1910.266(d)(8): Logging Near Overhead Electric Lines
Logging operations near overhead electric lines must follow 29 CFR 1910.333(c)(3). If a felled tree contacts a power line, the employer must notify the power company immediately, and every employee must stay clear of the area until the power company says there are no electrical hazards.
Key takeaways
- 1910.266(d)(8) is part of OSHA's general industry standards (29 CFR Part 1910, Subpart R).
- OSHA cited it 1 times in the last 3 years, in 1 inspections, with $1,000 in current penalties.
- 1 death is linked to inspections that cited this rule.
- Related part: 1910.266(d) General requirements (90 citations).
- Free 5-minute toolbox talk for your crew below.
In this article
What this rule covers
29 CFR 1910.266(d)(8) ("Overhead electric lines") is one requirement inside 1910.266 Logging operations, an OSHA general industry standard (Part 1910, Subpart R). It includes 2 sub-paragraphs. The official text below is copied word for word from the Electronic Code of Federal Regulations (eCFR). The numbers, injury cases and training on this page show how OSHA enforces it on real job sites.
Official text
(8) Overhead electric lines. 1 citations
(i) Logging operations near overhead electric lines shall be done in accordance with the requirements of 29 CFR 1910.333(c)(3). Open (d)(8)(i) 1 citations
(ii) The employer shall notify the power company immediately if a felled tree makes contact with any power line. Each employee shall remain clear of the area until the power company advises that there are no electrical hazards.
Source: eCFR, text current as of 2026-10-15. Read all of 1910.266.
Injuries linked to this rule
1 death is linked to inspections where OSHA cited 1910.266(d)(8).
At approximately 11:30 a.m. on August 30, 2024, Employee #1, a Skidder Operator,was filling the Skidder with fuel from the fuel service truck near an overhead line. The loader operator was retrieving dead wood, a process referred to as 'limbing,' to place on a tractor-trailer…
Where and how often it was cited
Free toolbox talk
A 5-minute crew talk on 1910.266(d)(8), plus alerts when this rule changes. Free.
OSHA interpretation letters
None exist. OSHA has not published a letter of interpretation for 1910.266(d)(8).
Related parts of this rule
- 1910.266(d) General requirements 90 citations
- 1910.266(d)(1) Personal protective equipment 40 citations
- 1910.266(d)(2) First-aid kits 24 citations
- 1910.266(d)(1)(iv) 14 citations
- 1910.266(d)(2)(i) 14 citations
- 1910.266(d)(1)(vi) 11 citations
- 1910.266(d)(1)(vii) 11 citations
- 1910.266(d)(6) Work areas 10 citations
- 1910.266(d)(4) Fire extinguishers 9 citations
- 1910.266(d)(2)(ii) 8 citations
- 1910.266(d)(1)(vii)(B) 7 citations
- 1910.266(d)(6)(iii) 5 citations
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Frequently asked questions
What rule covers logging near power lines?
29 CFR 1910.333(c)(3).
What if a tree falls on a power line?
The employer shall notify the power company immediately.
When can workers return to the area?
When the power company advises that there are no electrical hazards.
About this page
Sources
- 29 CFR 1910.266 (eCFR), text current as of 2026-10-15
- U.S. Department of Labor enforcement data: OSHA inspections, citations and accident records, copied nightly; data as of 2026-10-22
3-year window. Federal OSHA only; state-plan rules are not counted. Plain-language text is a summary, not legal advice; the official text controls. Black Belt Safety is not part of OSHA or the Department of Labor.