1910.252(a)(3): Hot Work on Used Containers
No welding, cutting or other hot work may be done on used drums, barrels, tanks or other containers until they are cleaned so thoroughly that no flammable materials or substances that could make flammable or toxic vapors remain. Pipe lines or connections must be disconnected or blanked, and all hollow spaces must be vented before preheating, cutting or welding.
Key takeaways
- 1910.252(a)(3) is part of OSHA's general industry standards (29 CFR Part 1910, Subpart Q).
- OSHA cited it 40 times in the last 3 years, in 34 inspections, with $185,310 in current penalties.
- 3 deaths are linked to inspections that cited this rule.
- Most citations: TX (9), NY (4), UT (4).
- Related part: 1910.252(a) Fire prevention and protection (192 citations).
- Free 5-minute toolbox talk for your crew below.
In this article
What this rule covers
29 CFR 1910.252(a)(3) ("Welding or cutting containers") is one requirement inside 1910.252 General requirements, an OSHA general industry standard (Part 1910, Subpart Q). 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
(3) Welding or cutting containers — 40 citations
(i) Used containers. No welding, cutting, or other hot work shall be performed on used drums, barrels, tanks or other containers until they have been cleaned so thoroughly as to make absolutely certain that there are no flammable materials present or any substances such as greases, tars, acids, or other materials which when subjected to heat, might produce flammable or toxic vapors. Any pipe lines or connections to the drum or vessel shall be disconnected or blanked. Open (a)(3)(i) 33 citations
(ii) Venting and purging. All hollow spaces, cavities or containers shall be vented to permit the escape of air or gases before preheating, cutting or welding. Purging with inert gas is recommended. Open (a)(3)(ii) 7 citations
Source: eCFR, text current as of 2026-10-15. Read all of 1910.252.
Injuries linked to this rule
3 deaths are linked to inspections where OSHA cited 1910.252(a)(3).
At 11:00 a.m. on November 11, 2024, an employee working as a mechanic/welder foran automotive shop was using a a plasma cutter to cut the top off a 55-gallon metal drum. The employee was unaware the drum contained flammable liquids. The instant the plasma cutter…
Full case list with employer, penalty, filters and download is part of OSHA Data (Purple Belt).
Unlock with Purple BeltWhere and how often it was cited
| Year | Citations |
|---|---|
| 2023 | 9 |
| 2024 | 6 |
| 2025 | 15 |
| 2026 | 10 |
Top states: TX (9), NY (4), UT (4), GA (3), KS (2)
Largest penalties
| Employer | Location | Penalty for this rule |
|---|---|---|
| MAYER REPAIR LLC | STURTEVANT, WI | $16,550 |
| TRUCK SERVICE OF VIRGINIA, INC. | RICHMOND, VA | $16,285 |
| SFC GLOBAL SUPPLY CHAIN, INC. | SALINA, KS | $15,625 |
| FOSS ENERGY SERVICES, INC. | BIG SPRING, TX | $14,895 |
| THATCHER COMPANY, INC. | SALT LAKE CITY, UT | $14,000 |
Free toolbox talk
A 5-minute crew talk on 1910.252(a)(3), plus alerts when this rule changes. Free.
OSHA interpretation letters
None exist. OSHA has not published a letter of interpretation for 1910.252(a)(3).
Related parts of this rule
- 1910.252(a) Fire prevention and protection 192 citations
- 1910.252(a)(2) Special precautions 138 citations
- 1910.252(a)(3)(i) Used containers 33 citations
- 1910.252(a)(2)(vii) Relocation of combustibles 28 citations
- 1910.252(a)(2)(xiii) Management 28 citations
- 1910.252(a)(2)(vi) Prohibited areas 20 citations
- 1910.252(a)(2)(vi)(C) 19 citations
- 1910.252(a)(2)(xiii)(C) 16 citations
- 1910.252(a)(1) Basic precautions 14 citations
- 1910.252(a)(2)(iii) Fire watch 13 citations
- 1910.252(a)(2)(iv) Authorization 13 citations
- 1910.252(a)(2)(ii) Fire extinquishers 10 citations
Get your crew competent
Trainers on Black Belt Safety: Marc Harvey, Dana Reyes
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Frequently asked questions
Can you weld on a used drum?
Not until it has been cleaned so thoroughly as to make absolutely certain no flammable materials or substances that could produce flammable or toxic vapors are present.
What about pipes connected to the container?
Any pipe lines or connections to the drum or vessel must be disconnected or blanked.
Is venting required?
Yes. All hollow spaces, cavities or containers must be vented to let air or gases escape before preheating, cutting or welding. Purging with inert gas is recommended.
About this page
Sources
- 29 CFR 1910.252 (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 2026-10-21
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.