Ezel / Labor Guidance / US
Back to Federal guidance

Oil-quenching tanks under dip-tank rules

Summary An OSHA office asked whether its dip-tank provisions covered a 380°F-flash-point liquid and an oil-quenching process. The regional administrator answered yes to both and identified the hardening and tempering tank provision.
Document
Federal opinion letter
Agency
Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA)
Document number
1976-11-12
Date issued
November 12, 1976
Status
Active
Status last verified October 10, 2026
Topics
Workplace Safety OSHA 1910 Dip Tanks Flammable Liquids
Source
View the official document

Apply this to your situation

This page explains the general guidance. Ask about your specific situation and see what current federal labor law says, with citations.

About this page: The full text below is the official document from Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA). Ezel adds the plain-English summary and tracks the document's status. The official source linked on this page is authoritative for any reliance.

November 12, 1976 R-TSA

Your memo of November 9, 1976 [1910.123-1910.126]

Vernon P. Fern, Area Director
Minneapolis Area Office

Your memo asks if [1910.123-1910.126] applies to a liquid with a flash point of 380 degrees F. Our answer: yes.

You also asked if an oil quenching operation falls within the definition of "coating, finishing, treating, or similar processes. Our answer: Yes. Specifically, it falls under the requirements of [1910.126(a)] Hardening and Tempering Tanks.

BARRY J. WHITE
Regional Administrator for
Occupational Safety and Health Administration

Related guidance

Permanently labeled locks for electrical lockout Opinion Letter · August 17, 2026 Helmet selection for lateral head-impact hazards Opinion Letter · August 17, 2026 Asbestos precautions when restoring drywall after flood damage Opinion Letter · May 7, 2026 Enforcement policy for recording and reporting COVID-19 cases Guidance · March 31, 2026

What does federal law require in your situation?

Ezel checks current federal labor law against your facts and answers with citations.

Opens in Ezel Pro.

  • Checks the law as it stands today, not only this page
  • Cites every source it relies on, so you can verify it
  • Chat, drafting and research in one workspace