1910.106(e)(7)(i): Equipment
Key takeaways
- 1910.106(e)(7)(i) is part of OSHA's general industry standards (29 CFR Part 1910, Subpart H).
- OSHA cited it 5 times in the last 3 years, in 5 inspections, with $19,204 in current penalties.
- 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)(7)(i) ("Equipment") 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) Equipment. 5 citations
(a) All electrical wiring and equipment shall be installed according to the requirements of subpart S of this part.
(b) Locations where flammable vapor-air mixtures may exist under normal operations shall be classified Class I, Division 1 according to the requirements of subpart S of this part. For those pieces of equipment installed in accordance with subparagraph (3)(v)(b) of this paragraph, the Division 1 area shall extend 5 feet in all directions from all points of vapor liberation. All areas within pits shall be classified Division 1 if any part of the pit is within a Division 1 or 2 classified area, unless the pit is provided with mechanical ventilation.
(c) Locations where flammable vapor-air mixtures may exist under abnormal conditions and for a distance beyond Division 1 locations shall be classified Division 2 according to the requirements of subpart S of this part. These locations include an area within 20 feet horizontally, 3 feet vertically beyond a Division 1 area, and up to 3 feet above floor or grade level within 25 feet, if indoors, or 10 feet if outdoors, from any pump, bleeder, withdrawal fitting, meter, or similar device handling Category 1 or 2 flammable liquids, or Category 3 flammable liquids with a flashpoint below 100 °F (37.8 °C). Pits provided with adequate mechanical ventilation within a Division 1 or 2 area shall be classified Division 2. If only Category 3 flammable liquids with a flashpoint at or above 100 °F (37.8 °C) or Category 4 flammable liquids are handled, then ordinary electrical equipment is satisfactory though care shall be used in locating electrical apparatus to prevent hot metal from falling into open equipment.
(d) Where the provisions of subdivisions (a), (b), and (c), of this subdivision require the installation of electrical equipment suitable for Class I, Division 1 or Division 2 locations, ordinary electrical equipment including switchgear may be used if installed in a room or enclosure which is maintained under positive pressure with respect to the hazardous area. Ventilation makeup air shall be uncontaminated by flammable vapors.
Source: eCFR, text current as of 2026-10-15. Read all of 1910.106.
Where and how often it was cited
Free toolbox talk
A 5-minute crew talk on 1910.106(e)(7)(i), plus alerts when this rule changes. Free.
OSHA interpretation letters
- Requirements for electrical wiring in supply and disposal function warehouses containing hazardous materials. (1997-04-08)
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)(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) 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.
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.
