910, Subpart I).
- OSHA cited it 27 times in the last 3 years, in 27 inspections, with $26,463 in current penalties.
- Most citations: WI (5), HI (4), VA (4).
- Related part: 1910.134(h) Maintenance and care of respirators (804 citations).
- Free 5-minute toolbox talk for your crew below.
In this article
What this rule covers
29 CFR 1910.134(h)(3)(ii) is one requirement inside 1910.134 Respiratory protection, an OSHA general industry standard (Part 1910, Subpart I). It includes 2 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
(ii) The employer shall ensure that respirator inspections include the following: 27 citations
(A) A check of respirator function, tightness of connections, and the condition of the various parts including, but not limited to, the facepiece, head straps, valves, connecting tube, and cartridges, canisters or filters; and Open (h)(3)(ii)(a) 21 citations
(B) A check of elastomeric parts for pliability and signs of deterioration. 5 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 | 1 |
| 2024 | 13 |
| 2025 | 8 |
| 2026 | 5 |
Top states: WI (5), HI (4), VA (4), FL (2), CT (2)
Largest penalties
| Employer | Location | Penalty for this rule |
|---|---|---|
| ROBIN INDUSTRIES, INC. | BERLIN, OH | $10,000 |
| SOCORRO, CITY OF, FIRE & EMS | SOCORRO, NM | $7,232 |
| CELANESE ACETATE LLC | NARROWS, VA | $7,042 |
| S. P. KINNEY ENGINEERS, INC. | SOUTH CHESTERFIELD, VA | $1,575 |
| CUMAR INC. | EVERETT, MA | $614 |
Free toolbox talk
A 5-minute crew talk on 1910.134(h)(3)(ii), plus alerts when this rule changes. Free.
OSHA interpretation letters
None exist. OSHA has not published a letter of interpretation for 1910.134(h)(3)(ii).
Related parts of this rule
- 1910.134(h) Maintenance and care of respirators 804 citations
- 1910.134(h)(2) Storage 493 citations
- 1910.134(h)(2)(i) 447 citations
- 1910.134(h)(1) Cleaning and disinfecting 148 citations
- 1910.134(h)(3) Inspection 131 citations
- 1910.134(h)(3)(i) 60 citations
- 1910.134(h)(1)(i) 56 citations
- 1910.134(h)(3)(iii) 37 citations
- 1910.134(h)(4) Repairs 32 citations
- 1910.134(h)(3)(ii)(A) 21 citations
- 1910.134(h)(1)(ii) 12 citations
- 1910.134(h)(3)(i)(A) 10 citations
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
What must a respirator inspection check?
Respirator function, tightness of connections, and the condition of parts such as the facepiece, head straps, valves, connecting tube and cartridges, canisters or filters.
What should be checked on rubber parts?
Elastomeric parts must be checked for pliability and signs of deterioration.
Are filters part of the inspection?
Yes. Cartridges, canisters or filters are on the list.
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.