1910.307(c)(3): Equipment Safe for Hazardous Locations
Employers must use equipment in hazardous (classified) locations that is of a type and design the employer can show will protect against the combustibility and flammability of the vapors, liquids, gases, dusts or fibers involved. The National Electrical Code, NFPA 70, contains guidelines for meeting this.
Key takeaways
- 1910.307(c)(3) is part of OSHA's general industry standards (29 CFR Part 1910, Subpart S).
- OSHA cited it 17 times in the last 3 years, in 17 inspections, with $86,431 in current penalties.
- Most citations: SD (3), VA (3), PA (3).
- Related part: 1910.307(c) Electrical installations (146 citations).
- Free 5-minute toolbox talk for your crew below.
In this article
What this rule covers
29 CFR 1910.307(c)(3) ("Safe for the hazardous (classified) location") is one requirement inside 1910.307 Hazardous (classified) locations, an OSHA general industry standard (Part 1910, Subpart S). 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
(3) Safe for the hazardous (classified) location. Equipment that is safe for the location shall be of a type and design that the employer demonstrates will provide protection from the hazards arising from the combustibility and flammability of vapors, liquids, gases, dusts, or fibers involved. 17 citations
The National Electrical Code, NFPA 70, contains guidelines for determining the type and design of equipment and installations that will meet this requirement. Those guidelines address electric wiring, equipment, and systems installed in hazardous (classified) locations and contain specific provisions for the following: wiring methods, wiring connections; conductor insulation, flexible cords, sealing and drainage, transformers, capacitors, switches, circuit breakers, fuses, motor controllers, receptacles, attachment plugs, meters, relays, instruments, resistors, generators, motors, lighting fixtures, storage battery charging equipment, electric cranes, electric hoists and similar equipment, utilization equipment, signaling systems, alarm systems, remote control systems, local loud speaker and communication systems, ventilation piping, live parts, lightning surge protection, and grounding.
Source: eCFR, text current as of 2026-10-15. Read all of 1910.307.
Where and how often it was cited
| Year | Citations |
|---|---|
| 2024 | 8 |
| 2025 | 6 |
| 2026 | 3 |
Top states: SD (3), VA (3), PA (3), NY (2), LA (1)
Largest penalties
| Employer | Location | Penalty for this rule |
|---|---|---|
| JOHNS MANVILLE CORP | HAZLETON, PA | $16,550 |
| 160596 - PERDUE FOODS LLC | COFIELD, NC | $16,550 |
| DAIRY FARMERS OF AMERICA INC | MIDDLEBURY CENTER, PA | $11,000 |
| METALLIZED CARBON CORP. | OSSINING, NY | $7,448 |
| CULPEPER FARMERS' COOPERATIVE, INCORPORATED | CULPEPER, VA | $6,997 |
Free toolbox talk
A 5-minute crew talk on 1910.307(c)(3), plus alerts when this rule changes. Free.
OSHA interpretation letters
- Application of OSHA standards when an employer is using the "Focused Electrode Leak Locator" (FELL) (2023-03-29)
Related parts of this rule
- 1910.307(c) Electrical installations 146 citations
- 1910.307(c)(2) Approved for the hazardous (classified) location 32 citations
- 1910.307(c)(2)(i) 31 citations
- 1910.307(c)(1) Intrinsically safe 9 citations
Get your crew competent
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Frequently asked questions
What makes equipment safe for a hazardous location?
It must be of a type and design that the employer demonstrates will protect against hazards from the combustibility and flammability of the materials involved.
Where can I find guidance?
The National Electrical Code, NFPA 70, contains guidelines for determining the right type and design.
Which materials are covered?
Vapors, liquids, gases, dusts or fibers.
About this page
Sources
- 29 CFR 1910.307 (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.