1910.134(h)(3)(iii): Monthly SCBA Inspection
Self-contained breathing apparatus must be inspected monthly, in addition to the other inspection rules in (h)(3)(i) and (ii). Air and oxygen cylinders must be kept fully charged and recharged when pressure falls to 90% of the manufacturer's recommended level, and the employer must confirm the regulator and warning devices work properly.
Key takeaways
- 1910.134(h)(3)(iii) is part of OSHA's general industry standards (29 CFR Part 1910, Subpart I).
- OSHA cited it 37 times in the last 3 years, in 36 inspections, with $137,104 in current penalties.
- 1 death is linked to inspections that cited this rule.
- Most citations: IL (20), NJ (8), TX (3).
- 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)(iii) 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
(iii) In addition to the requirements of paragraphs (h)(3)(i) and (ii) of this section, self-contained breathing apparatus shall be inspected monthly. Air and oxygen cylinders shall be maintained in a fully charged state and shall be recharged when the pressure falls to 90% of the manufacturer's recommended pressure level. The employer shall determine that the regulator and warning devices function properly. 37 citations
Source: eCFR, text current as of 2026-10-15. Read all of 1910.134.
Injuries linked to this rule
1 death is linked to inspections where OSHA cited 1910.134(h)(3)(iii).
At 8:00 a.m. on January 26, 2024, a fire fighter and Lieutenant fell while retreating from an attic fire. The fire fighter was reported to have fallen into the stairwell and may have become entangled on his bail-out cord. The firefighter was killed due to…
Where and how often it was cited
| Year | Citations |
|---|---|
| 2023 | 3 |
| 2024 | 21 |
| 2025 | 5 |
| 2026 | 8 |
Top states: IL (20), NJ (8), TX (3), NM (2), NY (1)
Largest penalties
| Employer | Location | Penalty for this rule |
|---|---|---|
| PLAINFIELD FIRE DEPARTMENT - HEADQUARTERS | PLAINFIELD, NJ | $38,430 |
| PLAINFIELD FIRE DEPARTMENT - ENGINE 4 | PLAINFIELD, NJ | $31,500 |
| VALERO REFINING COMPANY- OKLAHOMA | ARDMORE, OK | $16,550 |
| SOCORRO, CITY OF, WASTEWATER/WATER DEPARTMENT | SOCORRO, NM | $14,464 |
| CITY OF RAHWAY FIRE DEPARTMENT | RAHWAY, NJ | $7,000 |
Free toolbox talk
A 5-minute crew talk on 1910.134(h)(3)(iii), plus alerts when this rule changes. Free.
OSHA interpretation letters
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)(4) Repairs 32 citations
- 1910.134(h)(3)(ii) 27 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
How often must an SCBA be inspected?
Monthly, in addition to the requirements of 1910.134(h)(3)(i) and (ii).
When must an SCBA cylinder be recharged?
When the pressure falls to 90% of the manufacturer's recommended pressure level.
What else must be checked?
The employer must determine that the regulator and warning devices function properly.
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.