1910.305(a)(2)(x): Protect Flexible Cords From Damage
Employers must protect flexible cords and cables from accidental damage, such as damage caused by sharp corners, projections, doorways or other pinch points.
Key takeaways
- 1910.305(a)(2)(x) is part of OSHA's general industry standards (29 CFR Part 1910, Subpart S).
- OSHA cited it 123 times in the last 3 years, in 123 inspections, with $224,381 in current penalties.
- 1 death is linked to inspections that cited this rule.
- Most citations: TX (16), VA (15), AZ (7).
- Related part: 1910.305(a) Wiring methods (382 citations).
- Free 5-minute toolbox talk for your crew below.
In this article
What this rule covers
29 CFR 1910.305(a)(2)(x) is one requirement inside 1910.305 Wiring methods, components, and equipment for general use, 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
(x) Flexible cords and cables shall be protected from accidental damage, as might be caused, for example, by sharp corners, projections, and doorways or other pinch points. 123 citations
Source: eCFR, text current as of 2026-10-15. Read all of 1910.305.
Injuries linked to this rule
1 death is linked to inspections where OSHA cited 1910.305(a)(2)(x).
At 2:30 p.m. on December 7, 2024, Employee #1, a test technician at Prolec-GE Waukesha, Inc., was working alone in the transformer manufacturing test area. Using a scissor lift, the employee elevated approximately 15 feet to the top of a newly built high-voltage electrical transformer…
Where and how often it was cited
| Year | Citations |
|---|---|
| 2023 | 6 |
| 2024 | 56 |
| 2025 | 39 |
| 2026 | 22 |
Top states: TX (16), VA (15), AZ (7), OR (7), NY (6)
Largest penalties
| Employer | Location | Penalty for this rule |
|---|---|---|
| CRANE WORLDWIDE LOGISTICS, LLC | COMMERCIAL POINT, OH | $11,577 |
| ULTIMATE SHINE OPCO LLC | LYNCHBURG, VA | $11,401 |
| THE JAMES SKINNER LLC | OMAHA, NE | $11,000 |
| D&W FINE PACK, LLC | FORT CALHOUN, NE | $10,404 |
| PROLEC-GE WAUKESHA, INC. | WAUKESHA, WI | $10,050 |
Free toolbox talk
A 5-minute crew talk on 1910.305(a)(2)(x), plus alerts when this rule changes. Free.
OSHA interpretation letters
None exist. OSHA has not published a letter of interpretation for 1910.305(a)(2)(x).
Related parts of this rule
- 1910.305(a) Wiring methods 382 citations
- 1910.305(a)(2) Temporary wiring 358 citations
- 1910.305(a)(2)(ix) 100 citations
- 1910.305(a)(2)(i) 77 citations
- 1910.305(a)(2)(ii) 27 citations
- 1910.305(a)(1) General requirements 19 citations
- 1910.305(a)(1)(i) 19 citations
- 1910.305(a)(2)(xi) 11 citations
- 1910.305(a)(2)(i)(B) 10 citations
- 1910.305(a)(2)(v) 8 citations
- 1910.305(a)(2)(v)(C) 8 citations
- 1910.305(a)(3) Cable trays
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 does 1910.305(a)(2)(x) require?
Flexible cords and cables must be protected from accidental damage.
What examples of damage does the rule give?
Sharp corners, projections, and doorways or other pinch points.
Can I run a cord through a doorway?
Only if it is protected from damage, since doorways and other pinch points are listed hazards.
About this page
Sources
- 29 CFR 1910.305 (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.