Electrical safety requirements overview

This subpart addresses electrical safety requirements necessary to practically safeguard employees doing construction work. See the overview in 1926.400, which organizes the rules into four categories: installation safety requirements (1926.400(a)), safety-related work practices (1926.400(b)), safety-related maintenance and environmental considerations (1926.400(c)), and special equipment requirements (1926.400(d)). For definitions used in this subpart, see 1926.400(e) and 1926.449.

Under 1926.400(a) installation safety requirements are contained in 1926.402 through 1926.408 and include electric equipment and installations used to provide power and light on jobsites. Consult 1926.402 through 1926.408 for the specific installation rules that apply to wiring methods, equipment, overcurrent protection, and related topics.

Under 1926.400(b) safety-related work practices cover the safe procedures employees must follow around electrical hazards, including accidental contact (direct or indirect) with energized lines above or below ground that pass through or near the jobsite. For those requirements see 1926.400(b) and the detailed work-practice rules in 1926.416 and 1926.417.

Under 1926.400(c) safety-related maintenance and environmental considerations are contained in 1926.431 and 1926.432. See 1926.400(c) and review 1926.431 and 1926.432 for maintenance, inspection, and environmental-related requirements that affect electrical safety.

Under 1926.400(d) safety requirements for special equipment are contained in 1926.441. Consult 1926.400(d) and 1926.441 for the specific protections required for special electrical equipment used in construction operations.

Under 1926.400(e) definitions applicable to this subpart are contained in 1926.449. See 1926.400(e) and read the definitions at 1926.449 so you know how key terms are used in these electrical rules.

You should consult the safety-related work practices in 1926.400(b) and the detailed work-practice rules in 1926.416 and 1926.417. These provisions cover hazards arising from accidental contact with energized lines above or below ground that pass through or near the jobsite.

The installation safety requirements for wiring methods, overcurrent protection, grounding, and related topics are in 1926.402 through 1926.408 as noted in 1926.400(a). Start with 1926.402 and then review 1926.403 and 1926.404 to find the specific installation and component requirements.

For temporary lighting and temporary power, consult the installation safety requirements in 1926.400(a) and the specific installation and equipment rules in 1926.402 through 1926.408. These sections collectively address electric equipment and installations used to provide electric power and light on jobsites.

OSHA states that remediation activities involving asbestos-containing building materials (ACBM) are covered by the construction asbestos standard, 29 CFR 1926.1101, not the general industry asbestos standard, even when the work is performed by property remediation companies. See the OSHA interpretation on asbestos remediation protocols at https://www.osha.gov/laws-regs/standardinterpretations/2024-11-14 which explains this application and refers to 1926 for the construction standards.

Yes — employers must assess the workplace to determine whether hazards are present and whether PPE is required, and must provide written certification of the assessment when PPE is required. See OSHA's interpretation on PPE hazard assessment requirements at https://www.osha.gov/laws-regs/standardinterpretations/2024-03-28 for guidance, and consult the construction electrical work-practice provisions at 1926.400(b) when PPE relates to electrical hazards.

Look to the safety-related maintenance and environmental sections referenced in 1926.400(c), specifically 1926.431 and 1926.432, which contain the maintenance, inspection, and environmental considerations that affect electrical safety.

Special equipment electrical safety requirements are contained in 1926.441 as noted by 1926.400(d). Review 1926.441 for specific requirements that apply to those types of equipment.

Employers and employees engaged in construction work are responsible for complying with the electrical safety requirements set out in this subpart. See the scope and structure in 1926 and the subpart overview at 1926.400 which apply to construction operations.

You should read the definitions in 1926.449 as referenced by 1926.400(e), because those definitions tell you how key terms in 1926.402–408 and the safety-related work-practice sections are used throughout the subpart.