1910.106(a)(31): Definition of Adequate Ventilation
Ventilation under the flammable liquids rule is for preventing fire and explosion. It is adequate if it prevents significant vapor-air mixtures from building up above one-fourth of the lower flammable limit.
Key takeaways
- 1910.106(a)(31) is part of OSHA's general industry standards (29 CFR Part 1910, Subpart H).
- OSHA cited it 1 times in the last 3 years, in 1 inspections, with $10,372 in current penalties.
- 1 death is linked to inspections that cited this rule.
- Related part: 1910.106(a) Definitions (7 citations).
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In this article
What this rule covers
29 CFR 1910.106(a)(31) is one requirement inside 1910.106 Flammable liquids, an OSHA general industry standard (Part 1910, Subpart H). 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
(31) Ventilation as specified in this section is for the prevention of fire and explosion. It is considered adequate if it is sufficient to prevent accumulation of significant quantities of vapor-air mixtures in concentration over one-fourth of the lower flammable limit. 1 citations
Source: eCFR, text current as of 2026-10-15. Read all of 1910.106.
Export the list: 1 inspections cited 1910.106(a)(31) in the last 3 years, with employer, location, penalty and date.
Purple Belt, $59/moInjuries linked to this rule
1 death is linked to inspections where OSHA cited 1910.106(a)(31).
At 12:45 p.m. on January 30, 2025, Employee #1 was working on a malfunctioning compressor unit at an oil and gas compressor station site when an equipment-related explosion occurred. The blast caused a fire and multiple burns, resulting in fatal injuries.
Where and how often it was cited
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OSHA interpretation letters
None exist. OSHA has not published a letter of interpretation for 1910.106(a)(31).
Related parts of this rule
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Frequently asked questions
What is ventilation in this section meant to prevent?
Fire and explosion.
When is ventilation considered adequate?
When it prevents accumulation of significant quantities of vapor-air mixtures in concentration over one-fourth of the lower flammable limit.
Is this about worker breathing?
This definition is for the prevention of fire and explosion.
About this page
Sources
- 29 CFR 1910.106 (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 2026-11-06
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.