Electrical safety requirements overview

Yes. [1910.301(a) design safety standards] (https://www.osha.gov/laws-regs/regulations/standardnumber/1910/1910.301#1910.301(a)) requires that design safety rules for electrical utilization systems—meaning the equipment and installations used to provide electric power and light in employee workplaces—be provided in 1910.302 through 1910.330. Employers must follow those sections for practical safeguards in workplace electrical design and installation. See 1910.301(a).

OSHA places safety-related work practices for electrical safety in [1910.331 through 1910.360] (https://www.osha.gov/laws-regs/regulations/standardnumber/1910/1910.301#1910.301(b)). These rules cover how employees must work safely around electrical hazards (for example, training, safe work procedures, and PPE). See the definition of this division at 1910.301(b).

Yes. 1910.301(c) states that safety-related maintenance requirements are contained in [1910.361 through 1910.380] (https://www.osha.gov/laws-regs/regulations/standardnumber/1910/1910.301#1910.301(c)). Employers must follow those sections when maintaining electrical equipment to protect employees.

OSHA identifies safety requirements for special electrical equipment in [1910.381 through 1910.398] (https://www.osha.gov/laws-regs/regulations/standardnumber/1910/1910.301#1910.301(d)). If you use specialized electrical equipment (for example unusual installations or specialty systems), check those sections for specific requirements. See 1910.301(d).

The definitions that apply to the electrical safety divisions are found in [1910.399] (https://www.osha.gov/laws-regs/regulations/standardnumber/1910/1910.301#1910.301(e)). Employers and workers should use the terms as defined in [1910.399] when applying 1910.302–1910.398. See 1910.301(e).

Employers are responsible for ensuring that electrical utilization systems meet the applicable design safety standards in [1910.302] (https://www.osha.gov/laws-regs/regulations/standardnumber/1910/1910.302). That means installing, operating, and maintaining electric equipment for power and lighting in workplaces according to the requirements in 1910.302–1910.308. See 1910.302.

Employers must ensure electrical equipment installations are safe and comply with the general requirements set out in [1910.303] (https://www.osha.gov/laws-regs/regulations/standardnumber/1910/1910.303). This includes proper selection, installation, and maintenance so electrical systems don't expose employees to shocks, fires, or other hazards. See 1910.303.

Employees who face a risk of electrical shock or other electrical hazards must receive training under [1910.331] (https://www.osha.gov/laws-regs/regulations/standardnumber/1910/1910.331). The key difference is that a "qualified person" is trained to work safely on or near exposed energized parts, while an "unqualified person" is trained only to avoid electrical hazards. Employers must train employees based on their assigned duties and the hazards they may encounter. See 1910.331.

OSHA requires employers to provide and ensure use of appropriate electrical PPE when hazards are not eliminated by other means, per [1910.332] (https://www.osha.gov/laws-regs/regulations/standardnumber/1910/1910.332). Employers must assess hazards, select suitable PPE, and train employees in its use and care. See 1910.332.

Electrical equipment must be de-energized and rendered safe before any employee works on it whenever feasible, according to [1910.333] (https://www.osha.gov/laws-regs/regulations/standardnumber/1910/1910.333). The standard allows limited exceptions when the employer can demonstrate that de-energizing creates greater hazards or is infeasible; in those cases, special procedures, PPE, and protective measures must be used. See 1910.333.

Yes. [1910.334] (https://www.osha.gov/laws-regs/regulations/standardnumber/1910/1910.334) requires that when work on energized parts is permitted, employers must use insulated tools and protective equipment appropriate to the voltage and task to prevent shock and arc-flash injuries. Employers must ensure tools and equipment are rated and maintained for the intended use. See 1910.334.

Employers must ensure employees use appropriate eye and face protection and other protective equipment for electrical hazards as required by [1910.335] (https://www.osha.gov/laws-regs/regulations/standardnumber/1910/1910.335). That includes safety glasses, face shields, insulating gloves, and clothing rated for arc-flash exposure when needed. Employers must select PPE based on the hazard assessment. See 1910.335.

Wiring methods and electrical equipment must be installed and used in a manner that prevents hazards, in accordance with [1910.305] (https://www.osha.gov/laws-regs/regulations/standardnumber/1910/1910.305). This section covers safe wiring practices, separation of conductors, and protection from physical damage to reduce fire and shock risks. See 1910.305.

Employers must ensure conductors and overcurrent protection are installed so they are adequate for the load and protected against overloads per [1910.304] (https://www.osha.gov/laws-regs/regulations/standardnumber/1910/1910.304). That means selecting conductors sized for current and using fuses or circuit breakers to prevent overheating and fires. See 1910.304.

Employers must use electrical equipment and wiring methods approved for the specific hazardous location to prevent ignition of flammable atmospheres, as required by [1910.307] (https://www.osha.gov/laws-regs/regulations/standardnumber/1910/1910.307). That means selecting and installing explosion-proof or intrinsically safe equipment where flammable gases, vapors, or dusts may be present. See 1910.307.

Electrical equipment must be installed so it is accessible for operation and maintenance but guarded to prevent accidental contact with live parts, consistent with [1910.311] (https://www.osha.gov/laws-regs/regulations/standardnumber/1910/1910.311). Employers must provide clear access and working space and use covers, barriers, or enclosures to protect employees. See 1910.311.

Equipment may be temporarily re-energized for testing or positioning only when necessary and only after following the sequence and protections required by the standard and guidance, as explained in the OSHA letter on the minor servicing exception (https://www.osha.gov/laws-regs/standardinterpretations/2024-10-21). The LOI clarifies that temporary removal of lockout/tagout devices and re-energization is allowed under controlled conditions and only after: (1) clearing tools and materials, (2) removing employees from hazard areas, (3) following the written procedure for re-energization, and (4) providing effective employee protection while testing or positioning. See the OSHA interpretation at https://www.osha.gov/laws-regs/standardinterpretations/2024-10-21 and relevant work-practice sections in 1910.301(b).

Employers should keep documentation showing employees received required electrical safety training and that appropriate PPE was selected, provided, and employees were trained in its use, per [1910.331] (https://www.osha.gov/laws-regs/regulations/standardnumber/1910/1910.331) and [1910.332] (https://www.osha.gov/laws-regs/regulations/standardnumber/1910/1910.332). Practical records include training dates, topics covered, names of attendees, PPE issuance logs, and any competency evaluations. See 1910.331 and 1910.332.

Those sections are currently reserved for possible future design safety standards, according to 1910.301(a). The active design safety standards for electric utilization systems are in [1910.302 through 1910.308] (https://www.osha.gov/laws-regs/regulations/standardnumber/1910/1910.301#1910.301(a)). See 1910.301(a).

Employers should use the definitions in [1910.399] (https://www.osha.gov/laws-regs/regulations/standardnumber/1910/1910.301#1910.301(e)) to interpret terms (for example, "qualified person," "electrically safe work condition," or "hazardous location") consistently across the electrical safety divisions. Applying the official definitions helps ensure compliance with the specific requirements in 1910.302–1910.398. See 1910.301(e).