1910.253(e)(6): Gas Pressure Regulators
Pressure-reducing regulators must be used only for the gas and pressures they are intended for, with inlet connections meeting the 1958 Compressed Gas Association connection standards. Regulator repairs must be done by properly instructed skilled mechanics, oxygen regulator gages must be marked "USE NO OIL," and union nuts and connections must be inspected before use for faulty seats.
Key takeaways
- 1910.253(e)(6) is part of OSHA's general industry standards (29 CFR Part 1910, Subpart Q).
- OSHA cited it 20 times in the last 3 years, in 20 inspections, with $2,206 in current penalties.
- Most citations: TN (16), IA (1), MA (1).
- Related part: 1910.253(e) Protective equipment, hose, and regulators (54 citations).
- Free 5-minute toolbox talk for your crew below.
In this article
What this rule covers
29 CFR 1910.253(e)(6) ("Pressure-reducing regulators") is one requirement inside 1910.253 Oxygen-fuel gas welding and cutting, an OSHA general industry standard (Part 1910, Subpart Q). It includes 4 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
(6) Pressure-reducing regulators. 20 citations
(i) Pressure-reducing regulators shall be used only for the gas and pressures for which they are intended. The regulator inlet connections shall comply with Regulator Connection Standards, 1958, Compressed Gas Association. 1 citations
(ii) When regulators or parts of regulators, including gages, need repair, the work shall be performed by skilled mechanics who have been properly instructed. Open (e)(6)(ii) 19 citations
(iii) Gages on oxygen regulators shall be marked “USE NO OIL.”
(iv) Union nuts and connections on regulators shall be inspected before use to detect faulty seats which may cause leakage of gas when the regulators are attached to the cylinder valves.
Source: eCFR, text current as of 2026-10-15. Read all of 1910.253.
Where and how often it was cited
| Year | Citations |
|---|---|
| 2023 | 3 |
| 2024 | 7 |
| 2025 | 6 |
| 2026 | 4 |
Top states: TN (16), IA (1), MA (1), AK (1), ME (1)
Largest penalties
| Employer | Location | Penalty for this rule |
|---|---|---|
| FAST TIRE | ANKENY, IA | $837 |
| PRECISION CASTINGS OF TENNESSEE, INC. | GALLATIN, TN | $800 |
| UNITED STATES SEAFOODS LLC | DUTCH HARBOR, AK | $569 |
| ERWIN - PUBLIC WORKS | ERWIN, TN | $0 |
| MEIGS COUNTY - HIGHWAY DEPARTMENT | DECATUR, TN | $0 |
Free toolbox talk
A 5-minute crew talk on 1910.253(e)(6), plus alerts when this rule changes. Free.
OSHA interpretation letters
None exist. OSHA has not published a letter of interpretation for 1910.253(e)(6).
Related parts of this rule
- 1910.253(e) Protective equipment, hose, and regulators 54 citations
- 1910.253(e)(3)(ii) 25 citations
- 1910.253(e)(3) Piping protective equipment 25 citations
- 1910.253(e)(3)(ii)(C) 24 citations
- 1910.253(e)(6)(ii) 19 citations
Get your crew competent
Trainers on Black Belt Safety: Marc Harvey
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Frequently asked questions
Can one regulator be used on any gas?
No. Regulators must be used only for the gas and pressures for which they are intended.
Who can repair regulators?
Skilled mechanics who have been properly instructed.
What must oxygen regulator gages say?
"USE NO OIL."
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 2026-10-25
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.