1910.269(l)(4): Rubber Gloves and Sleeves
When employees use rubber insulating gloves as insulation from energized parts, they must also use rubber insulating sleeves, unless exposed energized parts they are not working on are insulated and that insulation is installed without exposing the upper arm. Gloves and sleeves must be put on and taken off only from a position where the employee cannot reach into the minimum approach distance.
Key takeaways
- 1910.269(l)(4) is part of OSHA's general industry standards (29 CFR Part 1910, Subpart R).
- OSHA cited it 4 times in the last 3 years, in 4 inspections, with $28,616 in current penalties.
- 1 death is linked to inspections that cited this rule.
- Related part: 1910.269(l) Working on or near exposed energized parts (75 citations).
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In this article
What this rule covers
29 CFR 1910.269(l)(4) ("Type of insulation") is one requirement inside 1910.269 Electric power generation, transmission, and distribution, an OSHA general industry standard (Part 1910, Subpart R). It includes 6 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
(4) Type of insulation. 4 citations
(i) When an employee uses rubber insulating gloves as insulation from energized parts (under paragraph (l)(3)(iii)(A) of this section), the employer shall ensure that the employee also uses rubber insulating sleeves. However, an employee need not use rubber insulating sleeves if: 2 citations
(A) Exposed energized parts on which the employee is not working are insulated from the employee; and
(B) When installing insulation for purposes of paragraph (l)(4)(i)(A) of this section, the employee installs the insulation from a position that does not expose his or her upper arm to contact with other energized parts.
(ii) When an employee uses rubber insulating gloves or rubber insulating gloves and sleeves as insulation from energized parts (under paragraph (l)(3)(iii)(A) of this section), the employer shall ensure that the employee: Open (l)(4)(ii) 2 citations
(A) Puts on the rubber insulating gloves and sleeves in a position where he or she cannot reach into the minimum approach distance, established by the employer under paragraph (l)(3)(i) of this section; and
(B) Does not remove the rubber insulating gloves and sleeves until he or she is in a position where he or she cannot reach into the minimum approach distance, established by the employer under paragraph (l)(3)(i) of this section. Open (l)(4)(ii)(b) 2 citations
Source: eCFR, text current as of 2026-10-15. Read all of 1910.269.
Injuries linked to this rule
1 death is linked to inspections where OSHA cited 1910.269(l)(4).
At 10:45 a.m. on May 20, 2024, a crew of four from Complete Power Pole Inspection, Inc., employed by the City of Lubbock, was preparing to reenergize power pole 0CR2 as part of their inspection and maintenance of powerlines running to water pumps. While being…
Where and how often it was cited
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OSHA interpretation letters
Related parts of this rule
- 1910.269(l) Working on or near exposed energized parts 75 citations
- 1910.269(l)(3) Minimum approach distances 28 citations
- 1910.269(l)(3)(iii) 26 citations
- 1910.269(l)(8) Protection from flames and electric arcs 18 citations
- 1910.269(l)(1) General 13 citations
- 1910.269(l)(8)(v) 9 citations
- 1910.269(l)(1)(ii) 6 citations
- 1910.269(l)(5) Working position 6 citations
- 1910.269(l)(1)(iii) 5 citations
- 1910.269(l)(3)(iii)(A) 5 citations
- 1910.269(l)(5)(ii) 5 citations
- 1910.269(l)(2) At least two employees 4 citations
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Frequently asked questions
When are rubber insulating sleeves required?
When rubber insulating gloves are used as insulation from energized parts, unless both listed exceptions are met.
Where must gloves and sleeves be put on?
In a position where the employee cannot reach into the minimum approach distance.
When can sleeves be skipped?
When other exposed energized parts are insulated from the employee, and that insulation was installed without exposing the upper arm to contact.
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 2026-10-24
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.