1910.107(e)(9): Bonding and Grounding During Transfer
Whenever flammable liquids or liquids with a flashpoint greater than 199.4 °F (93 °C) are transferred from one container to another in spray finishing operations, both containers must be effectively bonded and grounded to prevent static sparks.
Key takeaways
- 1910.107(e)(9) is part of OSHA's general industry standards (29 CFR Part 1910, Subpart H).
- OSHA cited it 22 times in the last 3 years, in 22 inspections, with $27,072 in current penalties.
- Most citations: MT (4), TN (3), MI (3).
- Related part: 1910.107(e) Flammable liquids and liquids with a flashpoint greater than 199.4 °F (93 °C) (100 citations).
- Free 5-minute toolbox talk for your crew below.
In this article
What this rule covers
29 CFR 1910.107(e)(9) ("Grounding") 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
(9) Grounding. Whenever flammable liquids or liquids with a flashpoint greater than 199.4 °F (93 °C) are transferred from one container to another, both containers shall be effectively bonded and grounded to prevent discharge sparks of static electricity. 22 citations
Source: eCFR, text current as of 2026-10-15. Read all of 1910.107.
Where and how often it was cited
| Year | Citations |
|---|---|
| 2024 | 6 |
| 2025 | 9 |
| 2026 | 7 |
Top states: MT (4), TN (3), MI (3), NE (2), MN (2)
Largest penalties
| Employer | Location | Penalty for this rule |
|---|---|---|
| ADVANTAGE METALWORK & FINISHING, LLC | ROCHESTER, NY | $3,900 |
| L-H MANUFACTURING COMPANY, LLC | HASTINGS, NE | $3,310 |
| NOMAD GLOBAL COMMUNICATION SOLUTIONS, INC. | COLUMBIA FALLS, MT | $2,938 |
| NUGENCO, INC. | BODE, IA | $2,344 |
| KOEHN'S BODY SHOP | MCPHERSON, KS | $2,270 |
Free toolbox talk
A 5-minute crew talk on 1910.107(e)(9), plus alerts when this rule changes. Free.
OSHA interpretation letters
None exist. OSHA has not published a letter of interpretation for 1910.107(e)(9).
Related parts of this rule
- 1910.107(e) Flammable liquids and liquids with a flashpoint greater than 199.4 °F (93 °C) 100 citations
- 1910.107(e)(2) Quantity 60 citations
- 1910.107(e)(3) Containers 3 citations
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Frequently asked questions
When must containers be bonded and grounded?
Whenever flammable liquids or liquids with a flashpoint greater than 199.4 °F (93 °C) are transferred from one container to another.
Which containers must be bonded and grounded?
Both containers.
What hazard does this prevent?
Discharge sparks of static electricity.
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.