1926.302(b)(4): OSHA rule
Key takeaways
- 1926.302(b)(4) is part of OSHA's construction standards (29 CFR Part 1926, Subpart I).
- OSHA cited it 5 times in the last 3 years, in 5 inspections, with $5,325 in current penalties.
- Related part: 1926.302(b) Pneumatic power tools (122 citations).
- Free 5-minute toolbox talk for your crew below.
In this article
What this rule covers
29 CFR 1926.302(b)(4) is one requirement inside 1926.302 Power-operated hand tools, an OSHA construction standard (Part 1926, Subpart I). 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
(4) Compressed air shall not be used for cleaning purposes except where reduced to less than 30 p.s.i. and then only with effective chip guarding and personal protective equipment which meets the requirements of subpart E of this part. The 30 p.s.i. requirement does not apply for concrete form, mill scale and similar cleaning purposes. 5 citations
Source: eCFR, text current as of 2026-10-15. Read all of 1926.302.
Where and how often it was cited
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OSHA interpretation letters
- Application of OSHA construction standards to govern the use of pneumatic hand tools used in construction for cleaning concrete forms, bridge decks, and roads. (2005-01-19)
- Use of compressed air above 30 p.s.i. for cleaning purposes;nonmetallic-sheathed cable for temporary wiring. (2000-10-04)
Related parts of this rule
- 1926.302(b) Pneumatic power tools 122 citations
- 1926.302(b)(3) 103 citations
- 1926.302(b)(5) 7 citations
- 1926.302(b)(1) 1 citations
- 1926.302(b)(10) Abrasive blast cleaning nozzles 1 citations
- 1926.302(b)(7)
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About this page
Sources
- 29 CFR 1926.302 (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.