1926.306(b)(3)(iii): Protected Safety Appliances on Air Tanks
Employers must make sure safety appliances on air receivers, such as safety valves, indicating devices and controlling devices, are built, located and installed so they cannot be readily made inoperative by any means, including the weather.
Key takeaways
- 1926.306(b)(3)(iii) is part of OSHA's construction standards (29 CFR Part 1926, Subpart I).
- OSHA cited it 11 times in the last 3 years, in 11 inspections, with $1,175 in current penalties.
- Most citations: MD (11).
- Related part: 1926.306(b) Installation and equipment requirements (53 citations).
- Free 5-minute toolbox talk for your crew below.
In this article
What this rule covers
29 CFR 1926.306(b)(3)(iii) is one requirement inside 1926.306 Air receivers, 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
(iii) Safety appliances, such as safety valves, indicating devices and controlling devices, shall be constructed, located, and installed so that they cannot be readily rendered inoperative by any means, including the elements. 11 citations
Source: eCFR, text current as of 2026-10-15. Read all of 1926.306.
Where and how often it was cited
| Year | Citations |
|---|---|
| 2024 | 3 |
| 2025 | 6 |
| 2026 | 2 |
Top states: MD (11)
Largest penalties
| Employer | Location | Penalty for this rule |
|---|---|---|
| JSC REMODELING LLC | HAGERSTOWN, MD | $900 |
| SVBROS CONSTRUCTION LLC | OAKLAND, MD | $275 |
| ARMOR HOME IMPROVEMENTS LLC | LUTHERVILLE TIMONIUM, MD | $0 |
| DARAN GENERAL CARPENTRY LLC | MIDDLE RIVER, MD | $0 |
| CARLOS ANTONIO RUIZ SOLIS | OWINGS MILLS, MD | $0 |
Free toolbox talk
A 5-minute crew talk on 1926.306(b)(3)(iii), plus alerts when this rule changes. Free.
OSHA interpretation letters
None exist. OSHA has not published a letter of interpretation for 1926.306(b)(3)(iii).
Related parts of this rule
- 1926.306(b) Installation and equipment requirements 53 citations
- 1926.306(b)(3) Gages and valves 53 citations
- 1926.306(b)(3)(i) 42 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 devices does this cover?
Safety appliances such as safety valves, indicating devices and controlling devices.
What must they be protected from?
Being readily rendered inoperative by any means, including the elements.
Can I cap or block a safety valve?
No. Safety appliances must be installed so they cannot be readily rendered inoperative.
About this page
Sources
- 29 CFR 1926.306 (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 2026-10-19
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.