1926.152(e): Dispensing Flammable Liquids
Areas where more than 5 gallons of flammable liquid is transferred at one time must be separated from other operations by 25 feet or by 1-hour fire-resistant construction, with spill control and ventilation keeping vapor at or below 10 percent of the lower flammable limit. Containers must be bonded for Category 1, 2 or 3 liquids, approved transfer methods must be used, air-pressure transfer is prohibited, and dispensers must be protected from collision.
Key takeaways
- 1926.152(e) is part of OSHA's construction standards (29 CFR Part 1926, Subpart F).
- OSHA cited it 46 times in the last 3 years, in 44 inspections, with $59,505 in current penalties.
- Most citations: TN (15), VA (13), FL (6).
- Related part: 1926.152(e)(4) (41 citations).
- Free 5-minute toolbox talk for your crew below.
In this article
What this rule covers
29 CFR 1926.152(e) ("Dispensing liquids") is one requirement inside 1926.152 Flammable liquids, an OSHA construction standard (Part 1926, Subpart F). It includes 5 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
(e) Dispensing liquids. 46 citations
(1) Areas in which flammable liquids are transferred at one time, in quantities greater than 5 gallons from one tank or container to another tank or container, shall be separated from other operations by 25-feet distance or by construction having a fire resistance of at least 1 hour. Drainage or other means shall be provided to control spills. Adequate natural or mechanical ventilation shall be provided to maintain the concentration of flammable vapor at or below 10 percent of the lower flammable limit.
(2) Transfer of Category 1, 2, or 3 flammable liquids from one container to another shall be done only when containers are electrically interconnected (bonded). Open (e)(2) 3 citations
(3) Flammable liquids shall be drawn from or transferred into vessels, containers, or tanks within a building or outside only through a closed piping system, from safety cans, by means of a device drawing through the top, or from a container, or portable tanks, by gravity or pump, through an approved self-closing valve. Transferring by means of air pressure on the container or portable tanks is prohibited. 2 citations
(4) The dispensing units shall be protected against collision damage. Open (e)(4) 41 citations
(5) Dispensing devices and nozzles for Category 1, 2, or 3 flammable liquids shall be of an approved type.
Source: eCFR, text current as of 2026-10-15. Read all of 1926.152.
Where and how often it was cited
| Year | Citations |
|---|---|
| 2023 | 3 |
| 2024 | 14 |
| 2025 | 18 |
| 2026 | 11 |
Top states: TN (15), VA (13), FL (6), NJ (4), MD (2)
Largest penalties
| Employer | Location | Penalty for this rule |
|---|---|---|
| US TANK PAINTING, INC. | BAYVILLE, NJ | $8,750 |
| WHARTON-SMITH, INC. | ORLANDO, FL | $7,093 |
| MORGAN-KELLER INC. | NEWPORT NEWS, VA | $6,292 |
| TRIDENT CIVIL, INC. | VIRGINIA BEACH, VA | $3,672 |
| IHC, LTD | NEWPORT NEWS, VA | $3,304 |
Free toolbox talk
A 5-minute crew talk on 1926.152(e), plus alerts when this rule changes. Free.
OSHA interpretation letters
- Requirements for storage and handling of gasoline on a construction site. (2004-01-29)
- Use of double-walled tanks as the only form of protection from collision damage. (2002-12-31)
- Applicable Standards for Dispensing Flammable or Combustible Liquids. (1974-12-26)
Related parts of this rule
- 1926.152(e)(4) 41 citations
- 1926.152(e)(2) 3 citations
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Frequently asked questions
When does a dispensing area need separation?
When flammable liquids are transferred at one time in quantities greater than 5 gallons; it must be separated by 25 feet or by construction with at least a 1-hour fire resistance.
Must containers be bonded?
Yes. Category 1, 2 or 3 flammable liquids may be transferred only when containers are electrically interconnected (bonded).
Can air pressure be used to push liquid out of a container?
No. Transferring by air pressure on the container or portable tank is prohibited.
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.