1910.333(c)(2): Only Qualified Persons on Energized Equipment
Only qualified persons may work on electric circuit parts or equipment that have not been deenergized under paragraph (b). They must be capable of working safely on energized circuits and familiar with special precautionary techniques, personal protective equipment, insulating and shielding materials, and insulated tools.
Key takeaways
- 1910.333(c)(2) is part of OSHA's general industry standards (29 CFR Part 1910, Subpart S).
- OSHA cited it 61 times in the last 3 years, in 61 inspections, with $163,317 in current penalties.
- 2 deaths are linked to inspections that cited this rule.
- Most citations: NC (23), PA (5), TX (4).
- Related part: 1910.333(c) Working on or near exposed energized parts (200 citations).
- Free 5-minute toolbox talk for your crew below.
In this article
What this rule covers
29 CFR 1910.333(c)(2) ("Work on energized equipment") 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) Work on energized equipment. Only qualified persons may work on electric circuit parts or equipment that have not been deenergized under the procedures of paragraph (b) of this section. Such persons shall be capable of working safely on energized circuits and shall be familiar with the proper use of special precautionary techniques, personal protective equipment, insulating and shielding materials, and insulated tools. 61 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(c)(2).
On July 21, 2024, an employee working for a water treatment plant was troubleshooting an electrical float valve inside a treatment tank. The employee contacted live electrical wiring and was shocked. The employee died due to electrocution.
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 | 15 |
| 2024 | 23 |
| 2025 | 12 |
| 2026 | 11 |
Top states: NC (23), PA (5), TX (4), NY (4), MA (3)
Largest penalties
| Employer | Location | Penalty for this rule |
|---|---|---|
| UPS INSTRUMENT & ELECTRICAL SERVICES, LLC | TULSA, OK | $16,131 |
| 157152 - CITY OF ROCKY MOUNT - TAR WATER TREATMENT PLANT | WESLEYAN COLLEGE, NC | $16,131 |
| RK POWER GENERATOR CORP | SAN JUAN, PR | $14,895 |
| KEECO, LLC | DALLAS, TX | $13,631 |
| FIRSTAR FIBER, INC. | OMAHA, NE | $11,585 |
Free toolbox talk
A 5-minute crew talk on 1910.333(c)(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)
- Qualifications for resetting circuits or replacing fuses; electrical enclosures must be approved. (2001-11-19)
- Qualified employee requirements for the servicing and maintenance of electrical equipment. (1993-09-09)
Related parts of this rule
- 1910.333(c) Working on or near exposed energized parts 200 citations
- 1910.333(c)(3) Overhead lines 110 citations
- 1910.333(c)(3)(i) Unqualified persons 46 citations
- 1910.333(c)(3)(i)(A) 36 citations
- 1910.333(c)(3)(iii) Vehicular and mechanical equipment 27 citations
- 1910.333(c)(3)(iii)(A) 26 citations
- 1910.333(c)(7) Portable ladders 11 citations
- 1910.333(c)(6) Conductive materials and equipment 10 citations
- 1910.333(c)(3)(i)(B) 10 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
Who can work on energized equipment?
Only qualified persons.
What must qualified persons know?
Special precautionary techniques, personal protective equipment, insulating and shielding materials, and insulated tools.
What counts as energized here?
Circuit parts or equipment that have not been deenergized under paragraph (b) 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 2026-10-22
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.