1910.269(j)(1): Design of tools
Key takeaways
- 1910.269(j)(1) is part of OSHA's general industry standards (29 CFR Part 1910, Subpart R).
- Related part: 1910.269(j) Live-line tools (1 citations).
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What this rule covers
29 CFR 1910.269(j)(1) ("Design of tools") is one requirement inside 1910.269 Electric power generation, transmission, and distribution, an OSHA general industry standard (Part 1910, Subpart R). It includes 3 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
(1) Design of tools. Live-line tool rods, tubes, and poles shall be designed and constructed to withstand the following minimum tests:
(i) If the tool is made of fiberglass-reinforced plastic (FRP), it shall withstand 328,100 volts per meter (100,000 volts per foot) of length for 5 minutes, or
Live-line tools using rod and tube that meet ASTM F711-02 (2007), Standard Specification for Fiberglass-Reinforced Plastic (FRP) Rod and Tube Used in Live Line Tools, are deemed to comply with paragraph (j)(1) of this section.
(ii) If the tool is made of wood, it shall withstand 246,100 volts per meter (75,000 volts per foot) of length for 3 minutes, or
(iii) The tool shall withstand other tests that the employer can demonstrate are equivalent. Open (j)(1)(iii)
Source: eCFR, text current as of 2026-10-15. Read all of 1910.269.
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OSHA interpretation letters
None exist. OSHA has not published a letter of interpretation for 1910.269(j)(1).
Related parts of this rule
- 1910.269(j) Live-line tools 1 citations
- 1910.269(j)(2) Condition of tools 1 citations
- 1910.269(j)(2)(iii) 1 citations
- 1910.269(j)(1)(iii)
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About this page
Sources
- 29 CFR 1910.269 (eCFR), text current as of 2026-10-15
- U.S. Department of Labor enforcement data: OSHA inspections, citations and accident records, copied nightly
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.