The most common OSHA violations related to respiratory protection
A look at the most frequent, and most heavily fined, OSHA citations regarding standard 1910.134.
The Cost of Non-Compliance
Respiratory protection (OSHA Standard 1910.134) consistently ranks in the top 10 most cited OSHA violations every single year. The average penalty exceeds $7,600, with willful violations easily crossing the $165,000 mark.
Here are the most common ways companies fail audits:
1. Lack of Medical Evaluations
The Violation: Allowing employees to wear respirators without first receiving clearance from a Physician or Other Licensed Health Care Professional (PLHCP).
The Fix: Every employee must complete an OSHA medical evaluation questionnaire before they are fit tested or permitted to wear the mask on the job.
2. Missing or Improper Fit Testing
The Violation: Failing to conduct fit tests annually, or failing to conduct them using proper OSHA-accepted protocols.
The Fix: Annual, documented fit testing is mandatory for all tight-fitting respirators. It must be repeated if the employee changes mask models or experiences significant physical changes.
3. No Written Respiratory Protection Program
The Violation: A company provides respirators but has no written, site-specific plan detailing how they are selected, used, and maintained.
The Fix: If masks are required, a formal written program must be developed and managed by a designated administrator.
4. Failure to Train Employees
The Violation: Employees don't know how to properly inspect, put on, take off, or maintain their equipment.
The Fix: Annual, documented training is required covering the usage, limitations, and maintenance of the respirators.
5. Facial Hair Interferences
The Violation: Allowing employees with beards or stubble to wear tight-fitting respirators, which breaks the seal.
The Fix: Strict enforcement of clean-shaven policies for those wearing tight-fitting masks, or providing loose-fitting PAPRs as an alternative.