1910.269(n)(2): Grounding Lines Worked as Deenergized
Before employees work transmission and distribution lines or equipment as deenergized, the employer must deenergize them under paragraph (m) and ground them properly. If the employer can show grounding is impracticable or more dangerous, lines may be treated as deenergized only if they are deenergized under (m), there is no possibility of contact with another energized source, and no induced voltage hazard is present.
Key takeaways
- 1910.269(n)(2) is part of OSHA's general industry standards (29 CFR Part 1910, Subpart R).
- OSHA cited it 6 times in the last 3 years, in 6 inspections, with $46,072 in current penalties.
- 1 death is linked to inspections that cited this rule.
- Related part: 1910.269(n) Grounding for the protection of employees (8 citations).
- Free 5-minute toolbox talk for your crew below.
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In this article
What this rule covers
29 CFR 1910.269(n)(2) ("General") is one requirement inside 1910.269 Electric power generation, transmission, and distribution, an OSHA general industry standard (Part 1910, Subpart R). It includes 3 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) General. For any employee to work transmission and distribution lines or equipment as deenergized, the employer shall ensure that the lines or equipment are deenergized under the provisions of paragraph (m) of this section and shall ensure proper grounding of the lines or equipment as specified in paragraphs (n)(3) through (n)(8) of this section. However, if the employer can demonstrate that installation of a ground is impracticable or that the conditions resulting from the installation of a ground would present greater hazards to employees than working without grounds, the lines and equipment may be treated as deenergized provided that the employer establishes that all of the following conditions apply: 6 citations
(i) The employer ensures that the lines and equipment are deenergized under the provisions of paragraph (m) of this section.
(ii) There is no possibility of contact with another energized source.
(iii) The hazard of induced voltage is not present.
Source: eCFR, text current as of 2026-10-15. Read all of 1910.269.
Export the list: 6 inspections cited 1910.269(n)(2) in the last 3 years, with employer, location, penalty and date.
Purple Belt, $59/moInjuries linked to this rule
1 death is linked to inspections where OSHA cited 1910.269(n)(2).
On July 31, 2024, an employee working for an electrical contractor was shocked while replacing flood-damaged electrical cable. The employee died due to electrocution.
Where and how often it was cited
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A 5-minute crew talk on 1910.269(n)(2), plus alerts when this rule changes. Free.
OSHA interpretation letters
None exist. OSHA has not published a letter of interpretation for 1910.269(n)(2).
Related parts of this rule
- 1910.269(n) Grounding for the protection of employees 8 citations
- 1910.269(n)(3) Equipotential zone 1 citations
- 1910.269(n)(6) Connecting and removing grounds
- 1910.269(n)(7) Additional precautions
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Frequently asked questions
What two steps are required before working lines as deenergized?
The lines must be deenergized under paragraph (m) and properly grounded as described in (n)(3) through (n)(8).
Can lines ever be worked as deenergized without grounds?
Only if the employer can show grounding is impracticable or more hazardous, and all three listed conditions apply.
What are the three conditions for working without grounds?
The lines are deenergized under paragraph (m), there is no possibility of contact with another energized source, and induced voltage is not present.
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 2026-11-06
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.