1926.416(a)(2): Insulated Gloves Near Unknown Underground Lines
Where the exact location of underground electric powerlines is unknown, employees using jack-hammers, bars or other hand tools that may contact a line must be provided with insulated protective gloves.
Key takeaways
- 1926.416(a)(2) is part of OSHA's construction standards (29 CFR Part 1926, Subpart K).
- OSHA cited it 3 times in the last 3 years, in 3 inspections, with $6,406 in current penalties.
- 1 death is linked to inspections that cited this rule.
- Related part: 1926.416(a) Protection of employees (606 citations).
- Free 5-minute toolbox talk for your crew below.
In this article
What this rule covers
29 CFR 1926.416(a)(2) is one requirement inside 1926.416 General requirements, an OSHA construction standard (Part 1926, Subpart K). 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) In work areas where the exact location of underground electric powerlines is unknown, employees using jack-hammers, bars, or other hand tools which may contact a line shall be provided with insulated protective gloves. 3 citations
Source: eCFR, text current as of 2026-10-15. Read all of 1926.416.
Injuries linked to this rule
1 death is linked to inspections where OSHA cited 1926.416(a)(2).
At 11:30 a.m. on August 9, 2024, Employee #1 was working at a residential site and reached inside a handhole to perform tasks. The employee made contact with an exposed wire and was electrocuted by a live 208V electrical line. Emergency services were called, but…
Where and how often it was cited
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A 5-minute crew talk on 1926.416(a)(2), plus alerts when this rule changes. Free.
OSHA interpretation letters
None exist. OSHA has not published a letter of interpretation for 1926.416(a)(2).
Related parts of this rule
- 1926.416(a) Protection of employees 606 citations
- 1926.416(a)(1) 469 citations
- 1926.416(a)(3) 134 citations
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Frequently asked questions
When are insulated gloves required?
In work areas where the exact location of underground electric powerlines is unknown.
Which tools trigger this rule?
Jack-hammers, bars or other hand tools which may contact a line.
Who provides the gloves?
Employees must be provided with them.
About this page
Sources
- 29 CFR 1926.416 (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.