1910.253(a)(3): Approved Gas Welding Apparatus
Only approved apparatus such as torches, regulators or pressure-reducing valves, acetylene generators and manifolds may be used for oxygen-fuel gas welding and cutting.
Key takeaways
- 1910.253(a)(3) is part of OSHA's general industry standards (29 CFR Part 1910, Subpart Q).
- OSHA cited it 14 times in the last 3 years, in 14 inspections, with $22,145 in current penalties.
- Most citations: MA (4), MD (4), ME (2).
- Related part: 1910.253(a) General requirements (27 citations).
- Free 5-minute toolbox talk for your crew below.
In this article
What this rule covers
29 CFR 1910.253(a)(3) ("Apparatus") is one requirement inside 1910.253 Oxygen-fuel gas welding and cutting, an OSHA general industry standard (Part 1910, Subpart Q). 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
(3) Apparatus. Only approved apparatus such as torches, regulators or pressure-reducing valves, acetylene generators, and manifolds shall be used. 14 citations
Source: eCFR, text current as of 2026-10-15. Read all of 1910.253.
Where and how often it was cited
| Year | Citations |
|---|---|
| 2024 | 8 |
| 2025 | 5 |
| 2026 | 1 |
Top states: MA (4), MD (4), ME (2), NJ (1), CT (1)
Largest penalties
| Employer | Location | Penalty for this rule |
|---|---|---|
| CAMBRIDGE PAVERS, INC. | LAKEWOOD, NJ | $14,750 |
| QSR STEEL CORPORATION LLC | HARTFORD, CT | $6,453 |
| DYNAMIC CARS LLC | BALTIMORE, MD | $473 |
| COASTAL MATERIAL HANDLING | SUFFOLK, VA | $469 |
| NEEDHAM DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC WORKS | NEEDHAM, MA | $0 |
Free toolbox talk
A 5-minute crew talk on 1910.253(a)(3), plus alerts when this rule changes. Free.
OSHA interpretation letters
None exist. OSHA has not published a letter of interpretation for 1910.253(a)(3).
Related parts of this rule
- 1910.253(a) General requirements 27 citations
- 1910.253(a)(1) Flammable mixture 11 citations
- 1910.253(a)(4) Personnel 2 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 apparatus must be approved?
Torches, regulators or pressure-reducing valves, acetylene generators and manifolds.
Can homemade parts be used?
No. Only approved apparatus may be used.
Which standard?
1910.253, oxygen-fuel gas welding and cutting.
About this page
Sources
- 29 CFR 1910.253 (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 2026-10-21
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.