1910.178(f): Forklift Fuel Handling and Storage
Employers must store and handle liquid fuels for powered industrial trucks, such as gasoline and diesel, according to NFPA 30-1969. Liquefied petroleum gas fuel must be stored and handled according to NFPA 58-1969.
Key takeaways
- 1910.178(f) is part of OSHA's general industry standards (29 CFR Part 1910, Subpart N).
- OSHA cited it 32 times in the last 3 years, in 32 inspections, with $59,462 in current penalties.
- Most citations: OR (11), MA (6), CT (3).
- Related part: 1910.178(f)(2) (29 citations).
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In this article
What this rule covers
29 CFR 1910.178(f) ("Fuel handling and storage") is one requirement inside 1910.178 Powered industrial trucks, an OSHA general industry standard (Part 1910, Subpart N). It includes 2 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
(f) Fuel handling and storage. 32 citations
(1) The storage and handling of liquid fuels such as gasoline and diesel fuel shall be in accordance with NFPA Flammable and Combustible Liquids Code (NFPA No. 30-1969), which is incorporated by reference as specified in § 1910.6. 3 citations
(2) The storage and handling of liquefied petroleum gas fuel shall be in accordance with NFPA Storage and Handling of Liquefied Petroleum Gases (NFPA No. 58-1969), which is incorporated by reference as specified in § 1910.6. Open (f)(2) 29 citations
Source: eCFR, text current as of 2026-10-15. Read all of 1910.178.
Export the list: 32 inspections cited 1910.178(f) in the last 3 years, with employer, location, penalty and date.
Purple Belt, $59/moWhere and how often it was cited
| Year | Citations |
|---|---|
| 2023 | 1 |
| 2024 | 16 |
| 2025 | 11 |
| 2026 | 4 |
Top states: OR (11), MA (6), CT (3), VI (3), VA (2)
Largest penalties
| Employer | Location | Penalty for this rule |
|---|---|---|
| HOLLOWELL INDUSTRIES, INC. | WEST HELENA, AR | $14,518 |
| GULF DISTRIBUTING HOLDINGS, LLC | MC CALLA, AL | $6,913 |
| T FORCE FREIGHT | BILLERICA, MA | $6,620 |
| SMITH-MIDLAND CORPORATION | MIDLAND, VA | $6,500 |
| PUEBLO SUPERMARKET- GOLDEN ROCK (WORLD FRESH MARKET, LLC) | ST CROIX, VI | $3,798 |
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OSHA interpretation letters
None exist. OSHA has not published a letter of interpretation for 1910.178(f).
Related parts of this rule
- 1910.178(f)(2) 29 citations
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Frequently asked questions
What standard applies to gasoline and diesel for forklifts?
NFPA Flammable and Combustible Liquids Code, NFPA No. 30-1969.
What standard applies to LP-gas fuel?
NFPA Storage and Handling of Liquefied Petroleum Gases, NFPA No. 58-1969.
Are these NFPA codes part of the OSHA rule?
Yes. They are incorporated by reference as specified in 1910.6.
About this page
Sources
- 29 CFR 1910.178 (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.