1910.106(e)(2)(iv): Handling Flammable Liquids at Point of Use
Employers must keep Category 1 or 2 flammable liquids, and Category 3 with a flashpoint below 100 degrees F, in covered containers when not in use and use them only where no flames or ignition sources are in the vapor path. Spills must be cleaned up promptly and safely, and transfers inside buildings must use closed piping, safety cans, top-drawing devices or approved self-closing gravity valves, never air pressure.
Key takeaways
- 1910.106(e)(2)(iv) is part of OSHA's general industry standards (29 CFR Part 1910, Subpart H).
- OSHA cited it 91 times in the last 3 years, in 85 inspections, with $190,217 in current penalties.
- 1 death is linked to inspections that cited this rule.
- Most citations: TN (13), MI (12), VA (8).
- Related part: 1910.106(e) Industrial plants (599 citations).
- Free 5-minute toolbox talk for your crew below.
In this article
What this rule covers
29 CFR 1910.106(e)(2)(iv) ("Handling liquids at point of final use") 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
(iv) Handling liquids at point of final use. 91 citations
(a) Category 1 or 2 flammable liquids, or Category 3 flammable liquids with a flashpoint below 100 °F (37.8 °C), shall be kept in covered containers when not actually in use.
(b) Where flammable liquids are used or handled, except in closed containers, means shall be provided to dispose promptly and safely of leakage or spills.
(c) Category 1 or 2 flammable liquids, or Category 3 flammable liquids with a flashpoint below 100 °F (37.8 °C), may be used only where there are no open flames or other sources of ignition within the possible path of vapor travel.
(d) Flammable liquids shall be drawn from or transferred into vessels, containers, or portable tanks within a building only through a closed piping system, from safety cans, by means of a device drawing through the top, or from a container or portable tanks by gravity through an approved self-closing valve. Transferring by means of air pressure on the container or portable tanks shall be prohibited.
Source: eCFR, text current as of 2026-10-15. Read all of 1910.106.
Injuries linked to this rule
1 death is linked to inspections where OSHA cited 1910.106(e)(2)(iv).
At 8:34 a.m. on February 20, 2025, Employee #1 and coworkers were closing a steel door mounted on a railing system with track wheels. While manually adjusting the door, one of the track wheels came off the rail, causing the door to jackknife. Three employees…
Where and how often it was cited
| Year | Citations |
|---|---|
| 2023 | 2 |
| 2024 | 38 |
| 2025 | 24 |
| 2026 | 27 |
Top states: TN (13), MI (12), VA (8), CT (7), MD (7)
Largest penalties
| Employer | Location | Penalty for this rule |
|---|---|---|
| SPRAY PRODUCTS CORPORATION | PLYMOUTH MEETING, PA | $29,036 |
| MARINE TECHNOLOGY INC | OCONTO, WI | $15,969 |
| PROCESS MANUFACTURING COMPANY, INC. | TULSA, OK | $12,600 |
| PARKLAND DIRECT, INC. | FOREST, VA | $9,994 |
| TAYLOR MACHINE WORKS, INC. | LOUISVILLE, MS | $7,093 |
Free toolbox talk
A 5-minute crew talk on 1910.106(e)(2)(iv), plus alerts when this rule changes. Free.
OSHA interpretation letters
- Clarification of requirements for storage and use of flammable and/or combustible liquids. (2007-12-26)
- Transfer of nonflammable and noncombustible liquids via air pressure. (1984-02-03)
Related parts of this rule
- 1910.106(e) Industrial plants 599 citations
- 1910.106(e)(6) Sources of ignition 250 citations
- 1910.106(e)(2) Incidental storage or use of flammable liquids 207 citations
- 1910.106(e)(6)(ii) Grounding 175 citations
- 1910.106(e)(9) Housekeeping 125 citations
- 1910.106(e)(9)(iii) Waste and residue 113 citations
- 1910.106(e)(2)(ii) Containers 109 citations
- 1910.106(e)(6)(i) General 72 citations
- 1910.106(e)(3) Unit physical operations 7 citations
- 1910.106(e)(2)(iii) Separation and protection 6 citations
- 1910.106(e)(7)(i) Equipment 5 citations
- 1910.106(e)(7) Electrical 5 citations
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Frequently asked questions
When must flammable liquid containers be covered?
When not actually in use, for Category 1 or 2 liquids and Category 3 liquids with a flashpoint below 100 degrees F.
Can air pressure be used to transfer flammable liquids?
No. Transferring by means of air pressure on the container or portable tank is prohibited.
What about ignition sources?
These liquids may be used only where there are no open flames or other ignition sources in the possible path of vapor travel.
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 2026-10-20
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.