1910.333(c)(6): Handling Conductive Materials Near Live Parts
Employers must make sure conductive materials and equipment in contact with any part of an employee's body are handled so they do not contact exposed energized conductors or circuit parts. When long conductive objects like ducts and pipes are handled near exposed live parts, the employer must set work practices such as insulation, guarding and material handling techniques to minimize the hazard.
Key takeaways
- 1910.333(c)(6) is part of OSHA's general industry standards (29 CFR Part 1910, Subpart S).
- OSHA cited it 10 times in the last 3 years, in 10 inspections, with $48,633 in current penalties.
- 3 deaths are linked to inspections that cited this rule.
- Most citations: TX (4), FL (3), GA (1).
- 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)(6) ("Conductive materials and 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
(6) Conductive materials and equipment. Conductive materials and equipment that are in contact with any part of an employee's body shall be handled in a manner that will prevent them from contacting exposed energized conductors or circuit parts. If an employee must handle long dimensional conductive objects (such as ducts and pipes) in areas with exposed live parts, the employer shall institute work practices (such as the use of insulation, guarding, and material handling techniques) which will minimize the hazard. 10 citations
Source: eCFR, text current as of 2026-10-15. Read all of 1910.333.
Injuries linked to this rule
3 deaths are linked to inspections where OSHA cited 1910.333(c)(6).
At 1:00 p.m. on July 30, 2024, Employee #1, employed by a tree trimming company,was using a pole saw to cut limbs. While lifting the pole saw, it made contact with an overhead power line, resulting in electrocution. Emergency services responded to the scene, but…
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 | 5 |
| 2025 | 3 |
Top states: TX (4), FL (3), GA (1), SC (1), MA (1)
Largest penalties
| Employer | Location | Penalty for this rule |
|---|---|---|
| BAGLEY & WEBB LANDSCAPING, LLC. | JACKSONVILLE, FL | $16,131 |
| WARBIRD TUBULAR PROCESSORS, LLC | HOUSTON, TX | $10,938 |
| INFRAMARK, LLC | HOUSTON, TX | $9,500 |
| GULF COAST WELDING CONTRACTORS LLC | HOUSTON, TX | $6,250 |
| FRANKIE'S TREE SERVICES INC. | BRADENTON, FL | $2,483 |
Free toolbox talk
A 5-minute crew talk on 1910.333(c)(6), plus alerts when this rule changes. Free.
OSHA interpretation letters
None exist. OSHA has not published a letter of interpretation for 1910.333(c)(6).
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)(2) Work on energized equipment 61 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)(3)(i)(B) 10 citations
Get your crew competent
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Frequently asked questions
What does this rule cover?
Conductive materials and equipment in contact with any part of an employee's body.
What about long pipes or ducts?
The employer must set work practices such as insulation, guarding and material handling techniques to minimize the hazard.
What is the main goal?
To keep conductive objects from contacting exposed energized conductors or circuit parts.
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.