1910.333(a)(2): Working Near Energized Parts
If exposed live parts are not deenergized because of increased hazards or infeasibility, employers must use other safety-related work practices to protect workers from direct body contact or indirect contact through conductive objects. These practices must suit the work conditions and the voltage level of the exposed parts.
Key takeaways
- 1910.333(a)(2) is part of OSHA's general industry standards (29 CFR Part 1910, Subpart S).
- OSHA cited it 30 times in the last 3 years, in 30 inspections, with $334,556 in current penalties.
- 2 deaths are linked to inspections that cited this rule.
- Most citations: AL (3), VA (3), MA (3).
- Related part: 1910.333(a) General (190 citations).
- Free 5-minute toolbox talk for your crew below.
In this article
What this rule covers
29 CFR 1910.333(a)(2) ("Energized parts") is one requirement inside 1910.333 Selection and use of work practices, 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
(2) Energized parts. If the exposed live parts are not deenergized (i.e., for reasons of increased or additional hazards or infeasibility), other safety-related work practices shall be used to protect employees who may be exposed to the electrical hazards involved. Such work practices shall protect employees against contact with energized circuit parts directly with any part of their body or indirectly through some other conductive object. The work practices that are used shall be suitable for the conditions under which the work is to be performed and for the voltage level of the exposed electric conductors or circuit parts. Specific work practice requirements are detailed in paragraph (c) of this section. 30 citations
Source: eCFR, text current as of 2026-10-15. Read all of 1910.333.
Injuries linked to this rule
2 deaths are linked to inspections where OSHA cited 1910.333(a)(2).
At approximately 3:00 p.m. on July 5, 2024, Employee #1, a technician, was performing maintenance on an air conditioning unit when he came into contact with an energized component. The employee sustained an electric shock and was fatally electrocuted. Emergency services responded to the scene,…
Full case list with employer, penalty, filters and download is part of OSHA Data (Purple Belt).
Unlock with Purple BeltWhere and how often it was cited
| Year | Citations |
|---|---|
| 2023 | 2 |
| 2024 | 6 |
| 2025 | 13 |
| 2026 | 9 |
Top states: AL (3), VA (3), MA (3), NY (2), IA (2)
Largest penalties
| Employer | Location | Penalty for this rule |
|---|---|---|
| S.J. SERVICES | BOSTON, MA | $165,514 |
| WESTLAKE - LAKE CHARLES SOUTH | WESTLAKE, LA | $16,131 |
| ELECTRIC POWER INC | CHESTER, VA | $15,375 |
| MONTGOMERY COUNTY GENERAL SERVICES | CHRISTIANSBURG, VA | $14,290 |
| AI SIGNAL RESEARCH, INC. (ASRI) | REDSTN ARSNL, AL | $14,063 |
Free toolbox talk
A 5-minute crew talk on 1910.333(a)(2), plus alerts when this rule changes. Free.
OSHA interpretation letters
- Electrical Busway Hot Swappable Plug-In Units (2025-08-25)
- Clarification about 29 CFR 1910.333 and 29 CFR 1910.147 as they relate to work inside an electrical panel and on related equipment. (2006-07-28)
- Acceptability of using a light switch as a disconnecting means for the electrical lockout/tagout standard. (2005-10-27)
Related parts of this rule
- 1910.333(a) General 190 citations
- 1910.333(a)(1) Deenergized parts 113 citations
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Frequently asked questions
When can live parts stay energized during work?
When deenergizing them would create increased or additional hazards or is infeasible.
What must the work practices protect against?
Contact with energized circuit parts directly with any part of the body or indirectly through another conductive object.
Where are the specific work practices?
In paragraph (c) of 1910.333.
About this page
Sources
- 29 CFR 1910.333 (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.