1910.333(b)(2)(ii)(D): Block or Relieve Stored Non-Electrical Energy
During lockout and tagout, stored non-electrical energy in devices that could reenergize electric circuit parts must be blocked or relieved so the circuit parts could not be accidentally energized by the device.
Key takeaways
- 1910.333(b)(2)(ii)(D) is part of OSHA's general industry standards (29 CFR Part 1910, Subpart S).
- OSHA cited it 1 times in the last 3 years, in 1 inspections, with $0 in current penalties.
- 1 death is linked to inspections that cited this rule.
- Related part: 1910.333(b) Working on or near exposed deenergized parts (225 citations).
- Free 5-minute toolbox talk for your crew below.
In this article
What this rule covers
29 CFR 1910.333(b)(2)(ii)(D) 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
(D) Stored non-electrical energy in devices that could reenergize electric circuit parts shall be blocked or relieved to the extent that the circuit parts could not be accidentally energized by the device. 1 citations
Source: eCFR, text current as of 2026-10-15. Read all of 1910.333.
Injuries linked to this rule
1 death is linked to inspections where OSHA cited 1910.333(b)(2)(ii)(D).
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 1910.333(b)(2)(ii)(D), plus alerts when this rule changes. Free.
OSHA interpretation letters
None exist. OSHA has not published a letter of interpretation for 1910.333(b)(2)(ii)(D).
Related parts of this rule
- 1910.333(b) Working on or near exposed deenergized parts 225 citations
- 1910.333(b)(2) Lockout and tagging 223 citations
- 1910.333(b)(2)(i) Procedures 61 citations
- 1910.333(b)(2)(iv) 31 citations
- 1910.333(b)(2)(ii) Deenergizing equipment 31 citations
- 1910.333(b)(2)(iv)(B) 24 citations
- 1910.333(b)(2)(iii) Application of locks and tags 20 citations
- 1910.333(b)(2)(iii)(A) 18 citations
- 1910.333(b)(2)(ii)(A) 18 citations
- 1910.333(b)(2)(ii)(B) 12 citations
- 1910.333(b)(2)(v) Reenergizing equipment 4 citations
- 1910.333(b)(1) Application 2 citations
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Frequently asked questions
What kind of energy does this cover?
Stored non-electrical energy in devices that could reenergize electric circuit parts.
What must be done with it?
It must be blocked or relieved.
How far must it be controlled?
To the extent that the circuit parts could not be accidentally energized by the device.
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.