1910.332(b)(3)(i): Telling Live Parts From Other Parts
Qualified electrical workers must be trained in the skills and techniques needed to tell exposed live parts apart from other parts of electric equipment.
Key takeaways
- 1910.332(b)(3)(i) is part of OSHA's general industry standards (29 CFR Part 1910, Subpart S).
- OSHA cited it 6 times in the last 3 years, in 6 inspections, with $26,326 in current penalties.
- 1 death is linked to inspections that cited this rule.
- Related part: 1910.332(b) Content of training (214 citations).
- Free 5-minute toolbox talk for your crew below.
In this article
What this rule covers
29 CFR 1910.332(b)(3)(i) is one requirement inside 1910.332 Training, 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) The skills and techniques necessary to distinguish exposed live parts from other parts of electric equipment, 6 citations
Source: eCFR, text current as of 2026-10-15. Read all of 1910.332.
Injuries linked to this rule
1 death is linked to inspections where OSHA cited 1910.332(b)(3)(i).
At approximately 4:20 a.m. on February 25, 2025, Employee #1 was working on an AirTrain switch electrical panel, attempting to replace blown fuses. During the task, the employee came into contact with energized components and received a 600-volt electric shock. Employee #1 was fatally electrocuted.
Where and how often it was cited
Free toolbox talk
A 5-minute crew talk on 1910.332(b)(3)(i), plus alerts when this rule changes. Free.
OSHA interpretation letters
None exist. OSHA has not published a letter of interpretation for 1910.332(b)(3)(i).
Related parts of this rule
- 1910.332(b) Content of training 214 citations
- 1910.332(b)(1) Practices addressed in this standard 160 citations
- 1910.332(b)(2) Additional requirements for unqualified persons 35 citations
- 1910.332(b)(3) Additional requirements for qualified persons 19 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
What skill does this training cover?
Distinguishing exposed live parts from other parts of electric equipment.
Who needs this training?
Qualified persons under 1910.332(b)(3).
Why does this matter?
Workers must know which parts are live before working near them.
About this page
Sources
- 29 CFR 1910.332 (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.