1910.134(l): Respiratory Program Evaluation
Employers must evaluate the workplace as needed to make sure the written respiratory protection program is being carried out and still works. They must regularly ask respirator users about the program, and fix any problems found with fit, selection, use under workplace conditions, and maintenance.
Key takeaways
- 1910.134(l) is part of OSHA's general industry standards (29 CFR Part 1910, Subpart I).
- OSHA cited it 55 times in the last 3 years, in 54 inspections, with $86,157 in current penalties.
- Most citations: NY (12), ME (7), AK (4).
- Related part: 1910.134(l)(1) (44 citations).
- Free 5-minute toolbox talk for your crew below.
In this article
What this rule covers
29 CFR 1910.134(l) ("Program evaluation") is one requirement inside 1910.134 Respiratory protection, an OSHA general industry standard (Part 1910, Subpart I). It includes 6 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
(l) Program evaluation. This section requires the employer to conduct evaluations of the workplace to ensure that the written respiratory protection program is being properly implemented, and to consult employees to ensure that they are using the respirators properly. 55 citations
(1) The employer shall conduct evaluations of the workplace as necessary to ensure that the provisions of the current written program are being effectively implemented and that it continues to be effective. Open (l)(1) 44 citations
(2) The employer shall regularly consult employees required to use respirators to assess the employees' views on program effectiveness and to identify any problems. Any problems that are identified during this assessment shall be corrected. Factors to be assessed include, but are not limited to: Open (l)(2) 11 citations
(i) Respirator fit (including the ability to use the respirator without interfering with effective workplace performance); 1 citations
(ii) Appropriate respirator selection for the hazards to which the employee is exposed; 1 citations
(iii) Proper respirator use under the workplace conditions the employee encounters; and
(iv) Proper respirator maintenance.
Source: eCFR, text current as of 2026-10-15. Read all of 1910.134.
Where and how often it was cited
| Year | Citations |
|---|---|
| 2023 | 4 |
| 2024 | 12 |
| 2025 | 28 |
| 2026 | 11 |
Top states: NY (12), ME (7), AK (4), OH (3), WI (3)
Largest penalties
| Employer | Location | Penalty for this rule |
|---|---|---|
| TACTICAL CLEANING ACQUISITION, LLC | HARWOOD, TX | $16,550 |
| FLEETPRIDE INC. | CORPUS CHRISTI, TX | $16,550 |
| KENT PET GROUP | MUSCATINE, IA | $9,375 |
| WAUPACA FOUNDRY, INC. | MARINETTE, WI | $7,739 |
| FABRIZI TRUCKING & PAVING CO. | EASTLAKE, OH | $7,500 |
Free toolbox talk
A 5-minute crew talk on 1910.134(l), plus alerts when this rule changes. Free.
OSHA interpretation letters
None exist. OSHA has not published a letter of interpretation for 1910.134(l).
Related parts of this rule
- 1910.134(l)(1) 44 citations
- 1910.134(l)(2) 11 citations
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Frequently asked questions
How does an employer check the respirator program?
By conducting workplace evaluations as necessary and regularly consulting employees who use respirators.
What problems must be looked at?
At least respirator fit, appropriate selection, proper use under workplace conditions, and proper maintenance.
What happens if problems are found?
Any problems identified during the assessment must be corrected.
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 2026-10-22
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.