1910.106(b)(6): Controlling Ignition Sources for Flammable Vapors
Where flammable vapors may be present, employers must prevent ignition by eliminating or controlling ignition sources. These may include open flames, lightning, smoking, cutting and welding, hot surfaces, frictional heat, static, electrical and mechanical sparks, spontaneous ignition, chemical reactions and radiant heat.
Key takeaways
- 1910.106(b)(6) is part of OSHA's general industry standards (29 CFR Part 1910, Subpart H).
- OSHA cited it 59 times in the last 3 years, in 59 inspections, with $295,280 in current penalties.
- 2 deaths are linked to inspections that cited this rule.
- Most citations: TX (10), VA (7), FL (5).
- Related part: 1910.106(b) Tank storage (99 citations).
- Free 5-minute toolbox talk for your crew below.
In this article
What this rule covers
29 CFR 1910.106(b)(6) ("Sources of ignition") 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
(6) Sources of ignition. In locations where flammable vapors may be present, precautions shall be taken to prevent ignition by eliminating or controlling sources of ignition. Sources of ignition may include open flames, lightning, smoking, cutting and welding, hot surfaces, frictional heat, sparks (static, electrical, and mechanical), spontaneous ignition, chemical and physical-chemical reactions, and radiant heat. 59 citations
Source: eCFR, text current as of 2026-10-15. Read all of 1910.106.
Injuries linked to this rule
2 deaths are linked to inspections where OSHA cited 1910.106(b)(6).
At 4:30 p.m. on October 25, 2024, an employee was working on a crew with four other employees fueling a boat when an explosion occurred. The employee died from 3rd degree burns to his body and blunt force trauma to his head. Four otheremployees were…
Full case list with employer, penalty, filters and download is part of OSHA Data (Purple Belt).
Unlock with Purple BeltWhere and how often it was cited
| Year | Citations |
|---|---|
| 2023 | 1 |
| 2024 | 27 |
| 2025 | 25 |
| 2026 | 6 |
Top states: TX (10), VA (7), FL (5), MI (4), OK (4)
Largest penalties
| Employer | Location | Penalty for this rule |
|---|---|---|
| PENSKE TRUCK RENTAL | BEAUMONT, TX | $16,131 |
| SPARK AUTO SERVICE INC | RICHMOND, VA | $15,875 |
| PIKE'S GARAGE TOWING & RECOVERY LLC | MARION, VA | $15,375 |
| RIX ENERGY SERVICES | BRADLEY, OK | $14,518 |
| E.GADS, LLC | LAS VEGAS, NV | $11,705 |
Free toolbox talk
A 5-minute crew talk on 1910.106(b)(6), plus alerts when this rule changes. Free.
OSHA interpretation letters
- Employer's responsibility to protect employees from workplace hazards through appropriate hazard control methods (2003-06-05)
Related parts of this rule
- 1910.106(b) Tank storage 99 citations
- 1910.106(b)(2) Installation of outside aboveground tanks 23 citations
- 1910.106(b)(2)(vii) Drainage, dikes, and walls for aboveground tanks— 13 citations
- 1910.106(b)(4) Installation of tanks inside of buildings 6 citations
- 1910.106(b)(2)(ii) Spacing (shell-to-shell) between aboveground tanks 5 citations
- 1910.106(b)(5) Supports, foundations, and anchorage for all tank locations 5 citations
- 1910.106(b)(1) Design and construction of tanks 4 citations
- 1910.106(b)(4)(ii) Vents 2 citations
- 1910.106(b)(4)(iv) Tank openings other than vents 2 citations
- 1910.106(b)(7) Testing 2 citations
- 1910.106(b)(1)(i) Materials 1 citations
- 1910.106(b)(5)(ii) Fire resistance
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 must be done where flammable vapors may be present?
Precautions must be taken to prevent ignition by eliminating or controlling sources of ignition.
Is static electricity an ignition source?
Yes. Static sparks are listed as a source of ignition.
Is cutting and welding an ignition source?
Yes. Cutting and welding are listed.
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 2026-10-21
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.