Flammable Liquids Safety

The regulation requires employers to safely manage flammable liquids by using approved containers, tanks, and storage areas that prevent the buildup of dangerous vapors. Employers must ensure that any liquid with a flashpoint at or below 199.4 degrees Fahrenheit is stored in a way that minimizes the risk of ignition and fire spread.

Under 29 CFR 1910.106(b), employers must follow specific engineering standards for tank construction, including the use of noncombustible materials and proper spacing between tanks to allow for firefighting access. Furthermore, 29 CFR 1910.106(b)(2)(v) requires that all aboveground storage tanks be equipped with emergency relief venting to prevent the tank from rupturing if it is exposed to fire.

This regulation applies to any general industry workplace that stores or uses flammable liquids, including chemical plants, refineries, automotive service stations, and manufacturing facilities. It covers any business that handles liquids classified as Category 1 through 4 flammable liquids, as well as those using portable tanks or safety cans for daily operations.

OSHA frequently cites employers for failing to provide adequate emergency relief venting on storage tanks as required by 29 CFR 1910.106(b)(2)(v) or for improper spacing between tanks that violates 1910.106(b)(2)(ii). Inspectors often find that tanks are not properly grounded or that flammable liquids are stored in containers that do not meet the definition of a safety can.

In the workplace, these violations often look like a facility using makeshift or unapproved containers to store fuel, or failing to maintain a clear distance between fuel tanks and other structures. Workers may see blocked vents on storage tanks or notice that flammable liquids are being stored in basements or areas without proper ventilation, which significantly increases the risk of a flash fire or explosion.

Violations of 29 CFR 1910.106 are often classified as serious because of the high risk of fire, explosion, and severe injury. Fines can reach thousands of dollars per violation, and repeat offenses or willful disregard for these standards can lead to significantly higher penalties. OSHA inspections are often triggered by reports of unsafe storage practices, fires, or worker complaints regarding chemical hazards in the facility.

You have the right to work in an environment where flammable materials are stored according to federal safety standards. If you believe your employer is violating these rules, you have the right to file an anonymous complaint with OSHA. Under Section 11(c) of the OSH Act, you are protected from retaliation or termination for reporting these safety concerns to your employer or to federal authorities.

If you have been injured in a fire or explosion, document the conditions of the storage area and the type of containers involved as soon as it is safe to do so. Preserve any evidence of missing safety equipment or improper storage practices, as this information is vital for an investigation. You should also consider consulting with an attorney who specializes in workplace injury cases to understand your legal options for seeking compensation.

This regulation is designed to prevent severe burns, respiratory damage from toxic smoke inhalation, and blast injuries caused by explosions. When these standards are ignored, workers are at high risk for life-altering injuries involving the skin, lungs, and musculoskeletal system due to the force of a blast or the intensity of a chemical fire.