1910.242(a): Employer Responsible for Safe Tools
Each employer is responsible for the safe condition of tools and equipment used by employees, including tools and equipment the employees bring themselves.
Key takeaways
- 1910.242(a) is part of OSHA's general industry standards (29 CFR Part 1910, Subpart P).
- OSHA cited it 136 times in the last 3 years, in 135 inspections, with $349,683 in current penalties.
- Most citations: NY (32), IL (9), WI (8).
- Free 5-minute toolbox talk for your crew below.
In this article
What this rule covers
29 CFR 1910.242(a) ("General requirements") is one requirement inside 1910.242 Hand and portable powered tools and equipment, general, an OSHA general industry standard (Part 1910, Subpart P). 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
(a) General requirements. Each employer shall be responsible for the safe condition of tools and equipment used by employees, including tools and equipment which may be furnished by employees. 136 citations
Source: eCFR, text current as of 2026-10-15. Read all of 1910.242.
Where and how often it was cited
| Year | Citations |
|---|---|
| 2023 | 8 |
| 2024 | 51 |
| 2025 | 50 |
| 2026 | 27 |
Top states: NY (32), IL (9), WI (8), PA (7), CT (7)
Largest penalties
| Employer | Location | Penalty for this rule |
|---|---|---|
| NC&SONS | WHITEHOUSE STATION, NJ | $14,187 |
| SOUTHWEST STEEL PROCESSING, LLC | NEWPORT, AR | $13,828 |
| ROADHOUSE ENTERPRISES, INC. | LAKE JACKSON, TX | $13,240 |
| ALTEC INDUSTRIES, INC. | DALEVILLE, VA | $12,700 |
| HERSHEY ENTERTAINMENT & RESORTS | HERSHEY, PA | $11,754 |
Free toolbox talk
A 5-minute crew talk on 1910.242(a), plus alerts when this rule changes. Free.
OSHA interpretation letters
- The safe use of portable, compressed-air-actuated, fastener driving tools (staple guns) (1986-08-08)
- Standards applicable to Bell Industries "Carb-Cutter" powered tool. (1985-06-05)
- Handtools must be in a safe condition. (1981-09-11)
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
Is the employer responsible for tools workers bring from home?
Yes. The rule includes tools and equipment furnished by employees.
What does 1910.242(a) require?
The employer is responsible for the safe condition of tools and equipment used by employees.
Does this rule set inspection schedules?
No. It sets the general responsibility for safe condition.
About this page
Sources
- 29 CFR 1910.242 (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.