1910.107(l)(4): Housekeeping in Powder Coating Areas
Employers must keep all powder coating areas free of built-up powder dust, especially on ledges, beams, pipes, hoods, booths and floors. Surfaces must be cleaned in a way that does not scatter dust or create dust clouds, and large, contrasting "No Smoking" signs must be clearly posted at all powder coating areas and powder storage rooms.
Key takeaways
- 1910.107(l)(4) is part of OSHA's general industry standards (29 CFR Part 1910, Subpart H).
- OSHA cited it 30 times in the last 3 years, in 23 inspections, with $30,999 in current penalties.
- Most citations: AZ (5), TN (4), IL (3).
- Related part: 1910.107(l) Powder coating (38 citations).
- Free 5-minute toolbox talk for your crew below.
In this article
What this rule covers
29 CFR 1910.107(l)(4) ("Operation and maintenance") is one requirement inside 1910.107 Spray finishing using flammable and combustible materials, an OSHA general industry standard (Part 1910, Subpart H). It includes 3 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
(4) Operation and maintenance. 30 citations
(i) All areas shall be kept free of the accumulation of powder coating dusts, particularly such horizontal surfaces as ledges, beams, pipes, hoods, booths, and floors. Open (l)(4)(i) 19 citations
(ii) Surfaces shall be cleaned in such manner as to avoid scattering dust to other places or creating dust clouds. 3 citations
(iii) “No Smoking” signs in large letters on contrasting color background shall be conspicuously posted at all powder coating areas and powder storage rooms. 8 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 | 2 |
| 2024 | 11 |
| 2025 | 8 |
| 2026 | 9 |
Top states: AZ (5), TN (4), IL (3), NC (3), VA (2)
Largest penalties
| Employer | Location | Penalty for this rule |
|---|---|---|
| INDUSTRIAL TURNAROUND CORPORATION | CHESTER, VA | $11,010 |
| SJC HOLDINGS, INC. | KANKAKEE, IL | $7,260 |
| BWAY CORPORATION | BEDFORD PARK, IL | $4,965 |
| 69169 - LANTECH COM LLC | LOUISVILLE, KY | $3,780 |
| AE FUND, INC. | BREWERTON, NY | $2,282 |
Free toolbox talk
A 5-minute crew talk on 1910.107(l)(4), plus alerts when this rule changes. Free.
OSHA interpretation letters
None exist. OSHA has not published a letter of interpretation for 1910.107(l)(4).
Related parts of this rule
- 1910.107(l) Powder coating 38 citations
- 1910.107(l)(4)(i) 19 citations
Get your crew competent
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Frequently asked questions
Where does powder coating dust need to be cleaned?
All areas, particularly horizontal surfaces such as ledges, beams, pipes, hoods, booths and floors.
How must surfaces be cleaned?
In a way that avoids scattering dust to other places or creating dust clouds.
Are No Smoking signs required?
Yes. They must be in large letters on a contrasting background and conspicuously posted at powder coating areas and powder storage rooms.
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 2026-10-22
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.