1910.305(j)(3)(i): No Exposed Live Parts on Appliances
Appliances may have no live parts normally exposed to contact, other than parts that work as open-resistance heating elements, such as the heating elements of a toaster, which are necessarily exposed.
Key takeaways
- 1910.305(j)(3)(i) is part of OSHA's general industry standards (29 CFR Part 1910, Subpart S).
- OSHA cited it 4 times in the last 3 years, in 4 inspections, with $19,590 in current penalties.
- 1 death is linked to inspections that cited this rule.
- Related part: 1910.305(j) Equipment for general use (359 citations).
- Free 5-minute toolbox talk for your crew below.
In this article
What this rule covers
29 CFR 1910.305(j)(3)(i) 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
(i) Appliances may have no live parts normally exposed to contact other than parts functioning as open-resistance heating elements, such as the heating elements of a toaster, which are necessarily exposed. 4 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(j)(3)(i).
At 7:30 a.m. on December 17, 2023, an employee worming as an associate for a supermarket was walking down an aisle. Store personnel routinely take cleaning products from the display areas in the store to use for either cleaning or disinfecting surfaces. The employee took…
Where and how often it was cited
Free toolbox talk
A 5-minute crew talk on 1910.305(j)(3)(i), plus alerts when this rule changes. Free.
OSHA interpretation letters
None exist. OSHA has not published a letter of interpretation for 1910.305(j)(3)(i).
Related parts of this rule
- 1910.305(j) Equipment for general use 359 citations
- 1910.305(j)(2) Receptacles, cord connectors, and attachment plugs (caps) 192 citations
- 1910.305(j)(1) Lighting fixtures, lampholders, lamps, and receptacles 147 citations
- 1910.305(j)(1)(i) 115 citations
- 1910.305(j)(2)(iv) 113 citations
- 1910.305(j)(1)(iv) 26 citations
- 1910.305(j)(2)(vi) 26 citations
- 1910.305(j)(2)(v) 24 citations
- 1910.305(j)(2)(vii) 23 citations
- 1910.305(j)(4) Motors 13 citations
- 1910.305(j)(3) Appliances 7 citations
- 1910.305(j)(7) Storage Batteries
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 appliances have exposed live parts?
No, except open-resistance heating elements that are necessarily exposed.
What is an example of an allowed exposed part?
The heating elements of a toaster.
Is an exposed toaster heating element a problem under this rule?
No. Open-resistance heating elements that are necessarily exposed are allowed.
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.