1926.152(a): Approved Containers for Flammable Liquids
Only approved containers and portable tanks may be used to store and handle flammable liquids. Approved safety cans or DOT approved containers must be used for 5 gallons or less, except highly viscid liquids may stay in original shipping containers and 1 gallon or less may stay in the original container. Flammable liquids must not be stored in exits, stairways or areas used for safe passage.
Key takeaways
- 1926.152(a) is part of OSHA's construction standards (29 CFR Part 1926, Subpart F).
- OSHA cited it 42 times in the last 3 years, in 42 inspections, with $93,093 in current penalties.
- Most citations: MO (16), NJ (5), MN (5).
- Related part: 1926.152(a)(1) (40 citations).
- Free 5-minute toolbox talk for your crew below.
In this article
What this rule covers
29 CFR 1926.152(a) ("General requirements") is one requirement inside 1926.152 Flammable liquids, an OSHA construction standard (Part 1926, Subpart F). 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
(a) General requirements. 42 citations
(1) Only approved containers and portable tanks shall be used for storage and handling of flammable liquids. Approved safety cans or Department of Transportation approved containers shall be used for the handling and use of flammable liquids in quantities of 5 gallons or less, except that this shall not apply to those flammable liquid materials which are highly viscid (extremely hard to pour), which may be used and handled in original shipping containers. For quantities of one gallon or less, the original container may be used, for storage, use and handling of flammable liquids. Open (a)(1) 40 citations
(2) Flammable liquids shall not be stored in areas used for exits, stairways, or normally used for the safe passage of people. 2 citations
Source: eCFR, text current as of 2026-10-15. Read all of 1926.152.
Where and how often it was cited
| Year | Citations |
|---|---|
| 2023 | 6 |
| 2024 | 14 |
| 2025 | 16 |
| 2026 | 6 |
Top states: MO (16), NJ (5), MN (5), NC (3), DE (3)
Largest penalties
| Employer | Location | Penalty for this rule |
|---|---|---|
| JERRY'S INC. | MILLSBORO, DE | $9,268 |
| CASCOR ENTERPRISE, INC. | HASBROUCK HEIGHTS, NJ | $5,107 |
| FRED GROSS CONSTRUCTION, LLC | GEORGETOWN, DE | $4,256 |
| WILMER GARCIA | WENTZVILLE, MO | $3,572 |
| JUAN ORTIZ | WENTZVILLE, MO | $3,572 |
Free toolbox talk
A 5-minute crew talk on 1926.152(a), plus alerts when this rule changes. Free.
OSHA interpretation letters
- Requirements for storage and handling of gasoline on a construction site. (2004-01-29)
- Applicable Standards for Dispensing Flammable or Combustible Liquids. (1974-12-26)
Related parts of this rule
- 1926.152(a)(1) 40 citations
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Frequently asked questions
What containers are needed for 5 gallons or less of flammable liquid?
Approved safety cans or Department of Transportation approved containers.
Can the original container be used?
For one gallon or less, yes; highly viscid liquids may also be used in original shipping containers.
Where can flammable liquids not be stored?
In exits, stairways, or areas normally used for the safe passage of people.
About this page
Sources
- 29 CFR 1926.152 (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 2026-10-19
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.