1910.106(h)(4): Liquid handling
Key takeaways
- 1910.106(h)(4) is part of OSHA's general industry standards (29 CFR Part 1910, Subpart H).
- OSHA cited it 11 times in the last 3 years, in 9 inspections, with $70,137 in current penalties.
- Most citations: NY (3), WI (2), MI (1).
- Related part: 1910.106(h) Processing plants (29 citations).
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In this article
What this rule covers
29 CFR 1910.106(h)(4) ("Liquid handling") 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
(4) Liquid handling — 11 citations
(i) Storage. 1 citations
(a) The storage of flammable liquids in tanks shall be in accordance with the applicable provisions of paragraph (b) of this section.
(b) If the storage of flammable liquids in outside aboveground or underground tanks is not practical because of temperature or production considerations, tanks may be permitted inside of buildings or structures in accordance with the applicable provisions of paragraph (b) of this section.
(c) Storage tanks inside of buildings shall be permitted only in areas at or above grade which have adequate drainage and are separated from the processing area by construction having a fire resistance rating of at least 2 hours.
(d) The storage of flammable liquids in containers shall be in accordance with the applicable provisions of paragraph (d) of this section.
(ii) Piping, valves, and fittings.
(a) Piping, valves, and fittings shall be in accordance with paragraph (c) of this section.
(b) Approved flexible connectors may be used where vibration exists or where frequent movement is necessary. Approved hose may be used at transfer stations.
(c) Piping containing flammable liquids shall be identified.
(iii) Transfer. Open (h)(4)(iii) 2 citations
(a) The transfer of large quantities of flammable liquids shall be through piping by means of pumps or water displacement. Except as required in process equipment, gravity flow shall not be used. The use of compressed air as a transferring medium is prohibited.
(b) Positive displacement pumps shall be provided with pressure relief discharging back to the tank or to pump suction.
(iv) Equipment. 8 citations
(a) Equipment shall be designed and arranged to prevent the unintentional escape of liquids and vapors and to minimize the quantity escaping in the event of accidental release.
(b) Where the vapor space of equipment is usually within the flammable range, the probability of explosion damage to the equipment can be limited by inerting, by providing an explosion suppression system, or by designing the equipment to contain the peak explosion pressure which may be modified by explosion relief. Where the special hazards of operation, sources of ignition, or exposures indicate a need, consideration shall be given to providing protection by one or more of the above means.
Source: eCFR, text current as of 2026-10-15. Read all of 1910.106.
Export the list: 9 inspections cited 1910.106(h)(4) in the last 3 years, with employer, location, penalty and date.
Purple Belt, $59/moWhere and how often it was cited
| Year | Citations |
|---|---|
| 2024 | 3 |
| 2025 | 3 |
| 2026 | 5 |
Top states: NY (3), WI (2), MI (1), OK (1), NJ (1)
Largest penalties
| Employer | Location | Penalty for this rule |
|---|---|---|
| INTERTAPE POLYMER CORP | MARYSVILLE, MI | $44,100 |
| GOTHAM INK CORPORATION | STONY POINT, NY | $7,094 |
| POLYGLASS COATINGS LIMITED LLC | OKLAHOMA CITY, OK | $6,600 |
| EVEREST SYSTEMS LLC | HOUSTON, TX | $5,793 |
| SELECTIVE COATINGS & INKS, INC. | WALL TOWNSHIP, NJ | $4,167 |
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OSHA interpretation letters
None exist. OSHA has not published a letter of interpretation for 1910.106(h)(4).
Related parts of this rule
- 1910.106(h) Processing plants 29 citations
- 1910.106(h)(7) Sources of ignition 9 citations
- 1910.106(h)(7)(i) General 7 citations
- 1910.106(h)(4)(iii) Transfer 2 citations
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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.