1910.303(g)(1)(i)(C): Clear Work Space Height
Employers must keep the work space in front of electric equipment clear from the grade, floor or platform up to the height required by paragraph (g)(1)(vi). Other equipment tied to the electrical installation and located above or below the electric equipment may extend not more than 6 inches (153 mm) beyond the front of the electric equipment.
Key takeaways
- 1910.303(g)(1)(i)(C) is part of OSHA's general industry standards (29 CFR Part 1910, Subpart S).
- OSHA cited it 24 times in the last 3 years, in 24 inspections, with $10,710 in current penalties.
- Most citations: OR (7), CT (6), FL (2).
- Related part: 1910.303(g) 600 Volts, nominal, or less (3,265 citations).
- Free 5-minute toolbox talk for your crew below.
In this article
What this rule covers
29 CFR 1910.303(g)(1)(i)(C) is one requirement inside 1910.303 General, an OSHA general industry standard (Part 1910, Subpart S). 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
(C) The work space shall be clear and extend from the grade, floor, or platform to the height required by paragraph (g)(1)(vi) of this section. However, other equipment associated with the electrical installation and located above or below the electric equipment may extend not more than 153 mm (6 in.) beyond the front of the electric equipment. 24 citations
Source: eCFR, text current as of 2026-10-15. Read all of 1910.303.
Where and how often it was cited
| Year | Citations |
|---|---|
| 2023 | 1 |
| 2024 | 12 |
| 2025 | 6 |
| 2026 | 5 |
Top states: OR (7), CT (6), FL (2), PA (2), ID (2)
Largest penalties
| Employer | Location | Penalty for this rule |
|---|---|---|
| LEE SPRING COMPANY LLC | BRISTOL, CT | $5,426 |
| BORGZINNER INC. | RIVIERA BEACH, FL | $3,310 |
| LAKE STREET PALLET AND RECYCLING, INC. | CHICAGO, IL | $1,500 |
| H & J, INC. | COEUR D ALENE, ID | $474 |
| MEAD HOLDING COMPANY, INC. | AMES, IA | $0 |
Free toolbox talk
A 5-minute crew talk on 1910.303(g)(1)(i)(C), plus alerts when this rule changes. Free.
OSHA interpretation letters
None exist. OSHA has not published a letter of interpretation for 1910.303(g)(1)(i)(C).
Related parts of this rule
- 1910.303(g) 600 Volts, nominal, or less 3,265 citations
- 1910.303(g)(1) Space about electric equipment 2,528 citations
- 1910.303(g)(1)(ii) 817 citations
- 1910.303(g)(2) Guarding of live parts 737 citations
- 1910.303(g)(2)(i) 587 citations
- 1910.303(g)(1)(i) 436 citations
- 1910.303(g)(1)(i)(A) 176 citations
- 1910.303(g)(2)(ii) 132 citations
- 1910.303(g)(1)(i)(B) 87 citations
- 1910.303(g)(1)(iii) 24 citations
- 1910.303(g)(1)(v) 11 citations
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
How high must the clear work space extend?
From the grade, floor or platform up to the height required by paragraph (g)(1)(vi) of 1910.303.
Can other equipment stick into the work space?
Associated electrical equipment above or below may extend not more than 6 inches (153 mm) beyond the front of the electric equipment.
Can I store things in the work space?
No. The rule requires the work space to be clear.
About this page
Sources
- 29 CFR 1910.303 (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 2026-10-20
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.