1910.107(c)(2): No Flames or Sparks Near Spray Areas
Employers must not allow open flames or spark-producing equipment in any spraying area or within 20 feet of it, unless it is separated by a partition.
Key takeaways
- 1910.107(c)(2) is part of OSHA's general industry standards (29 CFR Part 1910, Subpart H).
- OSHA cited it 34 times in the last 3 years, in 34 inspections, with $60,999 in current penalties.
- Most citations: MI (9), MN (5), TN (4).
- Related part: 1910.107(c) Electrical and other sources of ignition (230 citations).
- Free 5-minute toolbox talk for your crew below.
In this article
What this rule covers
29 CFR 1910.107(c)(2) ("Minimum separation") 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
(2) Minimum separation. There shall be no open flame or spark producing equipment in any spraying area nor within 20 feet thereof, unless separated by a partition. 34 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 | 3 |
| 2024 | 8 |
| 2025 | 9 |
| 2026 | 14 |
Top states: MI (9), MN (5), TN (4), TX (3), VA (2)
Largest penalties
| Employer | Location | Penalty for this rule |
|---|---|---|
| ASSA ABLOY | EASTON, PA | $15,000 |
| ALPHA MILLWORK INC. | CONVERSE, TX | $5,531 |
| NORRISBUILT FABRICATION AND MOBILE WELDING LLC | NORTON, VA | $5,505 |
| 68964 - DESHAZO LLC | WINCHESTER, KY | $5,000 |
| RPM INDUSTRIAL COATINGS GROUP, INC. | MILLERSBURG, OH | $4,257 |
Free toolbox talk
A 5-minute crew talk on 1910.107(c)(2), plus alerts when this rule changes. Free.
OSHA interpretation letters
None exist. OSHA has not published a letter of interpretation for 1910.107(c)(2).
Related parts of this rule
- 1910.107(c) Electrical and other sources of ignition 230 citations
- 1910.107(c)(6) Wiring type approved 91 citations
- 1910.107(c)(5) Combustible residues, areas 56 citations
- 1910.107(c)(7) Lamps 14 citations
- 1910.107(c)(9) Grounding 12 citations
- 1910.107(c)(9)(i) 12 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
How far must open flames be kept from a spray area?
There can be no open flame or spark-producing equipment in a spraying area or within 20 feet of it, unless separated by a partition.
Does this include tools that make sparks?
Yes. It covers spark-producing equipment as well as open flames.
Is there any way to have flames closer?
Only if a partition separates them from the spraying area.
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.