1910.106(g)(3)(iv): Dispensing Units for Flammable Liquids
Employers must transfer Category 1 or 2 flammable liquids, or Category 3 with a flashpoint below 100 °F (37.8 °C), from tanks with fixed pumps that control flow and prevent leaks, using only listed devices that show no sign of dismantling. These liquids must not be dispensed by pressure from drums, and dispensing units not attached to containers must sit on a concrete island or be protected from collision.
Key takeaways
- 1910.106(g)(3)(iv) is part of OSHA's general industry standards (29 CFR Part 1910, Subpart H).
- OSHA cited it 78 times in the last 3 years, in 78 inspections, with $10,167 in current penalties.
- Most citations: IL (49), NY (9), TN (6).
- Related part: 1910.106(g) Service stations (188 citations).
- Free 5-minute toolbox talk for your crew below.
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In this article
What this rule covers
29 CFR 1910.106(g)(3)(iv) ("Dispensing units") 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
(iv) Dispensing units. 78 citations
(a) Category 1 or 2 flammable liquids, or Category 3 flammable liquids with a flashpoint below 100 °F (37.8 °C), shall be transferred from tanks by means of fixed pumps so designed and equipped as to allow control of the flow and to prevent leakage or accidental discharge.
(b)
(1) Only listed devices may be used for dispensing Category 1 or 2 flammable liquids, or Category 3 flammable liquids with a flashpoint below 100 °F (37.8 °C). No such device may be used if it shows evidence of having been dismantled.
(2) Every dispensing device for Category 1 or 2 flammable liquids, or Category 3 flammable liquids with a flashpoint below 100 °F (37.8 °C), installed after December 31, 1978, shall contain evidence of listing so placed that any attempt to dismantle the device will result in damage to such evidence, visible without disassembly or dismounting of the nozzle.
(c) Category 1 or 2 flammable liquids, or Category 3 flammable liquids with a flashpoint below 100 °F (37.8 °C), shall not be dispensed by pressure from drums, barrels, and similar containers. Approved pumps taking suction through the top of the container or approved self-closing faucets shall be used.
(d) The dispensing units, except those attached to containers, shall be mounted either on a concrete island or protected against collision damage by suitable means.
Source: eCFR, text current as of 2026-10-15. Read all of 1910.106.
Export the list: 78 inspections cited 1910.106(g)(3)(iv) in the last 3 years, with employer, location, penalty and date.
Purple Belt, $59/moWhere and how often it was cited
| Year | Citations |
|---|---|
| 2023 | 3 |
| 2024 | 36 |
| 2025 | 26 |
| 2026 | 13 |
Top states: IL (49), NY (9), TN (6), MN (6), MD (3)
Largest penalties
| Employer | Location | Penalty for this rule |
|---|---|---|
| FEINDT PLUMBING SERVICE, INC. | MILFORD, DE | $2,000 |
| 107597 - RIVER VALLEY POWER - SPORT OF ROCHESTER INC | ROCHESTER, MN | $2,000 |
| 108506 - ISD 531 - BYRON BUS GARAGE | BYRON, MN | $1,800 |
| 109359 - HEWITT MACHINE - MFG INC | NICOLLET, MN | $1,080 |
| 154758 - VA FORK PRODUCE CO., INC | EDENTON, NC | $750 |
Free toolbox talk
A 5-minute crew talk on 1910.106(g)(3)(iv), plus alerts when this rule changes. Free.
OSHA interpretation letters
None exist. OSHA has not published a letter of interpretation for 1910.106(g)(3)(iv).
Related parts of this rule
- 1910.106(g) Service stations 188 citations
- 1910.106(g)(3) Dispensing systems 104 citations
- 1910.106(g)(8) Sources of ignition 58 citations
- 1910.106(g)(3)(iii) Emergency power cutoff 25 citations
- 1910.106(g)(9) Fire control 21 citations
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Frequently asked questions
How must these flammable liquids be transferred from tanks?
By fixed pumps designed and equipped to allow control of the flow and to prevent leakage or accidental discharge.
Can I pressurize a drum to dispense gasoline?
No. These liquids shall not be dispensed by pressure from drums, barrels and similar containers; approved pumps or self-closing faucets must be used.
How must dispensing units be protected?
Except those attached to containers, they must be mounted on a concrete island or protected against collision damage by suitable means.
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 2026-11-01
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.