1910.269(m)(3)(vi): Test for Voltage Before Working Deenergized Lines
After the deenergizing steps are followed and the system operator gives a clearance to the employee in charge, the employer must make sure the lines and equipment are deenergized by testing them with a device designed to detect voltage.
Key takeaways
- 1910.269(m)(3)(vi) is part of OSHA's general industry standards (29 CFR Part 1910, Subpart R).
- OSHA cited it 8 times in the last 3 years, in 8 inspections, with $38,844 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)(3)(vi) 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
(vi) After the applicable requirements in paragraphs (m)(3)(i) through (m)(3)(v) of this section have been followed and the system operator gives a clearance to the employee in charge, the employer shall ensure that the lines and equipment are deenergized by testing the lines and equipment to be worked with a device designed to detect voltage. 8 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)(3)(vi).
At 1:00 p.m. on July 29, 2024, two employees, employed in electrical maintenance, were engaged in long line maintenance on a 115kV electrical transmission line. The employees were tethered approximately 100 feet below a Bell UH1H helicopter, and were lifted to a dead-end transmission pole…
Where and how often it was cited
Free toolbox talk
A 5-minute crew talk on 1910.269(m)(3)(vi), plus alerts when this rule changes. Free.
OSHA interpretation letters
None exist. OSHA has not published a letter of interpretation for 1910.269(m)(3)(vi).
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)(ii) 7 citations
- 1910.269(m)(2) General 4 citations
- 1910.269(m)(2)(ii) 2 citations
- 1910.269(m)(1) Application
- 1910.269(m)(3)(viii)
- 1910.269(m)(3)(ix)
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Frequently asked questions
When must lines be tested for voltage?
After the required steps are followed and the system operator gives a clearance.
What device must be used?
A device designed to detect voltage.
Is a clearance enough by itself?
No. The lines and equipment must still be tested.
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.