1910.253(b)(4)(iii): Separating Oxygen and Fuel-Gas Cylinders
Employers must store oxygen cylinders at least 20 feet away from fuel-gas cylinders and from combustible materials, especially oil or grease. Instead of distance, a noncombustible barrier at least 5 feet high with a fire-resistance rating of at least one-half hour can separate them. This keeps a leak or fire from feeding a much bigger blaze.
Key takeaways
- 1910.253(b)(4)(iii) is part of OSHA's general industry standards (29 CFR Part 1910, Subpart Q).
- OSHA cited it 470 times in the last 3 years, in 470 inspections, with $831,961 in current penalties.
- Most citations: MD (50), NY (49), NJ (45).
- 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)(iii) 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
(iii) Oxygen cylinders in storage shall be separated from fuel-gas cylinders or combustible materials (especially oil or grease), a minimum distance of 20 feet (6.1 m) or by a noncombustible barrier at least 5 feet (1.5 m) high having a fire-resistance rating of at least one-half hour. 470 citations
Source: eCFR, text current as of 2026-10-15. Read all of 1910.253.
Where and how often it was cited
| Year | Citations |
|---|---|
| 2023 | 36 |
| 2024 | 159 |
| 2025 | 180 |
| 2026 | 95 |
Top states: MD (50), NY (49), NJ (45), TN (33), MN (32)
Largest penalties
| Employer | Location | Penalty for this rule |
|---|---|---|
| MONRO, INC. | NORWICH, NY | $40,000 |
| FLORENCE HARDWOODS, LLC | FLORENCE, WI | $17,189 |
| MARMON RETAIL SOLUTIONS | WAGONER, OK | $16,550 |
| PB ACQUISITION COMPANY, LLC | SOUTHINGTON, CT | $16,131 |
| SA RECYCLING LLC | DAVIE, FL | $14,188 |
Free toolbox talk
A 5-minute crew talk on 1910.253(b)(4)(iii), 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)(iii).
Related parts of this rule
- 1910.253(b) Cylinders and containers 902 citations
- 1910.253(b)(4) Oxygen storage 563 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)(4)(i) 92 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
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Frequently asked questions
How far apart must stored oxygen and fuel-gas cylinders be?
At least 20 feet.
What can be used instead of 20 feet of distance?
A noncombustible barrier at least 5 feet high with a fire-resistance rating of at least one-half hour.
Why keep oxygen away from oil and grease?
The rule specifically calls out oil and grease as combustibles that stored oxygen cylinders must be separated from.
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.