1910.106(d)(2)(i): Approved Containers for Flammable Liquids
Employers must use only approved containers and portable tanks for flammable liquids. Metal containers and portable tanks that meet and hold products authorized by U.S. Department of Transportation hazardous materials regulations (49 CFR chapter I) are considered acceptable.
Key takeaways
- 1910.106(d)(2)(i) is part of OSHA's general industry standards (29 CFR Part 1910, Subpart H).
- OSHA cited it 83 times in the last 3 years, in 83 inspections, with $113,019 in current penalties.
- Most citations: MD (16), CT (9), MN (8).
- Related part: 1910.106(d) Container and portable tank storage (357 citations).
- Free 5-minute toolbox talk for your crew below.
In this article
What this rule covers
29 CFR 1910.106(d)(2)(i) ("General") 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
(i) General. Only approved containers and portable tanks shall be used. Metal containers and portable tanks meeting the requirements of and containing products authorized by chapter I, title 49 of the Code of Federal Regulations (regulations issued by the Hazardous Materials Regulations Board, Department of Transportation), shall be deemed to be acceptable. 83 citations
Source: eCFR, text current as of 2026-10-15. Read all of 1910.106.
Where and how often it was cited
| Year | Citations |
|---|---|
| 2023 | 9 |
| 2024 | 37 |
| 2025 | 22 |
| 2026 | 15 |
Top states: MD (16), CT (9), MN (8), WI (6), MI (5)
Largest penalties
| Employer | Location | Penalty for this rule |
|---|---|---|
| SV LABS PRESCOTT CORPORATION | PRESCOTT, WI | $16,550 |
| ALADDIN PACKAGING | HAUPPAUGE, NY | $10,000 |
| PRECIOUS CAT INC. | CHEYENNE, WY | $8,067 |
| GATTO INDUSTRIAL PLATERS, INC. | CHICAGO, IL | $7,500 |
| GERMAINE'S LUAU, INC. | KAPOLEI, HI | $4,936 |
Free toolbox talk
A 5-minute crew talk on 1910.106(d)(2)(i), plus alerts when this rule changes. Free.
OSHA interpretation letters
- Acceptability of storing Class II combustible liquids in DOT/NRTL approved polyethylene containers. (2001-08-02)
- Interpretation of 1910.106(d)(2)(i), as it applies to the storage of combustible liquids in polyethylene containers. (1989-03-09)
Related parts of this rule
- 1910.106(d) Container and portable tank storage 357 citations
- 1910.106(d)(2) Design, construction, and capacity of containers 125 citations
- 1910.106(d)(4) Design and construction of inside storage rooms 67 citations
- 1910.106(d)(3) Design, construction, and capacity of storage cabinets 65 citations
- 1910.106(d)(3)(ii) Fire resistance 59 citations
- 1910.106(d)(5) Storage inside building 55 citations
- 1910.106(d)(2)(iii) Size 39 citations
- 1910.106(d)(4)(i) Construction 26 citations
- 1910.106(d)(7) Fire control 23 citations
- 1910.106(d)(4)(iv) Ventilation 22 citations
- 1910.106(d)(6) Storage outside buildings 22 citations
- 1910.106(d)(5)(i) Egress 20 citations
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 containers may be used for flammable liquids?
Only approved containers and portable tanks.
Are DOT containers acceptable?
Yes. Metal containers and portable tanks meeting DOT requirements in 49 CFR chapter I, and holding products those rules authorize, are deemed acceptable.
Can I use any old jug or bucket?
No. The rule allows only approved containers and portable tanks.
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.