1910.107(b)(5)(i): Spray Booth Air Velocity
Spray booths, except for electrostatic spraying, must be designed, installed and maintained so the average air velocity over the open face of the booth is not less than 100 linear feet per minute. Electrostatic spraying may use not less than 60 linear feet per minute, or more depending on the material. Visible gauges, audible alarms or pressure devices must show the required velocity is maintained, and filter rolls must be inspected for proper replacement.
Key takeaways
- 1910.107(b)(5)(i) is part of OSHA's general industry standards (29 CFR Part 1910, Subpart H).
- OSHA cited it 152 times in the last 3 years, in 150 inspections, with $300,474 in current penalties.
- Most citations: TN (14), NC (13), MN (12).
- Related part: 1910.107(b) Spray booths (559 citations).
- Free 5-minute toolbox talk for your crew below.
In this article
What this rule covers
29 CFR 1910.107(b)(5)(i) is one requirement inside 1910.107 Spray finishing using flammable and combustible materials, 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
(i) The spraying operations except electrostatic spraying operations shall be so designed, installed and maintained that the average air velocity over the open face of the booth (or booth cross section during spraying operations) shall be not less than 100 linear feet per minute. Electrostatic spraying operations may be conducted with an air velocity over the open face of the booth of not less than 60 linear feet per minute, or more, depending on the volume of the finishing material being applied and its flammability and explosion characteristics. Visible gauges or audible alarm or pressure activated devices shall be installed to indicate or insure that the required air velocity is maintained. Filter rolls shall be inspected to insure proper replacement of filter media. 152 citations
Source: eCFR, text current as of 2026-10-15. Read all of 1910.107.
Where and how often it was cited
| Year | Citations |
|---|---|
| 2023 | 7 |
| 2024 | 50 |
| 2025 | 54 |
| 2026 | 41 |
Top states: TN (14), NC (13), MN (12), MD (11), VA (10)
Largest penalties
| Employer | Location | Penalty for this rule |
|---|---|---|
| VTCU, CORP. | POCATELLO, ID | $16,550 |
| 159902 - TRIPLE CROWN TRAILERS NC, LLC | HICKORY, NC | $11,585 |
| VTCU, CORP. | POCATELLO, ID | $11,408 |
| OUTDOOR FURNITURE REFINISHING, INC. | HOUSTON, TX | $11,292 |
| METHODS MACHINE TOOLS, INC. | SUDBURY, MA | $9,218 |
Free toolbox talk
A 5-minute crew talk on 1910.107(b)(5)(i), plus alerts when this rule changes. Free.
OSHA interpretation letters
None exist. OSHA has not published a letter of interpretation for 1910.107(b)(5)(i).
Related parts of this rule
- 1910.107(b) Spray booths 559 citations
- 1910.107(b)(5) Dry type overspray collectors—(exhaust air filters) 239 citations
- 1910.107(b)(9) Cleaning 204 citations
- 1910.107(b)(5)(iv) 79 citations
- 1910.107(b)(1) Construction 39 citations
- 1910.107(b)(2) Interiors 29 citations
- 1910.107(b)(10) Illumination 19 citations
- 1910.107(b)(3) Floors 14 citations
- 1910.107(b)(8) Separation of operations 12 citations
- 1910.107(b)(5)(ii) 6 citations
- 1910.107(b)(6) Frontal area 3 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
What air velocity is required in a spray booth?
Not less than 100 linear feet per minute over the open face, except for electrostatic spraying.
What about electrostatic spraying?
Not less than 60 linear feet per minute, or more depending on the volume, flammability and explosion characteristics of the material.
How is the velocity monitored?
With visible gauges, audible alarms or pressure activated devices.
About this page
Sources
- 29 CFR 1910.107 (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.