1910.106(e)(6)(i): Preventing Ignition of Flammable Vapors
Employers must take adequate precautions to prevent the ignition of flammable vapors. Ignition sources include, but are not limited to, open flames, lightning, smoking, cutting and welding, hot surfaces, frictional heat, static, electrical and mechanical sparks, spontaneous ignition including heat-producing chemical reactions, and radiant heat.
Key takeaways
- 1910.106(e)(6)(i) is part of OSHA's general industry standards (29 CFR Part 1910, Subpart H).
- OSHA cited it 72 times in the last 3 years, in 72 inspections, with $267,703 in current penalties.
- Most citations: MD (10), PA (8), CT (6).
- 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)(6)(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. Adequate precautions shall be taken to prevent the ignition of flammable vapors. Sources of ignition include but are not limited to open flames; lightning; smoking; cutting and welding; hot surfaces; frictional heat; static, electrical, and mechanical sparks; spontaneous ignition, including heat-producing chemical reactions; and radiant heat. 72 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 | 5 |
| 2024 | 29 |
| 2025 | 25 |
| 2026 | 13 |
Top states: MD (10), PA (8), CT (6), VA (6), NJ (5)
Largest penalties
| Employer | Location | Penalty for this rule |
|---|---|---|
| AL BUYS JUNK CARS, INC. | ORLANDO, FL | $16,550 |
| HAMMER INTERMEDIATE CO LLC | DENVER, CO | $16,550 |
| ENERFIN RESOURCES COMPANY | DUSTIN, OK | $13,902 |
| ENTERPRISE LOGISTIC SERVICES LLC | PETAL, MS | $13,394 |
| PARKER-LORD CORPORATION | SAEGERTOWN, PA | $12,059 |
Free toolbox talk
A 5-minute crew talk on 1910.106(e)(6)(i), plus alerts when this rule changes. Free.
OSHA interpretation letters
None exist. OSHA has not published a letter of interpretation for 1910.106(e)(6)(i).
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)(2)(iv) Handling liquids at point of final use 91 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
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 does the rule require?
Adequate precautions to prevent the ignition of flammable vapors.
What counts as an ignition source?
Open flames, lightning, smoking, cutting and welding, hot surfaces, frictional heat, static, electrical and mechanical sparks, spontaneous ignition, and radiant heat, among others.
Is that list complete?
No. The rule says sources of ignition include but are not limited to those 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 2026-10-20
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.