1910.269(l)(2): Two-Person Rule for High Voltage
At least two employees must be present for work such as installing, removing or repairing lines energized at more than 600 volts, work on deenergized lines or equipment where workers are exposed to parts energized at more than 600 volts, mechanical equipment near such parts (other than insulated aerial lifts), and work with equal or greater electrical hazards. Exceptions include routine switching where safe, certain live-line tool work, and emergency repairs to protect the public.
Key takeaways
- 1910.269(l)(2) is part of OSHA's general industry standards (29 CFR Part 1910, Subpart R).
- OSHA cited it 4 times in the last 3 years, in 4 inspections, with $24,754 in current penalties.
- 1 death is linked to inspections that cited this rule.
- Related part: 1910.269(l) Working on or near exposed energized parts (75 citations).
- Free 5-minute toolbox talk for your crew below.
In this article
What this rule covers
29 CFR 1910.269(l)(2) ("At least two employees") is one requirement inside 1910.269 Electric power generation, transmission, and distribution, an OSHA general industry standard (Part 1910, Subpart R). It includes 10 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) At least two employees. 4 citations
(i) Except as provided in paragraph (l)(2)(ii) of this section, at least two employees shall be present while any employees perform the following types of work: Open (l)(2)(i) 4 citations
(A) Installation, removal, or repair of lines energized at more than 600 volts,
(B) Installation, removal, or repair of deenergized lines if an employee is exposed to contact with other parts energized at more than 600 volts, 1 citations
(C) Installation, removal, or repair of equipment, such as transformers, capacitors, and regulators, if an employee is exposed to contact with parts energized at more than 600 volts, 1 citations
(D) Work involving the use of mechanical equipment, other than insulated aerial lifts, near parts energized at more than 600 volts, and
(E) Other work that exposes an employee to electrical hazards greater than, or equal to, the electrical hazards posed by operations listed specifically in paragraphs (l)(2)(i)(A) through (l)(2)(i)(D) of this section. Open (l)(2)(i)(e) 1 citations
(ii) Paragraph (l)(2)(i) of this section does not apply to the following operations:
(A) Routine circuit switching, when the employer can demonstrate that conditions at the site allow safe performance of this work,
(B) Work performed with live-line tools when the position of the employee is such that he or she is neither within reach of, nor otherwise exposed to contact with, energized parts, and
(C) Emergency repairs to the extent necessary to safeguard the general public.
Source: eCFR, text current as of 2026-10-15. Read all of 1910.269.
Injuries linked to this rule
1 death is linked to inspections where OSHA cited 1910.269(l)(2).
At 2:45 p.m. on January 7, 2025, an employee was locating underground power lines when he reached inside a transformer to retrieve a wire connected to the transformer. The employee sustained an arc flash and electrocution injury after contacting a live 7,200 volt gang switch.…
Where and how often it was cited
Free toolbox talk
A 5-minute crew talk on 1910.269(l)(2), plus alerts when this rule changes. Free.
OSHA interpretation letters
- Clarification on number of qualified employees required when working with electrical components. (2010-02-03)
- Qualifications required under 1910.269 for entry into manholes/vaults to perform work on energized conductors. (2006-11-21)
- Use of live-line tools and exemption to the requirement for at least two employees to be present during work on an energized part. (2006-10-19)
- Conditions allowing the use of insulating gloves without the use of insulating sleeves when working on or near exposed energized parts. (2006-09-01)
- Conditions rendering underground electrical power connections as unsafe to touch with bare hands. (2006-04-25)
- Determining voltage ratings for electrical insulating equipment used during electrical power distribution and transmission work. (2005-09-27)
- Grounding requirements for aerial lifts (bucket trucks) under the General Industry 1910.269 and Construction 1926.952 standards. (2004-10-05)
- Exceptions to minimum approach distances for power generation, transmission and distribution (2000-02-10)
- Minimum approach distances when using insulating gloves and sleeves. (1999-10-26)
- Appropriate safety practices for the removal of electrical meters. (1999-08-03)
- Stress cone work: worker protection and job briefings (1998-06-22)
Related parts of this rule
- 1910.269(l) Working on or near exposed energized parts 75 citations
- 1910.269(l)(3) Minimum approach distances 28 citations
- 1910.269(l)(3)(iii) 26 citations
- 1910.269(l)(8) Protection from flames and electric arcs 18 citations
- 1910.269(l)(1) General 13 citations
- 1910.269(l)(8)(v) 9 citations
- 1910.269(l)(1)(ii) 6 citations
- 1910.269(l)(5) Working position 6 citations
- 1910.269(l)(1)(iii) 5 citations
- 1910.269(l)(3)(iii)(A) 5 citations
- 1910.269(l)(5)(ii) 5 citations
- 1910.269(l)(2)(i) 4 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
When are at least two employees required?
For the listed work involving lines, equipment, or parts energized at more than 600 volts, and work with equal or greater electrical hazards.
Are there exceptions to the two-person rule?
Yes: routine circuit switching when shown safe, certain live-line tool work out of reach of energized parts, and emergency repairs to safeguard the public.
Does it apply to mechanical equipment?
Yes, to mechanical equipment other than insulated aerial lifts near parts energized at more than 600 volts.
About this page
Sources
- 29 CFR 1910.269 (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 2026-10-24
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.