1910.253(b)(4)(i): Oxygen Cylinder Storage Away From Fuels
Employers must not store oxygen cylinders near highly combustible material, especially oil and grease, near reserve stocks of carbide, acetylene or other fuel-gas cylinders, near anything likely to cause or speed up a fire, or in an acetylene generator compartment.
Key takeaways
- 1910.253(b)(4)(i) is part of OSHA's general industry standards (29 CFR Part 1910, Subpart Q).
- OSHA cited it 92 times in the last 3 years, in 92 inspections, with $251,271 in current penalties.
- 2 deaths are linked to inspections that cited this rule.
- Most citations: MD (8), PA (6), TX (6).
- Related part: 1910.253(b) Cylinders and containers (902 citations).
- Free 5-minute toolbox talk for your crew below.
In this article
What this rule covers
29 CFR 1910.253(b)(4)(i) is one requirement inside 1910.253 Oxygen-fuel gas welding and cutting, an OSHA general industry standard (Part 1910, Subpart Q). 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
(i) Oxygen cylinders shall not be stored near highly combustible material, especially oil and grease; or near reserve stocks of carbide and acetylene or other fuel-gas cylinders, or near any other substance likely to cause or accelerate fire; or in an acetylene generator compartment. 92 citations
Source: eCFR, text current as of 2026-10-15. Read all of 1910.253.
Injuries linked to this rule
2 deaths are linked to inspections where OSHA cited 1910.253(b)(4)(i).
At 2:30 p.m. on November 12, 2024, Employee #1, employed by a recycling company,was attempting to clear debris below a conveyor belt when the machine unexpectedly activated, causing the employee to be crushed. The employee suffered blunt trauma from the crushing incident and was later…
Full case list with employer, penalty, filters and download is part of OSHA Data (Purple Belt).
Unlock with Purple BeltWhere and how often it was cited
| Year | Citations |
|---|---|
| 2023 | 7 |
| 2024 | 47 |
| 2025 | 27 |
| 2026 | 11 |
Top states: MD (8), PA (6), TX (6), NC (5), FL (5)
Largest penalties
| Employer | Location | Penalty for this rule |
|---|---|---|
| MAVIS TIRE SUPPLY LLC | JACKSON, NJ | $41,380 |
| PECO FOODS, INC. | POCAHONTAS, AR | $16,131 |
| SUPERIOR PLUMBING & HEATING CO., INC. | SALINA, KS | $10,163 |
| COLUMBUS INDUSTRIES, INC. | WEST UNION, OH | $8,276 |
| E&E FOODS, INC. | EGEGIK, AK | $8,066 |
Free toolbox talk
A 5-minute crew talk on 1910.253(b)(4)(i), plus alerts when this rule changes. Free.
OSHA interpretation letters
None exist. OSHA has not published a letter of interpretation for 1910.253(b)(4)(i).
Related parts of this rule
- 1910.253(b) Cylinders and containers 902 citations
- 1910.253(b)(4) Oxygen storage 563 citations
- 1910.253(b)(4)(iii) 470 citations
- 1910.253(b)(2) Storage of cylinders—general 313 citations
- 1910.253(b)(2)(ii) 200 citations
- 1910.253(b)(2)(iv) 105 citations
- 1910.253(b)(5) Operating procedures 16 citations
- 1910.253(b)(5)(ii) 11 citations
- 1910.253(b)(1) Approval and marking 7 citations
- 1910.253(b)(5)(iii) 5 citations
- 1910.253(b)(5)(ii)(D) 4 citations
- 1910.253(b)(5)(ii)(I) 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
Can oxygen cylinders be stored near oil or grease?
No. They must not be stored near highly combustible material, especially oil and grease.
Can oxygen be stored with fuel-gas cylinders?
Not near reserve stocks of carbide and acetylene or other fuel-gas cylinders.
Can they go in an acetylene generator compartment?
No.
About this page
Sources
- 29 CFR 1910.253 (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.