Subpart E - Personal Protective and Life Saving Equipment

Subpart E provides the standards for personal protective equipment including foot protection; electrical protective equipment; head protection; hearing protection; eye and face protection; respiratory protection; safety belts, lifelines and lanyards; and safety nets. It also includes standards for working over or near water.  

To learn if subpart E applies to you, go to Does "Subpart E - Personal Protective and Life Saving Equipment" Apply to You?

Special Requirements

Tab/Accordion Items

Scope: This standard provides requirements for protective equipment, including personal protective equipment for eyes, face, head, and extremities, protective clothing, respiratory devices, and protective shields and barriers, shall be provided, used, and maintained in a sanitary and reliable condition wherever it is necessary by reason of hazards of processes or environment, chemical hazards, radiological hazards, or mechanical irritants encountered in a manner capable of causing injury or impairment in the function of any part of the body through absorption, inhalation or physical contact.

Special Requirements: Personal protective equipment (i.e., footwear, eyewear), design, maintenance, affected employee

1926.95(b) - Employee-owned equipment. Where employees provide their own protective equipment, the employer shall be responsible to assure its adequacy, including proper maintenance, and sanitation of such equipment.

1926.95(c) - Design and selection. Employers must ensure that all personal protective equipment:

  • 1926.95(c)(1) - Is of safe design and construction for the work to be performed; and
  • 1926.95(c)(2) - Is selected to ensure that it properly fits each affected employee.

1926.95(d)(1) - Except as provided by paragraphs (d)(2) through (d)(6) of this section, the protective equipment, including personal protective equipment (PPE), used to comply with this part (1926), shall be provided by the employer at no cost to employees.

1926.95(d)(2) - The employer is not required to pay for non-specialty safety-toe protective footwear (including steel-toe shoes or steel-toe boots) and non-specialty prescription safety eyewear, provided that the employer permits such items to be worn off the job-site.

1926.95(d)(3) - When the employer provides metatarsal guards and allows the employee, at his or her request, to use shoes or boots with built-in metatarsal protection, the employer is not required to reimburse the employee for the shoes or boots.

1926.95(d)(4) - The employer is not required to pay for: [Reference paragraph (d)(4)(i) - (ii)].

1926.95(d)(5) - The employer must pay for replacement PPE, except when the employee has lost or intentionally damaged the PPE.

1926.95(d)(6) - Where an employee provides adequate protective equipment he or she owns pursuant to paragraph (b) of this section, the employer may allow the employee to use it and is not required to reimburse the employee for that equipment. The employer shall not require an employee to provide or pay for his or her own PPE, unless the PPE is excepted by paragraphs (d)(2) through (d)(5) of this section.

Scope: This standard provides requirements for foot protection.

Special Requirements: Personal protective equipment, specifications, references other standards

Safety-toe footwear for employees shall meet the requirements and specifications in American National Standard for Men's Safety-Toe Footwear, Z41.1-1967.

Scope: This standard provides the requirements for electrical protective equipment.

Special Requirements: Design, personal protective equipment (i.e., gloves, blankets), markings, proof tests, inspections, employer demonstrates, visually examine, certification, logs, guide, certify, methods, techniques, references other standards

1926.97(a) - Design requirements for specific types of electrical protective equipment. Rubber insulating blankets, rubber insulating matting, rubber insulating covers, rubber insulating line hose, rubber insulating gloves, and rubber insulating sleeves shall meet the following requirements:

  • 1926.97(a)(1) - Manufacture and marking of rubber insulating equipment.
  • 1926.97(a)(2) - Electrical requirements.
    • 1926.97(a)(2)(i) - Equipment shall be capable of withstanding the ac proof-test voltage specified in Table E-1 or the dc proof-test voltage specified in Table E-2 (scroll down). [Reference paragraph (a)(2)(i)(A) - (C)].
    • 1926.97(a)(2)(ii) - When the ac proof test is used on gloves, the 60-hertz proof-test current may not exceed the values specified in Table E-1 at any time during the test period. [Reference paragraph (a)(2)(ii)(A) - (C)].
    • 1926.97(a)(2)(iii) - Equipment that has been subjected to a minimum breakdown voltage test may not be used for electrical protection.
    • 1926.97(a)(2)(iv) - Material used for Type II insulating equipment shall be capable of withstanding an ozone test, with no visible effects. The ozone test shall reliably indicate that the material will resist ozone exposure in actual use. Any visible signs of ozone deterioration of the material, such as checking, cracking, breaks, or pitting, is evidence of failure to meet the requirements for ozone-resistant material.
  • 1926.97(a)(3)(i) - Equipment shall be free of physical irregularities that can adversely affect the insulating properties of the equipment and that can be detected by the tests or inspections required under this section. Note to paragraph (a): Rubber insulating equipment meeting the following national consensus standards is deemed to be in compliance with the performance requirements of paragraph (a) of this section: [Reference paragraph (a)(3)(ii)(B)].

1926.97(b) - Design requirements for other types of electrical protective equipment. The following requirements apply to the design and manufacture of electrical protective equipment that is not covered by paragraph (a) of this section: [Reference paragraph (b)(1) - (2)].

1926.97(c)(2)(ii) - Insulating equipment shall be inspected for damage before each day's use and immediately following any incident that can reasonably be suspected of causing damage. Insulating gloves shall be given an air test, along with the inspection. Note to paragraph (c)(2)(ii): ASTM F1236-96 (2012), Standard Guide for Visual Inspection of Electrical Protective Rubber Products, presents methods and techniques for the visual inspection of electrical protective equipment made of rubber. This guide also contains descriptions and photographs of irregularities that can be found in this equipment.

1926.97(c)(2)(iv) - Insulating equipment found to have other defects that might affect its insulating properties shall be removed from service and returned for testing under paragraphs (c)(2)(viii) and (c)(2)(ix) of this section.

1926.97(c)(2)(vii)(A) - Protector gloves need not be used with Class 0 gloves, under limited-use conditions, when small equipment and parts manipulation necessitate unusually high finger dexterity. Note to paragraph (c)(2)(vii)(A): Persons inspecting rubber insulating gloves used under these conditions need to take extra care in visually examining them. Employees using rubber insulating gloves under these conditions need to take extra care to avoid handling sharp objects.

1926.97(c)(2)(vii)(B) - If the voltage does not exceed 250 volts, ac, or 375 volts, dc, protector gloves need not be used with Class 00 gloves, under limited-use conditions, when small equipment and parts manipulation necessitate unusually high finger dexterity. Note to paragraph (c)(2)(vii)(B): Persons inspecting rubber insulating gloves used under these conditions need to take extra care in visually examining them. Employees using rubber insulating gloves under these conditions need to take extra care to avoid handling sharp objects.

1926.97(c)(2)(vii)(C) - Any other class of glove may be used without protector gloves, under limited-use conditions, when small equipment and parts manipulation necessitate unusually high finger dexterity but only if the employer can demonstrate that the possibility of physical damage to the gloves is small and if the class of glove is one class higher than that required for the voltage involved.

1926.97(c)(2)(vii)(D) - Insulating gloves that have been used without protector gloves may not be reused until they have been tested under the provisions of paragraphs (c)(2)(viii) and (c)(2)(ix) of this section.

1926.97(c)(2)(viii) - Electrical protective equipment shall be subjected to periodic electrical tests. Test voltages and the maximum intervals between tests shall be in accordance with Table E-4 and Table E-5 (scroll down).
 

1926.97(c)(2)(ix) - The test method used under paragraphs (c)(2)(viii) and (c)(2)(xi) of this section shall reliably indicate whether the insulating equipment can withstand the voltages involved. Note to paragraph (c)(2)(ix): Standard electrical test methods considered as meeting this paragraph are given in the following national consensus standards: [Reference paragraph (c)(2)(ix)].

1926.97(c)(2)(x) - Insulating equipment failing to pass inspections or electrical tests may not be used by employees, except as follows: [Reference paragraph (c)(2)(x)(A) - (D)].

1926.97(c)(2)(xi) - Repaired insulating equipment shall be retested before it may be used by employees.

1926.97(c)(2)(xii) - The employer shall certify that equipment has been tested in accordance with the requirements of paragraphs (c)(2)(iv), (c)(2)(vii)(D), (c)(2)(viii), (c)(2)(ix), and (c)(2)(xi) of this section. The certification shall identify the equipment that passed the test and the date it was tested and shall be made available upon request to the Assistant Secretary for Occupational Safety and Health and to employees or their authorized representatives. Note to paragraph (c)(2)(xii): Marking equipment with, and entering onto logs, the results of the tests and the dates of testing are two acceptable means of meeting the certification requirement.

Scope: This standard provides the requirements for head protection.

Special Requirements: Personal protective equipment (helmets), specifications, employer demonstrates, references other standards

1926.100(a) - Employees working in areas where there is a possible danger of head injury from impact, or from falling or flying objects, or from electrical shock and burns, shall be protected by protective helmets.
 
1926.100(b)(1) - The employer must provide each employee with head protection that meets the specifications contained in any of the following consensus standards: [Reference paragraph (b)(1)(i) - (iii)].
 
1926.100(b)(2) - The employer must ensure that the head protection provided for each employee exposed to high-voltage electric shock and burns also meets the specifications contained in Section 9.7 ("Electrical Insulation") of any of the consensus standards identified in paragraph (b)(1) of this section.
 
1926.100(b)(3) - OSHA will deem any head protection device that the employer demonstrates is at least as effective as a head protection device constructed in accordance with one of the consensus standards identified in paragraph (b)(1) of this section to be in compliance with the requirements of this section.

Scope: This standard provides the requirements for hearing protection.

Special Requirements: Personal protective equipment (ear protective devices), competent person, references other standards

1926.101(a) - Wherever it is not feasible to reduce the noise levels or duration of exposures to those specified in Table D-2, Permissible Noise Exposures, in 1926.52 - occupational noise exposure, ear protective devices shall be provided and used.

1926.101(b) - Ear protective devices inserted in the ear shall be fitted or determined individually by competent persons.

Scope: This standard provides the requirements for eye and face protection.

Special Requirements: Personal protective equipment (eye/face protection, side protection), laser safety goggles, affected employee, employer demonstrates, prescription lenses, marked, manufacturer identification, shade numbers, label, data, references other standards

1926.102(a)(1) - The employer shall ensure that each affected employee uses appropriate eye or face protection when exposed to eye or face hazards from flying particles, molten metal, liquid chemicals, acids or caustic liquids, chemical gases or vapors, or potentially injurious light radiation.
 
1926.102(a)(2) - The employer shall ensure that each affected employee uses eye protection that provides side protection when there is a hazard from flying objects. Detachable side protectors (e.g. clip-on or slide-on side shields) meeting the pertinent requirements of this section are acceptable.
 
1926.102(a)(3) - The employer shall ensure that each affected employee who wears prescription lenses while engaged in operations that involve eye hazards wears eye protection that incorporates the prescription in its design, or wears eye protection that can be worn over the prescription lenses without disturbing the proper position of the prescription lenses or the protective lenses.
 
1926.102(a)(4) - Eye and face PPE shall be distinctly marked to facilitate identification of the manufacturer.
 
1926.102(b)(1) - Protective eye and face protection devices must comply with any of the following consensus standards: [Reference paragraph (b)(1)(i) - (iii)].
 
1926.102(b)(2) - Protective eye and face protection devices that the employer demonstrates are at least as effective as protective eye and face protection devices that are constructed in accordance with one of the above consensus standards will be deemed to be in compliance with the requirements of this section.
 
1926.102(c)(1) - Selection of shade numbers for welding filter. Table E-1 shall be used as a guide for the selection of the proper shade numbers of filter lenses or plates used in welding. Shades more dense than those listed may be used to suit the individual's needs.
 
1926.102(c)(2)(i) - Employees whose occupation or assignment requires exposure to laser beams shall be furnished suitable laser safety goggles which will protect for the specific wavelength of the laser and be of optical density (O.D.) adequate for the energy involved. Table E-2 lists the maximum power or energy density for which adequate protection is afforded by glasses of optical densities from 5 through 8. Output levels falling between lines in this table shall require the higher optical density.
 
1926.102(c)(2)(ii) - All protective goggles shall bear a label identifying the following data: [Reference paragraph (c)(2)(ii)(A) - (C)].

Scope: This standard provides the requirements for respiratory protection to prevent exposure to air contaminants.

Special Requirements: Engineering control measures, respirator program (written), procedures, respirators, training, fit testing, medical evaluations, program administrator, hazard evaluations, inspections, NIOSH-certified respirators, affected employees, change schedules, employer demonstrates, medical questionnaire, tests, certification, records, recordkeeping, assigned protection factors, tags, recommendations (written), PLHCP, references other standards

1910.134(a)(1) - In the control of those occupational diseases caused by breathing air contaminated with harmful dusts, fogs, fumes, mists, gases, smokes, sprays, or vapors, the primary objective shall be to prevent atmospheric contamination. This shall be accomplished as far as feasible by accepted engineering control measures (for example, enclosure or confinement of the operation, general and local ventilation, and substitution of less toxic materials). When effective engineering controls are not feasible, or while they are being instituted, appropriate respirators shall be used pursuant to this section.

1910.134(a)(2) -  A respirator shall be provided to each employee when such equipment is necessary to protect the health of such employee. The employer shall provide the respirators which are applicable and suitable for the purpose intended. The employer shall be responsible for the establishment and maintenance of a respiratory protection program, which shall include the requirements outlined in paragraph (c) of this section. The program shall cover each employee required by this section to use a respirator.

1910.134(c)(1) - In any workplace where respirators are necessary to protect the health of the employee or whenever respirators are required by the employer, the employer shall establish and implement a written respiratory protection program with worksite-specific procedures. The program shall be updated as necessary to reflect those changes in workplace conditions that affect respirator use. The employer shall include in the program the following provisions of this section, as applicable:

  • 1910.134(c)(1)(iv) - Procedures for proper use of respirators in routine and reasonably foreseeable emergency situations;
  • 1910.134(c)(1)(v) - Procedures and schedules for cleaning, disinfecting, storing, inspecting, repairing, discarding, and otherwise maintaining respirators;
  • 1910.134(c)(1)(vi) - Procedures to ensure adequate air quality, quantity, and flow of breathing air for atmosphere-supplying respirators;
  • 1910.134(c)(1)(vii) - Training of employees in the respiratory hazards to which they are potentially exposed during routine and emergency situations;
  • 1910.134(c)(1)(viii) - Training of employees in the proper use of respirators, including putting on and removing them, any limitations on their use, and their maintenance; and
  • 1910.134(c)(1)(ix) - Procedures for regularly evaluating the effectiveness of the program.

1910.134(c)(2) - Where respirator use is not required:

  • 1910.134(c)(2)(i) - An employer may provide respirators at the request of employees or permit employees to use their own respirators, if the employer determines that such respirator use will not in itself create a hazard. If the employer determines that any voluntary respirator use is permissible, the employer shall provide the respirator users with the information contained in appendix D to this section ("Information for Employees Using Respirators When Not Required Under the Standard" - Mandatory); and
  • 1910.134(c)(2)(ii) - In addition, the employer must establish and implement those elements of a written respiratory protection program necessary to ensure that any employee using a respirator voluntarily is medically able to use that respirator, and that the respirator is cleaned, stored, and maintained so that its use does not present a health hazard to the user. Exception: Employers are not required to include in a written respiratory protection program those employees whose only use of respirators involves the voluntary use of filtering facepieces (dust masks).

1910.134(c)(3) - The employer shall designate a program administrator who is qualified by appropriate training or experience that is commensurate with the complexity of the program to administer or oversee the respiratory protection program and conduct the required evaluations of program effectiveness.

1910.134(c)(4) - The employer shall provide respirators, training, and medical evaluations at no cost to the employee.

1910.134(d) - Selection of respirators. This paragraph requires the employer to evaluate respiratory hazard(s) in the workplace, identify relevant workplace and user factors, and base respirator selection on these factors. The paragraph also specifies appropriately protective respirators for use in IDLH atmospheres, and limits the selection and use of air-purifying respirators.

  • 1910.134(d)(1)(ii) - The employer shall select a NIOSH-certified respirator. The respirator shall be used in compliance with the conditions of its certification.
  • 1910.134(d)(1)(iii) - The employer shall identify and evaluate the respiratory hazard(s) in the workplace; this evaluation shall include a reasonable estimate of employee exposures to respiratory hazard(s) and an identification of the contaminant's chemical state and physical form. Where the employer cannot identify or reasonably estimate the employee exposure, the employer shall consider the atmosphere to be IDLH.

1910.134(d)(2)(i) - The employer shall provide the following respirators for employee use in IDLH atmospheres:

  • 1910.134(d)(2)(i)(A) - A full facepiece pressure demand SCBA certified by NIOSH for a minimum service life of thirty minutes, or

1910.134(d)(2)(ii) - Respirators provided only for escape from IDLH atmospheres shall be NIOSH-certified for escape from the atmosphere in which they will be used.

1910.134(d)(2)(iii) - All oxygen-deficient atmospheres shall be considered IDLH. Exception: If the employer demonstrates that, under all foreseeable conditions, the oxygen concentration can be maintained within the ranges specified in Table II of this section (i.e., for the altitudes set out in the table), then any atmosphere-supplying respirator may be used.

1910.134(d)(3)(i)(A) - Assigned Protection Factors (APFs). Employers must use the assigned protection factors listed in Table 1 to select a respirator that meets or exceeds the required level of employee protection. When using a combination respirator (e.g., airline respirators with an air-purifying filter), employers must ensure that the assigned protection factor is appropriate to the mode of operation in which the respirator is being used.

1910.134(d)(3)(iii)(B) - For protection against gases and vapors, the employer shall provide, an air-purifying respirator, provided that:

  • 1910.134(d)(3)(iii)(B)(1) - The respirator is equipped with an end-of-service-life indicator (ESLI) certified by NIOSH for the contaminant; or
  • 1910.134(d)(3)(iii)(B)(2) - If there is no ESLI appropriate for conditions in the employer's workplace, the employer implements a change schedule for canisters and cartridges that is based on objective information or data that will ensure that canisters and cartridges are changed before the end of their service life. The employer shall describe in the respirator program the information and data relied upon and the basis for the canister and cartridge change schedule and the basis for reliance on the data.

1910.134(e) - Medical evaluation. Using a respirator may place a physiological burden on employees that varies with the type of respirator worn, the job and workplace conditions in which the respirator is used, and the medical status of the employee. Accordingly, this paragraph specifies the minimum requirements for medical evaluation that employers must implement to determine the employee's ability to use a respirator.

1910.134(e)(1) - General. The employer shall provide a medical evaluation to determine the employee's ability to use a respirator, before the employee is fit tested or required to use the respirator in the workplace. The employer may discontinue an employee's medical evaluations when the employee is no longer required to use a respirator.

1910.134(e)(2)(i) - Medical evaluation procedures. The employer shall identify a physician or other licensed health care professional (PLHCP) to perform medical evaluations using a medical questionnaire or an initial medical examination that obtains the same information as the medical questionnaire.

1910.134(e)(2)(ii) - The medical evaluation shall obtain the information requested by the questionnaire in Sections 1 and 2, part A of appendix C (mandatory) of this section.

1910.134(e)(3)(i) - Follow-up medical examination. The employer shall ensure that a follow-up medical examination is provided for an employee who gives a positive response to any question among questions 1 through 8 in Section 2, part A of appendix C (mandatory) or whose initial medical examination demonstrates the need for a follow-up medical examination.

1910.134(e)(4)(i) - Administration of the medical questionnaire and examinations. The medical questionnaire and examinations shall be administered confidentially during the employee's normal working hours or at a time and place convenient to the employee. The medical questionnaire shall be administered in a manner that ensures that the employee understands its content.

1910.134(e)(4)(ii) - The employer shall provide the employee with an opportunity to discuss the questionnaire and examination results with the PLHCP.

1910.134(e)(5)(i) - Supplemental information for the PLHCP. The following information must be provided to the PLHCP before the PLHCP makes a recommendation concerning an employee's ability to use a respirator [Reference paragraph (e)(5)(i)(A) - (E)].

1910.134(e)(5)(iii) - Supplemental information for the PLHCP.  The employer shall provide the PLHCP with a copy of the written respiratory protection program and a copy of this section.

1910.134(e)(6) - Medical determination. In determining the employee's ability to use a respirator, the employer shall:

  • 1910.134(e)(6)(i) - Obtain a written recommendation regarding the employee's ability to use the respirator from the PLHCP. The recommendation shall provide only the following information [Reference paragraph (e)(6)(i)(A) - (C)].

1910.134(e)(7) - Additional medical evaluations. At a minimum, the employer shall provide additional medical evaluations that comply with the requirements of this section if:

  • 1910.134(e)(7)(i) -  An employee reports medical signs or symptoms that are related to ability to use a respirator;
  • 1910.134(e)(7)(ii) - A PLHCP, supervisor, or the respirator program administrator informs the employer that an employee needs to be reevaluated;
  • 1910.134(e)(7)(iii) - Information from the respiratory protection program, including observations made during fit testing and program evaluation, indicates a need for employee reevaluation.

1910.134(f) - Fit testing. This paragraph requires that, before an employee may be required to use any respirator with a negative or positive pressure tight-fitting facepiece, the employee must be fit tested with the same make, model, style, and size of respirator that will be used. This paragraph specifies the kinds of fit tests allowed, the procedures for conducting them, and how the results of the fit tests must be used.

1910.134(f)(1) - The employer shall ensure that employees using a tight-fitting facepiece respirator pass an appropriate qualitative fit test (QLFT) or quantitative fit test (QNFT) as stated in this paragraph.

1910.134(f)(2) - The employer shall ensure that an employee using a tight-fitting facepiece respirator is fit tested prior to initial use of the respirator, whenever a different respirator facepiece (size, style, model or make) is used, and at least annually thereafter.
 
1910.134(f)(3) - The employer shall conduct an additional fit test whenever the employee reports, or the employer, PLHCP, supervisor, or program administrator makes visual observations of, changes in the employee's physical condition that could affect respirator fit. Such conditions include, but are not limited to, facial scarring, dental changes, cosmetic surgery, or an obvious change in body weight.
 
1910.134(f)(4) - If after passing a QLFT or QNFT, the employee subsequently notifies the employer, program administrator, supervisor, or PLHCP that the fit of the respirator is unacceptable, the employee shall be given a reasonable opportunity to select a different respirator facepiece and to be retested.
 
1910.134(f)(5) - The fit test shall be administered using an OSHA-accepted QLFT or QNFT protocol. The OSHA-accepted QLFT and QNFT protocols and procedures are contained in appendix A - fit testing procedures (mandatory), of this section.
 
1910.134(f)(8) - Fit testing of tight-fitting atmosphere-supplying respirators and tight-fitting powered air-purifying respirators shall be accomplished by performing quantitative or qualitative fit testing in the negative pressure mode, regardless of the mode of operation (negative or positive pressure) that is used for respiratory protection.
 
  • 1910.134(f)(8)(i) - Qualitative fit testing of these respirators shall be accomplished by temporarily converting the respirator user's actual facepiece into a negative pressure respirator with appropriate filters, or by using an identical negative pressure air-purifying respirator facepiece with the same sealing surfaces as a surrogate for the atmosphere-supplying or powered air-purifying respirator facepiece.
  • 1910.134(f)(8)(ii) - Quantitative fit testing of these respirators shall be accomplished by modifying the facepiece to allow sampling inside the facepiece in the breathing zone of the user, midway between the nose and mouth. This requirement shall be accomplished by installing a permanent sampling probe onto a surrogate facepiece, or by using a sampling adapter designed to temporarily provide a means of sampling air from inside the facepiece.
1910.134(g) - Use of respirators. This paragraph requires employers to establish and implement procedures for the proper use of respirators. These requirements include prohibiting conditions that may result in facepiece seal leakage, preventing employees from removing respirators in hazardous environments, taking actions to ensure continued effective respirator operation throughout the work shift, and establishing procedures for the use of respirators in IDLH atmospheres or in interior structural firefighting situations.
  • 1910.134(g)(1)(iii) -  For all tight-fitting respirators, the employer shall ensure that employees perform a user seal check each time they put on the respirator using the procedures in appendix B-1 - user seal checks, or procedures recommended by the respirator manufacturer that the employer demonstrates are as effective as those in appendix B-1 of this section.
  • 1910.134(g)(2)(i) - Continuing respirator effectiveness. Appropriate surveillance shall be maintained of work area conditions and degree of employee exposure or stress. When there is a change in work area conditions or degree of employee exposure or stress that may affect respirator effectiveness, the employer shall reevaluate the continued effectiveness of the respirator.
1910.134(g)(3) - Procedures for IDLH atmospheres. For all IDLH atmospheres, the employer shall ensure that [Reference paragraphs (g)(3)(i) - (g)(3)(vi)].
 
1910.134(g)(4) - Procedures for interior structural firefighting. In addition to the requirements set forth under paragraph (g)(3), in interior structural fires, the employer shall ensure that: [Reference paragraphs (g)(4)(i) - (g)(4)(iii)].
 
1910.134(h) - Maintenance and care of respirators. This paragraph requires the employer to provide for the cleaning and disinfecting, storage, inspection, and repair of respirators used by employees.
 
1910.134(h)(1) - Cleaning and disinfecting. The employer shall provide each respirator user with a respirator that is clean, sanitary, and in good working order. The employer shall ensure that respirators are cleaned and disinfected using the procedures in appendix B-2 - respirator cleaning procedures (mandatory), of this section, or procedures recommended by the respirator manufacturer, provided that such procedures are of equivalent effectiveness. The respirators shall be cleaned and disinfected at the following intervals: [Reference paragraphs (h)(1)(i) - (h)(1)(iv)].
 
1910.134(h)(2) - Storage. The employer shall ensure that respirators are stored as follows:

1910.134(h)(3)(i) - The employer shall ensure that respirators are inspected as follows:

  • 1910.134(h)(3)(i)(A) - All respirators used in routine situations shall be inspected before each use and during cleaning;
  • 1910.134(h)(3)(i)(B) - All respirators maintained for use in emergency situations shall be inspected at least monthly and in accordance with the manufacturer's recommendations, and shall be checked for proper function before and after each use; and
  • 1910.134(h)(3)(i)(C) - Emergency escape-only respirators shall be inspected before being carried into the workplace for use.

1910.134(h)(3)(ii) - The employer shall ensure that respirator inspections include the following: [Reference paragraph (h)(3)(ii)(A) - (h)(3)(ii)(B)].

1910.134(h)(3)(iii) - In addition to the requirements of paragraphs (h)(3)(i) and (ii) of this section, self-contained breathing apparatus shall be inspected monthly. Air and oxygen cylinders shall be maintained in a fully charged state and shall be recharged when the pressure falls to 90% of the manufacturer's recommended pressure level. The employer shall determine that the regulator and warning devices function properly.
 

1910.134(h)(3)(iv) - For respirators maintained for emergency use, the employer shall:

  • 1910.134(h)(3)(iv)(A) - Certify the respirator by documenting the date the inspection was performed, the name (or signature) of the person who made the inspection, the findings, required remedial action, and a serial number or other means of identifying the inspected respirator; and
  • 1910.134(h)(3)(iv)(B) - Provide this information on a tag or label that is attached to the storage compartment for the respirator, is kept with the respirator, or is included in inspection reports stored as paper or electronic files. This information shall be maintained until replaced following a subsequent certification.

1910.134(h)(4) - Repairs. The employer shall ensure that respirators that fail an inspection or are otherwise found to be defective are removed from service, and are discarded or repaired or adjusted in accordance with the following procedures:

  • 1910.134(h)(4)(i) - Repairs or adjustments to respirators are to be made only by persons appropriately trained to perform such operations and shall use only the respirator manufacturer's NIOSH-approved parts designed for the respirator;
  • 1910.134(h)(4)(ii) - Repairs shall be made according to the manufacturer's recommendations and specifications for the type and extent of repairs to be performed; and
  • 1910.134(h)(4)(iii) - Reducing and admission valves, regulators, and alarms shall be adjusted or repaired only by the manufacturer or a technician trained by the manufacturer.

1910.134(i)(4) - The employer shall ensure that cylinders used to supply breathing air to respirators meet the following requirements:

  • 1910.134(i)(4)(i) - Cylinders are tested and maintained as prescribed in the Shipping Container Specification Regulations of the Department of Transportation (49 CFR part 180);
  • 1910.134(i)(4)(ii) - Cylinders of purchased breathing air have a certificate of analysis from the supplier that the breathing air meets the requirements for Grade D breathing air.
1910.134(i)(5)(iv) - Have a tag containing the most recent change date and the signature of the person authorized by the employer to perform the change. The tag shall be maintained at the compressor.
 
1910.134(i)(9) - The employer shall use only the respirator manufacturer's NIOSH-approved breathing-gas containers, marked and maintained in accordance with the Quality Assurance provisions of the NIOSH approval for the SCBA as issued in accordance with the NIOSH respirator-certification standard at 42 CFR part 84.
 
1910.134(j) - Identification of filters, cartridges, and canisters. The employer shall ensure that all filters, cartridges and canisters used in the workplace are labeled and color coded with the NIOSH approval label and that the label is not removed and remains legible.
 

1910.134(k) - Training and information. This paragraph requires the employer to provide effective training to employees who are required to use respirators. The training must be comprehensive, understandable, and recur annually, and more often if necessary. This paragraph also requires the employer to provide the basic information on respirators in appendix D - (mandatory) Information for employees using respirators when not required under the standard, of this section to employees who wear respirators when not required by this section or by the employer to do so.

1910.134(k)(2) - The training shall be conducted in a manner that is understandable to the employee.

1910.134(k)(3) - The employer shall provide the training prior to requiring the employee to use a respirator in the workplace.

1910.134(k)(4) - An employer who is able to demonstrate that a new employee has received training within the last 12 months that addresses the elements specified in paragraph (k)(1)(i) through (vii) is not required to repeat such training provided that, as required by paragraph (k)(1), the employee can demonstrate knowledge of those element(s). Previous training not repeated initially by the employer must be provided no later than 12 months from the date of the previous training.

1910.134(k)(5) - Retraining shall be administered annually, and when the following situations occur: [Reference paragraph (k)(5)(i) - (k)(5)(iii)].

1910.134(k)(6) - The basic advisory information on respirators, as presented in appendix D of this section, shall be provided by the employer in any written or oral format, to employees who wear respirators when such use is not required by this section or by the employer.

1910.134(l) - Program evaluation. This section requires the employer to conduct evaluations of the workplace to ensure that the written respiratory protection program is being properly implemented, and to consult employees to ensure that they are using the respirators properly.
 

1910.134(l)(1) - The employer shall conduct evaluations of the workplace as necessary to ensure that the provisions of the current written program are being effectively implemented and that it continues to be effective.

1910.134(l)(2) - The employer shall regularly consult employees required to use respirators to assess the employees' views on program effectiveness and to identify any problems. Any problems that are identified during this assessment shall be corrected. Factors to be assessed include, but are not limited to: [Reference paragraph (l)(2)(i) - (l)(2)(iv)].

1910.134(m) - Recordkeeping. This section requires the employer to establish and retain written information regarding medical evaluations, fit testing, and the respirator program. This information will facilitate employee involvement in the respirator program, assist the employer in auditing the adequacy of the program, and provide a record for compliance determinations by OSHA.

1910.134(m)(1) - Medical evaluation. Records of medical evaluations required by this section must be retained and made available in accordance with 1910.1020 - access to employee exposure and medical records.

1910.134(m)(2)(i) - Fit testing. The employer shall establish a record of the qualitative and quantitative fit tests administered to an employee including [Reference paragraph (m)(2)(i)(A) - (E)]:

1910.134(m)(2)(ii) - Fit test records shall be retained for respirator users until the next fit test is administered.

1910.134(m)(3) - A written copy of the current respirator program shall be retained by the employer.

1910.134(m)(4) - Written materials required to be retained under this paragraph shall be made available upon request to affected employees and to the Assistant Secretary or designee for examination and copying.
 
Air-purifying respirator means a respirator with an air-purifying filter, cartridge, or canister that removes specific air contaminants by passing ambient air through the air-purifying element.
 

Filtering facepiece (dust mask) means a negative pressure particulate respirator with a filter as an integral part of the facepiece or with the entire facepiece composed of the filtering medium.

Scope: This standard provides the requirements for lifelines, safety belts, and lanyards. 

Special Requirements: Load testing, personal protective equipment (lanyards, lifelines, safety belts), specifications

1926.104(a) - Lifelines, safety belts, and lanyards shall be used only for employee safeguarding. Any lifeline, safety belt, or lanyard actually subjected to in-service loading, as distinguished from static load testing, shall be immediately removed from service and shall not be used again for employee safeguarding.

1926.104(e) - All safety belt and lanyard hardware shall be drop forged or pressed steel, cadmium plated in accordance with type 1, Class B plating specified in Federal Specification QQ-P-416. Surface shall be smooth and free of sharp edges.

Scope: This standard provides the requirements for safety nets.

Special Requirements: Personal protective equipment (safety nets), tested, load testing, certified, performance standards, label, proof test 

1926.105(a) - Safety nets shall be provided when workplaces are more than 25 feet above the ground or water surface, or other surfaces where the use of ladders, scaffolds, catch platforms, temporary floors, safety lines, or safety belts is impractical.

1926.105(b) - Where safety net protection is required by this part (1926), operations shall not be undertaken until the net is in place and has been tested.

1926.105(c)(1) - Nets shall extend 8 feet beyond the edge of the work surface where employees are exposed and shall be installed as close under the work surface as practical but in no case more than 25 feet below such work surface. Nets shall be hung with sufficient clearance to prevent user's contact with the surfaces or structures below. Such clearances shall be determined by impact load testing.

1926.105(d) - The mesh size of nets shall not exceed 6 inches by 6 inches. All new nets shall meet accepted performance standards of 17,500 foot-pounds minimum impact resistance as determined and certified by the manufacturers, and shall bear a label of proof test. Edge ropes shall provide a minimum breaking strength of 5,000 pounds.

Scope: This standard provides the requirements for working over or near water.

Special Requirements: Approved, inspections, personal protective equipment

1926.106(a) - Employees working over or near water, where the danger of drowning exists, shall be provided with U.S. Coast Guard-approved life jacket or buoyant work vests.

1926.106(b) - Prior to and after each use, the buoyant work vests or life preservers shall be inspected for defects which would alter their strength or buoyancy. Defective units shall not be used.

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