1926.1408(a)(2): Crane Power Line Clearance Options
Employers must determine if any part of the crane, load line or load could get closer than 20 feet to a power line when operated up to its maximum working radius in the work zone. If so, they must deenergize and visibly ground the line through the utility, keep everything at least 20 feet away using paragraph (b) measures, or use the Table A minimum approach distance for the line's voltage with paragraph (b) measures.
Key takeaways
- 1926.1408(a)(2) is part of OSHA's construction standards (29 CFR Part 1926, Subpart CC).
- OSHA cited it 22 times in the last 3 years, in 22 inspections, with $483,646 in current penalties.
- Most citations: AZ (4), PA (3), TN (3).
- Related part: 1926.1408(a) Hazard assessments and precautions inside the work zone (30 citations).
- Free 5-minute toolbox talk for your crew below.
In this article
What this rule covers
29 CFR 1926.1408(a)(2) is one requirement inside 1926.1408 Power line safety (up to 350 kV)—equipment operations, an OSHA construction standard (Part 1926, Subpart CC). It includes 5 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) Determine if any part of the equipment, load line or load (including rigging and lifting accessories), if operated up to the equipment's maximum working radius in the work zone, could get closer than 20 feet to a power line. If so, the employer must meet the requirements in Option (1), Option (2), or Option (3) of this section, as follows: 22 citations
(i) Option (1)—Deenergize and ground. Confirm from the utility owner/operator that the power line has been deenergized and visibly grounded at the worksite.
(ii) Option (2) —20 foot clearance. Ensure that no part of the equipment, load line, or load (including rigging and lifting accessories), gets closer than 20 feet to the power line by implementing the measures specified in paragraph (b) of this section. 1 citations
(iii) Option (3) —Table A clearance. 1 citations
(A) Determine the line's voltage and the minimum approach distance permitted under Table A (see § 1926.1408).
(B) Determine if any part of the equipment, load line or load (including rigging and lifting accessories), while operating up to the equipment's maximum working radius in the work zone, could get closer than the minimum approach distance of the power line permitted under Table A (see § 1926.1408). If so, then the employer must follow the requirements in paragraph (b) of this section to ensure that no part of the equipment, load line, or load (including rigging and lifting accessories), gets closer to the line than the minimum approach distance.
Source: eCFR, text current as of 2026-10-15. Read all of 1926.1408.
Where and how often it was cited
| Year | Citations |
|---|---|
| 2023 | 3 |
| 2024 | 9 |
| 2025 | 5 |
| 2026 | 5 |
Top states: AZ (4), PA (3), TN (3), IL (3), MN (3)
Largest penalties
| Employer | Location | Penalty for this rule |
|---|---|---|
| GRANGAARD CONSTRUCTION, INC | MENNO, SD | $165,514 |
| SHAW CONSTRUCTION CORPORATION | CHESAPEAKE, VA | $153,740 |
| URX2023XRS480X0082 - LONIGAN CONSTRUCTION CORP | TUCSON, AZ | $26,787 |
| CPX2023XRS480X0081 - VALLEY CRANE SERVICE LLC | TUCSON, AZ | $26,786 |
| FCX2025XMH679X0011 - JW CIVIL LLC | TUCSON, AZ | $16,550 |
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A 5-minute crew talk on 1926.1408(a)(2), plus alerts when this rule changes. Free.
OSHA interpretation letters
Related parts of this rule
- 1926.1408(a) Hazard assessments and precautions inside the work zone 30 citations
- 1926.1408(a)(1) Identify the work zone by either: 4 citations
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Frequently asked questions
What distance triggers the power line options?
If any part of the equipment, load line or load could get closer than 20 feet to a power line at maximum working radius.
What is Option 1?
Confirm from the utility owner/operator that the line is deenergized and visibly grounded at the worksite.
What is Option 3?
Determine the line's voltage and minimum approach distance under Table A, and follow paragraph (b) if equipment could get closer than that distance.
About this page
Sources
- 29 CFR 1926.1408 (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.