1910.106(f)(6): Ignition Sources Near Flammable Liquids
Category 1 or 2 flammable liquids, or Category 3 liquids with a flashpoint below 100 °F, must not be handled, drawn or dispensed where vapors may reach an ignition source. Smoking is banned except in designated areas, and No Smoking signs must be posted where flammable vapor hazards are normally present.
Key takeaways
- 1910.106(f)(6) is part of OSHA's general industry standards (29 CFR Part 1910, Subpart H).
- OSHA cited it 12 times in the last 3 years, in 12 inspections, with $8,869 in current penalties.
- Most citations: OR (2), WV (2), WI (1).
- Related part: 1910.106(f) Bulk plants (22 citations).
- Free 5-minute toolbox talk for your crew below.
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In this article
What this rule covers
29 CFR 1910.106(f)(6) ("Sources of ignition") 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
(6) Sources of ignition. Category 1 or 2 flammable liquids, or Category 3 flammable liquids with a flashpoint below 100 °F (37.8 °C), shall not be handled, drawn, or dispensed where flammable vapors may reach a source of ignition. Smoking shall be prohibited except in designated localities. “No Smoking” signs shall be conspicuously posted where hazard from flammable liquid vapors is normally present. 12 citations
Source: eCFR, text current as of 2026-10-15. Read all of 1910.106.
Export the list: 12 inspections cited 1910.106(f)(6) in the last 3 years, with employer, location, penalty and date.
Purple Belt, $59/moWhere and how often it was cited
| Year | Citations |
|---|---|
| 2024 | 5 |
| 2025 | 5 |
| 2026 | 2 |
Top states: OR (2), WV (2), WI (1), IL (1), ID (1)
Largest penalties
| Employer | Location | Penalty for this rule |
|---|---|---|
| BRENNTAG NORTHEAST, INC. | READING, PA | $6,000 |
| BROWNING LOGGING LLC | ELKVIEW, WV | $1,218 |
| J & J AIR PARTS INC | PLEASANTON, TX | $1,051 |
| CALI LLC | RICHMOND, VA | $600 |
| US FOREST SERVICE | PRINEVILLE, OR | $0 |
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A 5-minute crew talk on 1910.106(f)(6), plus alerts when this rule changes. Free.
OSHA interpretation letters
None exist. OSHA has not published a letter of interpretation for 1910.106(f)(6).
Related parts of this rule
- 1910.106(f) Bulk plants 22 citations
- 1910.106(f)(3) Loading and unloading facilities 6 citations
- 1910.106(f)(3)(i) Separation 2 citations
- 1910.106(f)(3)(iii) Valves 1 citations
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Frequently asked questions
Which liquids are covered?
Category 1 or 2 flammable liquids, or Category 3 flammable liquids with a flashpoint below 100 °F (37.8 °C).
Where is smoking allowed?
Only in designated localities.
Where must No Smoking signs be posted?
Conspicuously where hazard from flammable liquid vapors is normally present.
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 2026-11-06
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.