1910.107(b)(5)(iv): Sprinklers at Spray Booth Filters
Employers must protect the space inside a spray booth on both the downstream and upstream sides of the filters with approved automatic sprinklers.
Key takeaways
- 1910.107(b)(5)(iv) is part of OSHA's general industry standards (29 CFR Part 1910, Subpart H).
- OSHA cited it 79 times in the last 3 years, in 79 inspections, with $102,443 in current penalties.
- Most citations: MN (13), NY (7), TN (7).
- Related part: 1910.107(b) Spray booths (559 citations).
- Free 5-minute toolbox talk for your crew below.
In this article
What this rule covers
29 CFR 1910.107(b)(5)(iv) is one requirement inside 1910.107 Spray finishing using flammable and combustible materials, 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) Space within the spray booth on the downstream and upstream sides of filters shall be protected with approved automatic sprinklers. 79 citations
Source: eCFR, text current as of 2026-10-15. Read all of 1910.107.
Where and how often it was cited
| Year | Citations |
|---|---|
| 2023 | 5 |
| 2024 | 26 |
| 2025 | 26 |
| 2026 | 22 |
Top states: MN (13), NY (7), TN (7), MD (6), WI (6)
Largest penalties
| Employer | Location | Penalty for this rule |
|---|---|---|
| INDUSTRIAL TURNAROUND CORPORATION | CHESTER, VA | $11,010 |
| SMITH INDUSTRIES, LLC | MIDLAND, TX | $10,215 |
| IRONWORKS WELDING INC. | DICKINSON, ND | $9,268 |
| AMERICAN ALUMINUM ACCESSORIES, INC. | PERRY, FL | $6,223 |
| PINNACLE STRUCTURES, INC. | CABOT, AR | $4,978 |
Free toolbox talk
A 5-minute crew talk on 1910.107(b)(5)(iv), plus alerts when this rule changes. Free.
OSHA interpretation letters
- Spray booth requirements including automatic sprinkler systems, relationship to NFPA 33 requirements, and paint storage. (2004-08-12)
- Unfavorable Review Commission Decision. (1991-05-13)
Related parts of this rule
- 1910.107(b) Spray booths 559 citations
- 1910.107(b)(5) Dry type overspray collectors—(exhaust air filters) 239 citations
- 1910.107(b)(9) Cleaning 204 citations
- 1910.107(b)(5)(i) 152 citations
- 1910.107(b)(1) Construction 39 citations
- 1910.107(b)(2) Interiors 29 citations
- 1910.107(b)(10) Illumination 19 citations
- 1910.107(b)(3) Floors 14 citations
- 1910.107(b)(8) Separation of operations 12 citations
- 1910.107(b)(5)(ii) 6 citations
- 1910.107(b)(6) Frontal area 3 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
Where must sprinklers be in a spray booth?
On the downstream and upstream sides of the filters within the spray booth.
What kind of sprinklers are required?
Approved automatic sprinklers.
Why the filter area?
The rule specifically requires sprinkler protection for the space on both sides of the filters.
About this page
Sources
- 29 CFR 1910.107 (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.