1910.269(j)(2)(iii): Two-Year Live-Line Tool Testing
Live-line tools used for primary employee protection must be removed from service every 2 years, and whenever a defect requires it, to be examined, cleaned, repaired and tested. Defective tools must be repaired and refinished or permanently removed; good tools are cleaned and waxed. Tests must check the full working length and, for fiberglass tools, wet conditions.
Key takeaways
- 1910.269(j)(2)(iii) 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 $9,598 in current penalties.
- 2 deaths are linked to inspections that cited this rule.
- Related part: 1910.269(j) Live-line tools (1 citations).
- Free 5-minute toolbox talk for your crew below.
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In this article
What this rule covers
29 CFR 1910.269(j)(2)(iii) is one requirement inside 1910.269 Electric power generation, transmission, and distribution, an OSHA general industry standard (Part 1910, Subpart R). It includes 5 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
(iii) Live-line tools used for primary employee protection shall be removed from service every 2 years, and whenever required under paragraph (j)(2)(ii) of this section, for examination, cleaning, repair, and testing as follows: 1 citations
(A) Each tool shall be thoroughly examined for defects.
(B) If a defect or contamination that could adversely affect the insulating qualities or mechanical integrity of the live-line tool is found, the tool shall be repaired and refinished or shall be permanently removed from service. If no such defect or contamination is found, the tool shall be cleaned and waxed.
(C) The tool shall be tested in accordance with paragraphs (j)(2)(iii)(D) and (j)(2)(iii)(E) of this section under the following conditions:
(1) After the tool has been repaired or refinished; and
(2) After the examination if repair or refinishing is not performed, unless the tool is made of FRP rod or foam-filled FRP tube and the employer can demonstrate that the tool has no defects that could cause it to fail during use.
(D) The test method used shall be designed to verify the tool's integrity along its entire working length and, if the tool is made of fiberglass-reinforced plastic, its integrity under wet conditions.
(E) The voltage applied during the tests shall be as follows:
(1) 246,100 volts per meter (75,000 volts per foot) of length for 1 minute if the tool is made of fiberglass, or
(2) 164,000 volts per meter (50,000 volts per foot) of length for 1 minute if the tool is made of wood, or
(3) Other tests that the employer can demonstrate are equivalent.
Guidelines for the examination, cleaning, repairing, and in-service testing of live-line tools are specified in the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers' IEEE Guide for Maintenance Methods on Energized Power Lines, IEEE Std 516-2009.
Source: eCFR, text current as of 2026-10-15. Read all of 1910.269.
Export the list: 1 inspections cited 1910.269(j)(2)(iii) in the last 3 years, with employer, location, penalty and date.
Purple Belt, $59/moInjuries linked to this rule
2 deaths are linked to inspections where OSHA cited 1910.269(j)(2)(iii).
At 1:30 p.m. on June 19, 2024, an employee was electrocuted while accomplishing maintenance on a 7.2kV distribution line. The employee was killed.
Full case list with employer, penalty, filters and download is part of OSHA Data (Purple Belt).
Unlock with Purple BeltWhere and how often it was cited
Free toolbox talk
A 5-minute crew talk on 1910.269(j)(2)(iii), plus alerts when this rule changes. Free.
OSHA interpretation letters
None exist. OSHA has not published a letter of interpretation for 1910.269(j)(2)(iii).
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)(1) Design of tools
- 1910.269(j)(1)(iii)
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Frequently asked questions
How often must primary protection live-line tools be removed for testing?
Every 2 years, and whenever required under paragraph (j)(2)(ii).
What happens if no defect is found?
The tool shall be cleaned and waxed.
What test voltage applies to wood tools?
164,000 volts per meter (50,000 volts per foot) of length for 1 minute, or other tests the employer can demonstrate are equivalent.
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; data as of 2026-11-06
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.