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29 CFR 1926.416: Electrical safety in construction

Subpart K—Electrical · official heading: General requirements

Workers may not work near live circuits unless they are protected by de-energizing and grounding, guarding or insulation. Worn or frayed cords are not allowed, and extension cords may not be stapled or hung from nails.

4,861citations since 2015
4,250employers cited
70%serious, willful or repeat
$1,000median penalty per item

OSHA has cited 29 CFR 1926.416 4,861 times since 2015, against 4,250 employers. Penalties on these items add up to $12,016,991 at their current amounts.

Citations per year

The parts of the rule cited most

1926.416(e)(1) · 2,347 citations

(e) Cords and cables. (1) Worn or frayed electric cords or cables shall not be used.

1926.416(a)(1) · 1,802 citations

(a) Protection of employees. (1) No employer shall permit an employee to work in such proximity to any part of an electric power circuit that the employee could contact the electric power circuit in the course of work, unless the employee is protected against electric shock by deenergizing the circuit and grounding it or by guarding it effectively by insulation or other means.

1926.416(a)(3) · 582 citations

(3) Before work is begun the employer shall ascertain by inquiry or direct observation, or by instruments, whether any part of an energized electric power circuit, exposed or concealed, is so located that the performance of the work may bring any person, tool, or machine into physical or electrical contact with the electric power circuit. The employer shall post and maintain proper warning signs where such a circuit exists. The employer shall advise employees of the location of such lines, the hazards involved, and the protective measures to be taken.

1926.416(b)(2) · 63 citations

(2) Working spaces, walkways, and similar locations shall be kept clear of cords so as not to create a hazard to employees.

1926.416(e)(2) · 37 citations

(2) Extension cords shall not be fastened with staples, hung from nails, or suspended by wire.

1926.416(a)(2) · 23 citations

(2) In work areas where the exact location of underground electric powerlines is unknown, employees using jack-hammers, bars, or other hand tools which may contact a line shall be provided with insulated protective gloves.

1926.416(b)(1) · 6 citations

(b) Passageways and open spaces—-(1) Barriers or other means of guarding shall be provided to ensure that workspace for electrical equipment will not be used as a passageway during periods when energized parts of electrical equipment are exposed.

1926.416(c) · 1 citations

(c) Load ratings. In existing installations, no changes in circuit protection shall be made to increase the load in excess of the load rating of the circuit wiring.

Industries cited most

  • Construction 4,633
  • Manufacturing 54
  • Administrative and Support and Waste Management and Remediation Services 36
  • Utilities 26
  • Wholesale Trade 26
  • Retail Trade 12

States cited most

Recently cited employers