1910.107(h)(12): Automatic Fire Protection for Spray Areas
Employers must protect all areas used for spraying, including the inside of spray booths, with automatic sprinklers where that protection is available. Where it is not available, other approved automatic extinguishing equipment must be provided.
Key takeaways
- 1910.107(h)(12) is part of OSHA's general industry standards (29 CFR Part 1910, Subpart H).
- OSHA cited it 10 times in the last 3 years, in 10 inspections, with $28,474 in current penalties.
- Most citations: VA (2), GA (2), TX (1).
- Related part: 1910.107(h) Fixed electrostatic apparatus (11 citations).
- Free 5-minute toolbox talk for your crew below.
Get the free 5-minute toolbox talk on 1910.107(h)(12) ↓
In this article
What this rule covers
29 CFR 1910.107(h)(12) ("Fire protection") 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
(12) Fire protection. All areas used for spraying, including the interior of the booth, shall be protected by automatic sprinklers where this protection is available. Where this protection is not available, other approved automatic extinguishing equipment shall be provided. 10 citations
Source: eCFR, text current as of 2026-10-15. Read all of 1910.107.
Export the list: 10 inspections cited 1910.107(h)(12) in the last 3 years, with employer, location, penalty and date.
Purple Belt, $59/moWhere and how often it was cited
| Year | Citations |
|---|---|
| 2024 | 2 |
| 2025 | 5 |
| 2026 | 3 |
Top states: VA (2), GA (2), TX (1), MI (1), PR (1)
Largest penalties
| Employer | Location | Penalty for this rule |
|---|---|---|
| SIGMA CORPORATION | HOUSTON, TX | $8,643 |
| CLASSIC COLLISION, LLC | DULUTH, GA | $7,093 |
| NIKLYN CORPORATION | NORTH HAVEN, CT | $4,138 |
| CORT?S INDUSTRIAL ORGANIZATION INC | CAGUAS, PR | $3,780 |
| PROLINE CUSTOM CABINETRY LLC | ODUM, GA | $2,000 |
Free toolbox talk
A 5-minute crew talk on 1910.107(h)(12), plus alerts when this rule changes. Free.
OSHA interpretation letters
None exist. OSHA has not published a letter of interpretation for 1910.107(h)(12).
Related parts of this rule
- 1910.107(h) Fixed electrostatic apparatus 11 citations
- 1910.107(h)(8) Prohibition
- 1910.107(h)(6) Safe distance
- 1910.107(h)(2) Type approval
Get your crew competent
Trainers on Black Belt Safety: Marc Harvey
Trainers and suppliers: feature your business on this rule for $25/month.
Frequently asked questions
Do spray booths need sprinklers?
All areas used for spraying, including the interior of the booth, must be protected by automatic sprinklers where available.
What if sprinklers are not available?
Other approved automatic extinguishing equipment must be provided.
Does this cover the inside of the booth?
Yes. It includes the interior of the booth.
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 2026-11-06
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.