1910.106(e)(2)(ii): Storing Flammable Liquids in Containers
Employers must store flammable liquids in tanks or closed containers. Outside a storage room or cabinet, one fire area may hold no more than 25 gallons of Category 1 liquids in containers, 120 gallons of Category 2, 3 or 4 liquids in containers, or 660 gallons of Category 2, 3 or 4 liquids in a single portable tank.
Key takeaways
- 1910.106(e)(2)(ii) is part of OSHA's general industry standards (29 CFR Part 1910, Subpart H).
- OSHA cited it 109 times in the last 3 years, in 105 inspections, with $261,662 in current penalties.
- Most citations: TN (17), WI (13), IL (7).
- Related part: 1910.106(e) Industrial plants (599 citations).
- Free 5-minute toolbox talk for your crew below.
In this article
What this rule covers
29 CFR 1910.106(e)(2)(ii) ("Containers") is one requirement inside 1910.106 Flammable liquids, an OSHA general industry standard (Part 1910, Subpart H). 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
(ii) Containers. Flammable liquids shall be stored in tanks or closed containers. 109 citations
(a) Except as provided in subdivisions (b) and (c) of this subdivision, all storage shall comply with paragraph (d) (3) or (4) of this section.
(b) The quantity of liquid that may be located outside of an inside storage room or storage cabinet in a building or in any one fire area of a building shall not exceed:
(1) 25 gallons of Category 1 flammable liquids in containers
(2) 120 gallons of Category 2, 3, or 4 flammable liquids in containers
(3) 660 gallons of Category 2, 3, or 4 flammable liquids in a single portable tank.
(c) Where large quantities of flammable liquids are necessary, storage may be in tanks which shall comply with the applicable requirements of paragraph (b) of this section.
Source: eCFR, text current as of 2026-10-15. Read all of 1910.106.
Where and how often it was cited
| Year | Citations |
|---|---|
| 2023 | 7 |
| 2024 | 50 |
| 2025 | 35 |
| 2026 | 17 |
Top states: TN (17), WI (13), IL (7), TX (4), NY (4)
Largest penalties
| Employer | Location | Penalty for this rule |
|---|---|---|
| LEGACY FLEXO, LLC DBA CHARTER NEXT GENERATION ? GREEN BAY DIVISION | GREEN BAY, WI | $12,059 |
| HNS MANAGEMENT CO., INC. | HARTFORD, CT | $10,050 |
| IRONWORKS WELDING INC. | DICKINSON, ND | $9,268 |
| NORTHERN ENGRAVING CORPORATION | SPARTA, WI | $8,619 |
| CRYSTAL FINISHING SYSTEMS, INC. | SCHOFIELD, WI | $7,000 |
Free toolbox talk
A 5-minute crew talk on 1910.106(e)(2)(ii), plus alerts when this rule changes. Free.
OSHA interpretation letters
- Clarification of requirements for storage and use of flammable and/or combustible liquids. (2007-12-26)
- Permitted incidental storage of flammable or combustible liquids. (2003-12-02)
Related parts of this rule
- 1910.106(e) Industrial plants 599 citations
- 1910.106(e)(6) Sources of ignition 250 citations
- 1910.106(e)(2) Incidental storage or use of flammable liquids 207 citations
- 1910.106(e)(6)(ii) Grounding 175 citations
- 1910.106(e)(9) Housekeeping 125 citations
- 1910.106(e)(9)(iii) Waste and residue 113 citations
- 1910.106(e)(2)(iv) Handling liquids at point of final use 91 citations
- 1910.106(e)(6)(i) General 72 citations
- 1910.106(e)(3) Unit physical operations 7 citations
- 1910.106(e)(2)(iii) Separation and protection 6 citations
- 1910.106(e)(7)(i) Equipment 5 citations
- 1910.106(e)(7) Electrical 5 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
How must flammable liquids be stored?
In tanks or closed containers.
How much Category 1 liquid can be outside a storage room or cabinet?
No more than 25 gallons in containers in a building or any one fire area.
What if large quantities are needed?
Storage may be in tanks that meet the applicable requirements of paragraph (b).
About this page
Sources
- 29 CFR 1910.106 (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.