OSHA has cited 29 CFR 1926.353 33 times since 2015, against 30 employers. Penalties on these items add up to $103,607 at their current amounts.
Citations per year
The parts of the rule cited most
1926.353(b)(1) · 9 citations
(b) Welding, cutting, and heating in confined spaces. (1) Except as provided in paragraph (b)(2) of this section, and paragraph (c)(2) of this section, either general mechanical or local exhaust ventilation meeting the requirements of paragraph (a) of this section shall be provided whenever welding, cutting, or heating is performed in a confined space.
1926.353(e)(2) · 9 citations
(2) Employees performing any type of welding, cutting, or heating shall be protected by suitable eye protective equipment in accordance with the requirements of subpart E of this part.
1926.353(b)(3) · 7 citations
(3) Lifelines. Where a welder must enter a confined space through a manhole or other small opening, means shall be provided for quickly removing him in case of emergency. When safety belts and lifelines are used for this purpose they shall be so attached to the welder's body that his body cannot be jammed in a small exit opening. An attendant with a pre-planned rescue procedure shall be stationed outside to observe the welder at all times and be capable of putting rescue operations into effect.
1926.353(c)(1) · 2 citations
(c) Welding, cutting, or heating of metals of toxic significance. (1) Welding, cutting, or heating in any enclosed spaces involving the metals specified in this subparagraph shall be performed with either general mechanical or local exhaust ventilation meeting the requirements of paragraph (a) of this section:
1926.353(d)(1)(ii) · 2 citations
(ii) Employees in the area not protected from the arc by screening shall be protected by filter lenses meeting the requirements of subpart E of this part. When two or more welders are exposed to each other's arc, filter lens goggles of a suitable type, meeting the requirements of subpart E of this part, shall be worn under welding helmets. Hand shields to protect the welder against flashes and radiant energy shall be used when either the helmet is lifted or the shield is removed.
1926.353(a)(6) · 1 citations
(6) Oxygen shall not be used for ventilation purposes, comfort cooling, blowing dust from clothing, or for cleaning the work area.
1926.353(c)(3) · 1 citations
(3) Employees performing such operations in the open air shall be protected by filter-type respirators in accordance with the requirements of subpart E of this part, except that employees performing such operations on beryllium-containing base or filler metals shall be protected by air line respirators in accordance with the requirements of subpart E of this part.
1926.353(d)(1)(iii) · 1 citations
(iii) Welders and other employees who are exposed to radiation shall be suitably protected so that the skin is covered completely to prevent burns and other damage by ultraviolet rays. Welding helmets and hand shields shall be free of leaks and openings, and free of highly reflective surfaces.
Industries cited most
- Construction 20
- Manufacturing 10
- Agriculture, Forestry, Fishing and Hunting 1
- Utilities 1
- Retail Trade 1
Recently cited employers
- Kimmins Contracting Corp. Tampa, FL · Mar 13, 2026