1910.269(m)(2)(ii): Crew Member in Charge of Clearance
If no system operator is in charge of the lines or equipment and their means of disconnection, the employer must designate one crew member to be in charge of the clearance and perform the system operator's functions. All requirements of paragraph (m)(3) then apply in the order specified, except as provided in (m)(2)(iii).
Key takeaways
- 1910.269(m)(2)(ii) is part of OSHA's general industry standards (29 CFR Part 1910, Subpart R).
- OSHA cited it 2 times in the last 3 years, in 2 inspections, with $6,300 in current penalties.
- 1 death is linked to inspections that cited this rule.
- Related part: 1910.269(m) Deenergizing lines and equipment for employee protection (24 citations).
- Free 5-minute toolbox talk for your crew below.
In this article
What this rule covers
29 CFR 1910.269(m)(2)(ii) is one requirement inside 1910.269 Electric power generation, transmission, and distribution, an OSHA general industry standard (Part 1910, Subpart R). 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
(ii) If no system operator is in charge of the lines or equipment and their means of disconnection, the employer shall designate one employee in the crew to be in charge of the clearance and to perform the functions that the system operator would otherwise perform under paragraph (m) of this section. All of the requirements of paragraph (m)(3) of this section apply, in the order specified, except as provided in paragraph (m)(2)(iii) of this section. 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(m)(2)(ii).
On July 31, 2024, an employee working for an electrical contractor was shocked while replacing flood-damaged electrical cable. The employee died due to electrocution.
Where and how often it was cited
Free toolbox talk
A 5-minute crew talk on 1910.269(m)(2)(ii), plus alerts when this rule changes. Free.
OSHA interpretation letters
None exist. OSHA has not published a letter of interpretation for 1910.269(m)(2)(ii).
Related parts of this rule
- 1910.269(m) Deenergizing lines and equipment for employee protection 24 citations
- 1910.269(m)(3) Deenergizing lines and equipment 20 citations
- 1910.269(m)(3)(vi) 8 citations
- 1910.269(m)(3)(ii) 7 citations
- 1910.269(m)(2) General 4 citations
- 1910.269(m)(1) Application
- 1910.269(m)(3)(viii)
- 1910.269(m)(3)(ix)
Get your crew competent
Trainers on Black Belt Safety: Marc Harvey, Dana Reyes
Trainers and suppliers: feature your business on this rule for $25/month.
Frequently asked questions
What happens if there is no system operator?
The employer must designate one employee in the crew to be in charge of the clearance and do the system operator's functions.
Do the deenergizing steps still apply?
Yes. All requirements of paragraph (m)(3) apply, in the order specified, except as provided in paragraph (m)(2)(iii).
How many employees are put in charge?
One employee in the crew.
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 2026-10-21
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.