1910.106(d)(6): Flammable Liquid Storage Outside Buildings
Employers storing flammable liquids outside buildings must follow Table H-16 or H-17. Up to 1,100 gallons may be next to buildings on the same premises, and above that a minimum 10 feet must separate buildings from the nearest container. Storage areas must be graded or curbed at least 6 inches to divert spills, with safe drains, protected from tampering where necessary, and kept free of weeds and debris.
Key takeaways
- 1910.106(d)(6) is part of OSHA's general industry standards (29 CFR Part 1910, Subpart H).
- OSHA cited it 22 times in the last 3 years, in 16 inspections, with $62,662 in current penalties.
- 2 deaths are linked to inspections that cited this rule.
- Most citations: VA (5), TX (4), HI (2).
- 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)(6) ("Storage outside buildings") is one requirement inside 1910.106 Flammable liquids, an OSHA general industry standard (Part 1910, Subpart H). It includes 4 sub-paragraphs. 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) Storage outside buildings — 22 citations
(i) General. Storage outside buildings shall be in accordance with Table H-16 or H-17, and subdivisions (ii) and (iv) of this subparagraph. 2 citations
(ii) Maximum storage. A maximum of 1,100 gallons of flammable liquids may be located adjacent to buildings located on the same premises and under the same management provided the provisions of subdivisions (a) and (b) of this subdivision are complied with. 2 citations
(a) [Reserved]
(b) Where quantity stored exceeds 1,100 gallons, or provisions of subdivision (a) of this subdivision cannot be met, a minimum distance of 10 feet between buildings and nearest container of flammable liquid shall be maintained.
(iii) Spill containment. The storage area shall be graded in a manner to divert possible spills away from buildings or other exposures or shall be surrounded by a curb at least 6 inches high. When curbs are used, provisions shall be made for draining of accumulations of ground or rain water or spills of flammable liquids. Drains shall terminate at a safe location and shall be accessible to operation under fire conditions. Open (d)(6)(iii) 7 citations
(iv) Security. The storage area shall be protected against tampering or trespassers where necessary and shall be kept free of weeds, debris and other combustible material not necessary to the storage. Open (d)(6)(iv) 11 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(d)(6).
At approximately 1:00 p.m. on December 10, 2024, an employee was operating a powered industrial truck in the yard. The forklift overturned and landed on top of the operator, causing fatal mechanical asphyxiation and blunt force trauma.
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 |
|---|---|
| 2024 | 7 |
| 2025 | 11 |
| 2026 | 4 |
Top states: VA (5), TX (4), HI (2), PA (2), VT (2)
Largest penalties
| Employer | Location | Penalty for this rule |
|---|---|---|
| WASTEQUIP MANUFACTURING COMPANY, LLC | TYLER, TX | $16,550 |
| SMITH-MIDLAND CORPORATION | MIDLAND, VA | $12,135 |
| HENSON LUMBER, LTD | DECATUR, TX | $8,938 |
| ADVANCED CONCRETE SYSTEMS INC. | MIDDLEBURG, PA | $5,288 |
| PAWLING ENGINEERED PRODUCTS, INC. | PAWLING, NY | $4,469 |
Free toolbox talk
A 5-minute crew talk on 1910.106(d)(6), plus alerts when this rule changes. Free.
OSHA interpretation letters
- Spill containment of flammable or combustible liquids when a curb or earth dike is used. (1993-11-09)
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)(2)(i) General 83 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)(5)(i) Egress 20 citations
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Frequently asked questions
How much flammable liquid can be stored next to a building?
A maximum of 1,100 gallons, under the conditions in the rule.
What distance is required if more is stored?
A minimum distance of 10 feet between buildings and the nearest container of flammable liquid.
How must spills be controlled?
Grade the area to divert spills away from buildings or surround it with a curb at least 6 inches high, with drainage to a safe location.
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.