1910.107(c)(9): Grounding Spray Booths and Ducts
All metal parts of spray booths, exhaust ducts and piping systems that carry flammable liquids, liquids with a flashpoint greater than 199.4 °F, or aerated solids must be properly grounded in an effective and permanent way.
Key takeaways
- 1910.107(c)(9) is part of OSHA's general industry standards (29 CFR Part 1910, Subpart H).
- OSHA cited it 12 times in the last 3 years, in 12 inspections, with $25,713 in current penalties.
- Most citations: NY (3), WI (1), NC (1).
- Related part: 1910.107(c) Electrical and other sources of ignition (230 citations).
- Free 5-minute toolbox talk for your crew below.
In this article
What this rule covers
29 CFR 1910.107(c)(9) ("Grounding") is one requirement inside 1910.107 Spray finishing using flammable and combustible materials, an OSHA general industry standard (Part 1910, Subpart H). It includes 2 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
(9) Grounding. 12 citations
(i) All metal parts of spray booths, exhaust ducts, and piping systems conveying flammable liquids or liquids with a flashpoint greater than 199.4 °F (93 °C) or aerated solids shall be properly electrically grounded in an effective and permanent manner. Open (c)(9)(i) 12 citations
(ii) [Reserved]
Source: eCFR, text current as of 2026-10-15. Read all of 1910.107.
Where and how often it was cited
| Year | Citations |
|---|---|
| 2024 | 4 |
| 2025 | 6 |
| 2026 | 2 |
Top states: NY (3), WI (1), NC (1), MN (1), VA (1)
Largest penalties
| Employer | Location | Penalty for this rule |
|---|---|---|
| WASTEQUIP MANUFACTURING COMPANY, LLC | TYLER, TX | $14,895 |
| BROKEN ARROW POWDER COATING, INC. | BROKEN ARROW, OK | $6,500 |
| THE ARTHUR G. RUSSELL COMPANY, INCORPORATED | BRISTOL, CT | $3,618 |
| 107748 - KAMBIUM CAPITAL CORP DBA KAMBIUM INC | LAKEVILLE, MN | $700 |
| ALPHA AUTOMOTIVE LLC | GREEN BAY, WI | $0 |
Free toolbox talk
A 5-minute crew talk on 1910.107(c)(9), plus alerts when this rule changes. Free.
OSHA interpretation letters
None exist. OSHA has not published a letter of interpretation for 1910.107(c)(9).
Related parts of this rule
- 1910.107(c) Electrical and other sources of ignition 230 citations
- 1910.107(c)(6) Wiring type approved 91 citations
- 1910.107(c)(5) Combustible residues, areas 56 citations
- 1910.107(c)(2) Minimum separation 34 citations
- 1910.107(c)(7) Lamps 14 citations
- 1910.107(c)(9)(i) 12 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 must be grounded?
All metal parts of spray booths, exhaust ducts and piping systems conveying the listed materials.
How must grounding be done?
Properly, in an effective and permanent manner.
Which materials are covered?
Flammable liquids, liquids with a flashpoint greater than 199.4 °F (93 °C), or aerated solids.
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.