1926.152(f): Handling Flammable Liquids Where Used
At the point of use, Category 1, 2 or 3 flammable liquids must be kept in closed containers when not in use, spills must be cleaned up promptly and safely, and these liquids may be used only where there are no open flames or other ignition sources within 50 feet, unless conditions call for more clearance.
Key takeaways
- 1926.152(f) is part of OSHA's construction standards (29 CFR Part 1926, Subpart F).
- OSHA cited it 13 times in the last 3 years, in 13 inspections, with $54,178 in current penalties.
- Most citations: TX (3), MN (2), NJ (2).
- Related part: 1926.152(f)(3) (13 citations).
- Free 5-minute toolbox talk for your crew below.
In this article
What this rule covers
29 CFR 1926.152(f) ("Handling liquids at point of final use") is one requirement inside 1926.152 Flammable liquids, an OSHA construction standard (Part 1926, Subpart F). It includes 3 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) Handling liquids at point of final use. 13 citations
(1) Category 1, 2, or 3 flammable liquids shall be kept in closed containers when not actually in use.
(2) Leakage or spillage of flammable liquids shall be disposed of promptly and safely.
(3) Category 1, 2, or 3 flammable liquids may be used only where there are no open flames or other sources of ignition within 50 feet of the operation, unless conditions warrant greater clearance. Open (f)(3) 13 citations
Source: eCFR, text current as of 2026-10-15. Read all of 1926.152.
Where and how often it was cited
| Year | Citations |
|---|---|
| 2023 | 2 |
| 2024 | 4 |
| 2025 | 6 |
| 2026 | 1 |
Top states: TX (3), MN (2), NJ (2), FL (1), NV (1)
Largest penalties
| Employer | Location | Penalty for this rule |
|---|---|---|
| 106307 - FOUNDATION PAINTING CORP DBA ONE DAY PAINTING | MINNEAPOLIS, MN | $25,000 |
| K POST COMPANY | IRVING, TX | $7,034 |
| DELMARVA INSULATION | ELLENDALE, DE | $5,562 |
| N.R SPRAY FOAM INSULATION LLC | GRAFTON, MA | $3,972 |
| ADV ROOFING, LLC | EL PASO, TX | $2,765 |
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A 5-minute crew talk on 1926.152(f), plus alerts when this rule changes. Free.
OSHA interpretation letters
Related parts of this rule
- 1926.152(f)(3) 13 citations
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Frequently asked questions
Must flammable liquid containers be closed?
Yes, when not actually in use.
How far must ignition sources be from flammable liquid use?
No open flames or other sources of ignition within 50 feet, unless conditions warrant greater clearance.
What about spills?
Leakage or spillage must be disposed of promptly and safely.
About this page
Sources
- 29 CFR 1926.152 (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.