1926.416(b): Electrical Work Spaces and Cords in Walkways
Employers must provide barriers or other guarding so the work space for electrical equipment is not used as a passageway while energized parts are exposed. Working spaces, walkways and similar locations must be kept clear of cords so they do not create a hazard.
Key takeaways
- 1926.416(b) is part of OSHA's construction standards (29 CFR Part 1926, Subpart K).
- OSHA cited it 22 times in the last 3 years, in 22 inspections, with $41,397 in current penalties.
- Most citations: PR (10), FL (4), VA (3).
- Related part: 1926.416(b)(2) (19 citations).
- Free 5-minute toolbox talk for your crew below.
In this article
What this rule covers
29 CFR 1926.416(b) ("Passageways and open spaces") is one requirement inside 1926.416 General requirements, an OSHA construction standard (Part 1926, Subpart K). It includes 1 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
(b) Passageways and open spaces —-(1) Barriers or other means of guarding shall be provided to ensure that workspace for electrical equipment will not be used as a passageway during periods when energized parts of electrical equipment are exposed. 22 citations
(2) Working spaces, walkways, and similar locations shall be kept clear of cords so as not to create a hazard to employees. Open (b)(2) 19 citations
Source: eCFR, text current as of 2026-10-15. Read all of 1926.416.
Where and how often it was cited
| Year | Citations |
|---|---|
| 2024 | 7 |
| 2025 | 14 |
| 2026 | 1 |
Top states: PR (10), FL (4), VA (3), PA (2), NV (2)
Largest penalties
| Employer | Location | Penalty for this rule |
|---|---|---|
| KANDK CONSTRUCTION LLC. | ALLENTOWN, PA | $6,453 |
| RAMOS CUSTOM CARPENTRY | CLEARWATER BEACH, FL | $4,148 |
| R.L. JAMES INC. GENERAL CONTRACTOR | SAINT PETERSBURG, FL | $3,872 |
| E. T. GRESHAM COMPANY INC | GLOUCESTER, VA | $2,818 |
| NHOE REMODELING INC | MONTVERDE, FL | $2,765 |
Free toolbox talk
A 5-minute crew talk on 1926.416(b), plus alerts when this rule changes. Free.
OSHA interpretation letters
None exist. OSHA has not published a letter of interpretation for 1926.416(b).
Related parts of this rule
- 1926.416(b)(2) 19 citations
Get your crew competent
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Frequently asked questions
When must electrical work space be guarded from foot traffic?
During periods when energized parts of electrical equipment are exposed.
What must be kept out of walkways?
Cords, so as not to create a hazard to employees.
What kind of guarding is required?
Barriers or other means of guarding.
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.