OSHA 1910.39 calls for the control of accumulations of flammable and combustible waste materials. It is the intent of this standard to assure that hazardous accumulations of combustible waste materials are controlled so that a fast developing fire, rapid spread of toxic smoke, or an explosion will not occur.

This does not necessarily mean that each room or area has to be swept each day. Employers and employees should be aware of the hazardous properties of materials in their workplaces, and the degree of hazard each poses. Certainly oil soaked rags in a maintenance area have to be treated differently than general paper trash in office areas, for example. However, large accumulations of waste paper or corrugated boxes, etc., can pose a significant fire hazard.

Accumulations of materials which can cause large fires or generate dense smoke that are easily ignited or may start from spontaneous combustion, are the types of materials with which this standard is concerned. Such combustible materials may be easily ignited by matches, welder’s sparks, cigarettes, and similar low level energy ignition sources.