1910.334(a)(1): Handling Portable Electric Equipment and Cords
Employers must make sure portable electric equipment is handled so it is not damaged. Flexible cords must not be used to raise or lower equipment, and must not be stapled or hung in any way that could damage the outer jacket or insulation.
Key takeaways
- 1910.334(a)(1) is part of OSHA's general industry standards (29 CFR Part 1910, Subpart S).
- OSHA cited it 29 times in the last 3 years, in 29 inspections, with $38,174 in current penalties.
- Most citations: TX (8), CT (3), CA (2).
- Related part: 1910.334(a) Portable electric equipment (956 citations).
- Free 5-minute toolbox talk for your crew below.
In this article
What this rule covers
29 CFR 1910.334(a)(1) ("Handling") is one requirement inside 1910.334 Use of equipment, 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
(1) Handling. Portable equipment shall be handled in a manner which will not cause damage. Flexible electric cords connected to equipment may not be used for raising or lowering the equipment. Flexible cords may not be fastened with staples or otherwise hung in such a fashion as could damage the outer jacket or insulation. 29 citations
Source: eCFR, text current as of 2026-10-15. Read all of 1910.334.
Where and how often it was cited
| Year | Citations |
|---|---|
| 2023 | 8 |
| 2024 | 10 |
| 2025 | 9 |
| 2026 | 2 |
Top states: TX (8), CT (3), CA (2), HI (2), OR (2)
Largest penalties
| Employer | Location | Penalty for this rule |
|---|---|---|
| SOUTHCOAST WELDING & MANUFACTURING INC | SAN DIEGO, CA | $10,758 |
| PB ACQUISITION COMPANY, LLC | SOUTHINGTON, CT | $7,366 |
| NATIONAL OILWELL VARCO | SAN ANTONIO, TX | $3,547 |
| ALTMAN SPECIALTY PLANT | SAN ANTONIO, TX | $3,215 |
| INNTRUSTED, LLC | IDAHO FALLS, ID | $3,215 |
Free toolbox talk
A 5-minute crew talk on 1910.334(a)(1), plus alerts when this rule changes. Free.
OSHA interpretation letters
None exist. OSHA has not published a letter of interpretation for 1910.334(a)(1).
Related parts of this rule
- 1910.334(a) Portable electric equipment 956 citations
- 1910.334(a)(2) Visual inspection 830 citations
- 1910.334(a)(2)(ii) 484 citations
- 1910.334(a)(2)(i) 344 citations
- 1910.334(a)(3) Grounding-type equipment 80 citations
- 1910.334(a)(3)(i) 52 citations
- 1910.334(a)(3)(ii) 26 citations
- 1910.334(a)(4) Conductive work locations 15 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
Can I lower a tool by its cord?
No. Flexible cords connected to equipment may not be used for raising or lowering the equipment.
Can cords be stapled in place?
No. Flexible cords may not be fastened with staples or hung in a way that could damage the jacket or insulation.
What does handling without damage mean?
Portable equipment must be handled in a manner that will not cause damage.
About this page
Sources
- 29 CFR 1910.334 (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.