1910.269(n)(6): Connecting and removing grounds
Key takeaways
- 1910.269(n)(6) is part of OSHA's general industry standards (29 CFR Part 1910, Subpart R).
- Related part: 1910.269(n) Grounding for the protection of employees (8 citations).
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What this rule covers
29 CFR 1910.269(n)(6) ("Connecting and removing grounds") is one requirement inside 1910.269 Electric power generation, transmission, and distribution, an OSHA general industry standard (Part 1910, Subpart R). It includes 2 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
(6) Connecting and removing grounds.
(i) The employer shall ensure that, when an employee attaches a ground to a line or to equipment, the employee attaches the ground-end connection first and then attaches the other end by means of a live-line tool. For lines or equipment operating at 600 volts or less, the employer may permit the employee to use insulating equipment other than a live-line tool if the employer ensures that the line or equipment is not energized at the time the ground is connected or if the employer can demonstrate that each employee is protected from hazards that may develop if the line or equipment is energized.
(ii) The employer shall ensure that, when an employee removes a ground, the employee removes the grounding device from the line or equipment using a live-line tool before he or she removes the ground-end connection. For lines or equipment operating at 600 volts or less, the employer may permit the employee to use insulating equipment other than a live-line tool if the employer ensures that the line or equipment is not energized at the time the ground is disconnected or if the employer can demonstrate that each employee is protected from hazards that may develop if the line or equipment is energized.
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(n)(6).
Related parts of this rule
- 1910.269(n) Grounding for the protection of employees 8 citations
- 1910.269(n)(2) General 6 citations
- 1910.269(n)(3) Equipotential zone 1 citations
- 1910.269(n)(7) Additional precautions
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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.