1910.332(b)(3): Training for Qualified Electrical Workers
Qualified persons, those permitted to work on or near exposed energized parts, must at minimum be trained in telling exposed live parts from other parts, determining the nominal voltage of live parts, and the clearance distances in 1910.333(c) for the voltages they will face. Those who contact energized equipment directly or with tools must also have training to meet 1910.333(c)(2).
Key takeaways
- 1910.332(b)(3) is part of OSHA's general industry standards (29 CFR Part 1910, Subpart S).
- OSHA cited it 19 times in the last 3 years, in 14 inspections, with $39,251 in current penalties.
- 1 death is linked to inspections that cited this rule.
- Most citations: PR (8), GA (2), WI (2).
- 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) ("Additional requirements for qualified persons") is one requirement inside 1910.332 Training, an OSHA general industry standard (Part 1910, Subpart S). It includes 3 sub-paragraphs. 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
(3) Additional requirements for qualified persons. Qualified persons (i.e., those permitted to work on or near exposed energized parts) shall, at a minimum, be trained in and familiar with the following: 19 citations
(i) The skills and techniques necessary to distinguish exposed live parts from other parts of electric equipment, Open (b)(3)(i) 6 citations
(ii) The skills and techniques necessary to determine the nominal voltage of exposed live parts, and 3 citations
(iii) The clearance distances specified in § 1910.333(c) and the corresponding voltages to which the qualified person will be exposed. 2 citations
For the purposes of §§ 1910.331 through 1910.335, a person must have the training required by paragraph (b)(3) of this section in order to be considered a qualified person.
Qualified persons whose work on energized equipment involves either direct contact or contact by means of tools or materials must also have the training needed to meet § 1910.333(c)(2).
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).
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
| Year | Citations |
|---|---|
| 2023 | 3 |
| 2024 | 9 |
| 2025 | 4 |
| 2026 | 3 |
Top states: PR (8), GA (2), WI (2), KY (1), UT (1)
Largest penalties
| Employer | Location | Penalty for this rule |
|---|---|---|
| WESTROCK CP, LLC | DUBLIN, GA | $20,026 |
| LUMA ENERGY SERVCO, LLC | CATANO, PR | $6,300 |
| CARLOS ALBIZU UNIVERSITY, INC. | SAN JUAN, PR | $6,300 |
| WASHINGTON ISLAND ELECTRIC COOPERATIVE | WASHINGTON ISLAND, WI | $4,355 |
| CPX2026XJW184X0192 - PEORIA BUSINESS CORP DBA BEST WESTERN PEORIA GLENDALE | PEORIA, AZ | $2,270 |
Free toolbox talk
A 5-minute crew talk on 1910.332(b)(3), 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).
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)(i) 6 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 makes someone a qualified person under this rule?
They must have the training in paragraph (b)(3), including distinguishing live parts, determining nominal voltage, and knowing the clearance distances.
Which clearance distances must they know?
Those specified in 1910.333(c) and the corresponding voltages they will be exposed to.
Is extra training needed for contact work?
Yes. Work involving direct contact or contact through tools or materials requires training needed to meet 1910.333(c)(2).
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.