1910.335(a)(2): Insulated Tools and Shields Near Live Parts
When working near exposed energized conductors or circuit parts, employees must use insulated tools or handling equipment if they might contact those parts, insulated fuse handling equipment for energized fuses, and nonconductive ropes. Protective shields, barriers or insulating materials must protect employees from shock, burns and arcing, and exposed live parts must be guarded from unqualified persons.
Key takeaways
- 1910.335(a)(2) is part of OSHA's general industry standards (29 CFR Part 1910, Subpart S).
- OSHA cited it 66 times in the last 3 years, in 61 inspections, with $308,840 in current penalties.
- 10 deaths are linked to inspections that cited this rule.
- Most citations: TX (13), NE (6), NY (5).
- Related part: 1910.335(a) Use of protective equipment (270 citations).
- Free 5-minute toolbox talk for your crew below.
In this article
What this rule covers
29 CFR 1910.335(a)(2) ("General protective equipment and tools") is one requirement inside 1910.335 Safeguards for personnel protection, an OSHA general industry standard (Part 1910, Subpart S). It includes 4 sub-paragraphs. 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) General protective equipment and tools. 66 citations
(i) When working near exposed energized conductors or circuit parts, each employee shall use insulated tools or handling equipment if the tools or handling equipment might make contact with such conductors or parts. If the insulating capability of insulated tools or handling equipment is subject to damage, the insulating material shall be protected. Open (a)(2)(i) 46 citations
(A) Fuse handling equipment, insulated for the circuit voltage, shall be used to remove or install fuses when the fuse terminals are energized. 4 citations
(B) Ropes and handlines used near exposed energized parts shall be nonconductive.
(ii) Protective shields, protective barriers, or insulating materials shall be used to protect each employee from shock, burns, or other electrically related injuries while that employee is working near exposed energized parts which might be accidentally contacted or where dangerous electric heating or arcing might occur. When normally enclosed live parts are exposed for maintenance or repair, they shall be guarded to protect unqualified persons from contact with the live parts. Open (a)(2)(ii) 20 citations
Source: eCFR, text current as of 2026-10-15. Read all of 1910.335.
Injuries linked to this rule
10 deaths are linked to inspections where OSHA cited 1910.335(a)(2).
At 12:21 p.m. on November 20, 2024, Employee #1 and Employee #2 were working as telecommunications repair installers for a telecommunications provider. The crewwas investigating a mystery wire that was uncovered by a homeowner in the back yard of a residence. The crew was tryin…
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 | 6 |
| 2024 | 19 |
| 2025 | 23 |
| 2026 | 18 |
Top states: TX (13), NE (6), NY (5), KY (5), MA (4)
Largest penalties
| Employer | Location | Penalty for this rule |
|---|---|---|
| GAGE TREE SERVICE LLC | CHUGIAK, AK | $99,308 |
| SOUTH TEXAS ELECTRIC COOPERATIVE, INC. | NURSERY, TX | $32,262 |
| EXACORE STAFFING LLC | IRAAN, TX | $19,863 |
| WESTLAKE - LAKE CHARLES SOUTH | WESTLAKE, LA | $16,131 |
| COXCOM, LLC | TULSA, OK | $11,823 |
Free toolbox talk
A 5-minute crew talk on 1910.335(a)(2), plus alerts when this rule changes. Free.
OSHA interpretation letters
- OSHA requirements for warning signs and protection from electric-arc-flash hazards and compliance with NFPA 70E-2004. (2006-11-14)
- Use of ANSI C2-1997 as guidance for protecting employees working near insulated shielded conductors (2002-09-26)
- Training and PPE for employees performing tests on equipment. (1998-06-22)
- Use of insulated hand tools (1996-07-30)
Related parts of this rule
- 1910.335(a) Use of protective equipment 270 citations
- 1910.335(a)(1) Personal protective equipment 204 citations
- 1910.335(a)(1)(i) 183 citations
- 1910.335(a)(2)(i) 46 citations
- 1910.335(a)(2)(ii) 20 citations
- 1910.335(a)(1)(ii) 9 citations
- 1910.335(a)(1)(v) 7 citations
- 1910.335(a)(1)(iv) 1 citations
Get your crew competent
Trainers on Black Belt Safety: Marc Harvey, Dana Reyes
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Frequently asked questions
When are insulated tools required?
When working near exposed energized conductors or circuit parts and the tools or handling equipment might make contact with them.
What must be used to pull energized fuses?
Fuse handling equipment insulated for the circuit voltage.
Can regular ropes be used near energized parts?
No. Ropes and handlines used near exposed energized parts shall be nonconductive.
About this page
Sources
- 29 CFR 1910.335 (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.