1910.303(b)(1)(ii): Strength and Durability of Electrical Equipment
When judging whether electrical equipment is free from recognized hazards, employers must consider its mechanical strength and durability, including, for parts that enclose and protect other equipment, how well they protect it.
Key takeaways
- 1910.303(b)(1)(ii) is part of OSHA's general industry standards (29 CFR Part 1910, Subpart S).
- OSHA cited it 38 times in the last 3 years, in 38 inspections, with $100,793 in current penalties.
- 1 death is linked to inspections that cited this rule.
- Most citations: VA (7), NE (4), HI (4).
- Related part: 1910.303(b) Examination, installation, and use of equipment (3,837 citations).
- Free 5-minute toolbox talk for your crew below.
In this article
What this rule covers
29 CFR 1910.303(b)(1)(ii) is one requirement inside 1910.303 General, an OSHA general industry standard (Part 1910, Subpart S). 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
(ii) Mechanical strength and durability, including, for parts designed to enclose and protect other equipment, the adequacy of the protection thus provided; 38 citations
Source: eCFR, text current as of 2026-10-15. Read all of 1910.303.
Injuries linked to this rule
1 death is linked to inspections where OSHA cited 1910.303(b)(1)(ii).
At 2:30 p.m. on November 12, 2024, Employee #1, employed by a recycling company,was attempting to clear debris below a conveyor belt when the machine unexpectedly activated, causing the employee to be crushed. The employee suffered blunt trauma from the crushing incident and was later…
Where and how often it was cited
| Year | Citations |
|---|---|
| 2023 | 1 |
| 2024 | 16 |
| 2025 | 9 |
| 2026 | 12 |
Top states: VA (7), NE (4), HI (4), ME (4), NY (3)
Largest penalties
| Employer | Location | Penalty for this rule |
|---|---|---|
| PETCO ANIMAL SUPPLIES STORES INC. | BANGOR, ME | $18,050 |
| LOVE'S TRAVEL STOP AND COUNTRY STORES, INC. | TOMS BROOK, VA | $12,075 |
| NEBRASKA BEEF, LTD | OMAHA, NE | $7,950 |
| TYSON FOODS | DAKOTA CITY, NE | $7,717 |
| TARGET CORPORATION | OMAHA, NE | $7,600 |
Free toolbox talk
A 5-minute crew talk on 1910.303(b)(1)(ii), plus alerts when this rule changes. Free.
OSHA interpretation letters
None exist. OSHA has not published a letter of interpretation for 1910.303(b)(1)(ii).
Related parts of this rule
- 1910.303(b) Examination, installation, and use of equipment 3,837 citations
- 1910.303(b)(2) Installation and use 2,289 citations
- 1910.303(b)(7) Mechanical execution of work 827 citations
- 1910.303(b)(1) Examination 489 citations
- 1910.303(b)(7)(iv) 398 citations
- 1910.303(b)(7)(i) 349 citations
- 1910.303(b)(8) Mounting and cooling of equipment 145 citations
- 1910.303(b)(8)(i) 143 citations
- 1910.303(b)(6) Deteriorating agents 75 citations
- 1910.303(b)(1)(iv) 47 citations
- 1910.303(b)(1)(i) 24 citations
- 1910.303(b)(1)(viii) 20 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
What does 1910.303(b)(1)(ii) cover?
Mechanical strength and durability of electrical equipment as one factor in judging it safe.
Does it include enclosures?
Yes. For parts designed to enclose and protect other equipment, the adequacy of that protection is considered.
Is this a standalone rule?
It is one of the factors listed under 1910.303(b)(1) for examining electrical equipment.
About this page
Sources
- 29 CFR 1910.303 (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.