1910.269(l)(3)(i): Set Minimum Approach Distances
Employers must establish minimum approach distances no less than the distances computed by Table R-3 for ac systems or Table R-8 for dc systems.
Key takeaways
- 1910.269(l)(3)(i) is part of OSHA's general industry standards (29 CFR Part 1910, Subpart R).
- OSHA cited it 2 times in the last 3 years, in 2 inspections, with $16,960 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)(3)(i) is one requirement inside 1910.269 Electric power generation, transmission, and distribution, an OSHA general industry standard (Part 1910, Subpart R). 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
(i) The employer shall establish minimum approach distances no less than the distances computed by Table R-3 for ac systems or Table R-8 for dc systems. 2 citations
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)(3)(i).
At 12:16 p.m. on May 17, 2024, Employee #1, while working on a secondary power line at a residence, was checking for voltage fluctuations. The task involved repairing and splicing the line. The employees were using a boom lift to performthe work. A coworker, who…
Where and how often it was cited
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OSHA interpretation letters
- Extended enforcement dates for minimum approach distances to electrical power lines (2016-01-20)
- Conditions allowing the use of insulating gloves without the use of insulating sleeves when working on or near exposed energized parts. (2006-09-01)
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) At least two employees 4 citations
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Frequently asked questions
Who sets minimum approach distances?
The employer.
What tables are used?
Table R-3 for ac systems or Table R-8 for dc systems.
Can the distances be smaller than the tables?
No, they must be no less than the computed distances.
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.