1910.243(b): Pneumatic Tool Retainers and Air Hoses
Employers must install a tool retainer on any pneumatic equipment that could eject its tool without one. Air hoses and connections must be designed for the pressure and service they are used for.
Key takeaways
- 1910.243(b) is part of OSHA's general industry standards (29 CFR Part 1910, Subpart P).
- OSHA cited it 46 times in the last 3 years, in 46 inspections, with $102,975 in current penalties.
- Most citations: TX (7), MO (6), CO (6).
- Related part: 1910.243(b)(2) Airhose (46 citations).
- Free 5-minute toolbox talk for your crew below.
In this article
What this rule covers
29 CFR 1910.243(b) ("Pneumatic powered tools and hose") is one requirement inside 1910.243 Guarding of portable powered tools, an OSHA general industry standard (Part 1910, Subpart P). 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
(b) Pneumatic powered tools and hose — 46 citations
(1) Tool retainer. A tool retainer shall be installed on each piece of utilization equipment which, without such a retainer, may eject the tool.
(2) Airhose. Hose and hose connections used for conducting compressed air to utilization equipment shall be designed for the pressure and service to which they are subjected. Open (b)(2) 46 citations
Source: eCFR, text current as of 2026-10-15. Read all of 1910.243.
Where and how often it was cited
| Year | Citations |
|---|---|
| 2023 | 4 |
| 2024 | 23 |
| 2025 | 9 |
| 2026 | 10 |
Top states: TX (7), MO (6), CO (6), WI (6), NJ (3)
Largest penalties
| Employer | Location | Penalty for this rule |
|---|---|---|
| POMPANOOSUC MILLS CORPORATION | EAST THETFORD, VT | $10,641 |
| ACI PLASTICS INC. | KANSAS CITY, MO | $9,457 |
| JOHNSON CONTROLS, INC | ALBANY, MO | $9,078 |
| PALLET LOGISTICS OF AMERICA | SAN ANTONIO, TX | $6,913 |
| CHURCH & DWIGHT CO., INC. | HARRISONVILLE, MO | $5,531 |
Free toolbox talk
A 5-minute crew talk on 1910.243(b), plus alerts when this rule changes. Free.
OSHA interpretation letters
Related parts of this rule
- 1910.243(b)(2) Airhose 46 citations
Get your crew competent
Trainers on Black Belt Safety: Marc Harvey, Dana Reyes
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Frequently asked questions
When is a tool retainer required?
On each piece of pneumatic equipment that could eject the tool without a retainer.
What must air hoses be rated for?
The pressure and service to which they are subjected.
Do hose connections count?
Yes. Hose and hose connections must both be designed for the pressure and service.
About this page
Sources
- 29 CFR 1910.243 (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 2026-10-24
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.