1910.305(g)(1)(iv)(D): No Flexible Cords Attached to Building Surfaces
Unless specifically permitted, employers must not use flexible cords and cables where they are attached to building surfaces.
Key takeaways
- 1910.305(g)(1)(iv)(D) is part of OSHA's general industry standards (29 CFR Part 1910, Subpart S).
- OSHA cited it 225 times in the last 3 years, in 225 inspections, with $80,572 in current penalties.
- Most citations: TN (65), CT (29), PA (22).
- Related part: 1910.305(g) Flexible cords and cables (3,738 citations).
- Free 5-minute toolbox talk for your crew below.
In this article
What this rule covers
29 CFR 1910.305(g)(1)(iv)(D) 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
(D) Where attached to building surfaces; 225 citations
Source: eCFR, text current as of 2026-10-15. Read all of 1910.305.
Where and how often it was cited
| Year | Citations |
|---|---|
| 2023 | 13 |
| 2024 | 85 |
| 2025 | 76 |
| 2026 | 51 |
Top states: TN (65), CT (29), PA (22), VA (19), OR (13)
Largest penalties
| Employer | Location | Penalty for this rule |
|---|---|---|
| TRAILBOSS ENTERPRISES, INC. | EL PASO, TX | $10,000 |
| THE BAMA COMPANIES, INC. | TULSA, OK | $9,457 |
| PROCESS MANUFACTURING COMPANY, INC. | TULSA, OK | $9,200 |
| TRANSCO RAILWAY PRODUCTS INC. | OELWEIN, IA | $7,255 |
| DFA DAIRY BRAND FLUID, LLC | SCHUYLKILL HAVEN, PA | $6,913 |
Free toolbox talk
A 5-minute crew talk on 1910.305(g)(1)(iv)(D), plus alerts when this rule changes. Free.
OSHA interpretation letters
None exist. OSHA has not published a letter of interpretation for 1910.305(g)(1)(iv)(D).
Related parts of this rule
- 1910.305(g) Flexible cords and cables 3,738 citations
- 1910.305(g)(1) Use of flexible cords and cables 2,566 citations
- 1910.305(g)(1)(iv) 2,522 citations
- 1910.305(g)(1)(iv)(A) 1,437 citations
- 1910.305(g)(2) Identification, splices, and terminations 1,172 citations
- 1910.305(g)(2)(iii) 997 citations
- 1910.305(g)(1)(iv)(B) 267 citations
- 1910.305(g)(2)(ii) 173 citations
- 1910.305(g)(1)(iv)(C) 145 citations
- 1910.305(g)(1)(i) 20 citations
- 1910.305(g)(1)(iii) 14 citations
- 1910.305(g)(1)(iv)(E) 12 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
Can I staple or nail an extension cord to a wall?
No. Flexible cords and cables may not be used where attached to building surfaces, unless specifically permitted.
Does this include tacking cords along ceilings?
The rule covers flexible cords attached to building surfaces.
Is this the only banned cord use?
No. It is one item in a list of uses where flexible cords and cables may not be used.
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.