1910.303(b)(1): Electrical Equipment Free of Hazards
Employers must make sure electric equipment is free from known hazards likely to cause death or serious harm to workers. Safety is judged by suitability for the use, which listing or labeling can show, plus strength and durability, wire-bending and connection space, insulation, heating and arcing effects, the equipment's type, size, voltage and current rating, and other factors that protect people.
Key takeaways
- 1910.303(b)(1) is part of OSHA's general industry standards (29 CFR Part 1910, Subpart S).
- OSHA cited it 489 times in the last 3 years, in 484 inspections, with $1,451,352 in current penalties.
- 1 death is linked to inspections that cited this rule.
- Most citations: NJ (51), TX (44), IL (40).
- 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) ("Examination") is one requirement inside 1910.303 General, an OSHA general industry standard (Part 1910, Subpart S). It includes 8 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
(1) Examination. Electric equipment shall be free from recognized hazards that are likely to cause death or serious physical harm to employees. Safety of equipment shall be determined using the following considerations: 489 citations
(i) Suitability for installation and use in conformity with the provisions of this subpart; Open (b)(1)(i) 24 citations
Suitability of equipment for an identified purpose may be evidenced by listing or labeling for that identified purpose.
(ii) Mechanical strength and durability, including, for parts designed to enclose and protect other equipment, the adequacy of the protection thus provided; Open (b)(1)(ii) 38 citations
(iii) Wire-bending and connection space;
(iv) Electrical insulation; Open (b)(1)(iv) 47 citations
(v) Heating effects under all conditions of use; 1 citations
(vi) Arcing effects; 3 citations
(vii) Classification by type, size, voltage, current capacity, and specific use; and 8 citations
(viii) Other factors that contribute to the practical safeguarding of persons using or likely to come in contact with the equipment. Open (b)(1)(viii) 20 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).
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 | 38 |
| 2024 | 186 |
| 2025 | 147 |
| 2026 | 118 |
Top states: NJ (51), TX (44), IL (40), MI (30), NY (28)
Largest penalties
| Employer | Location | Penalty for this rule |
|---|---|---|
| MAPS PH MANAGEMENT LLC | QUAKERTOWN, PA | $115,000 |
| PETCO ANIMAL SUPPLIES STORES INC. | BANGOR, ME | $18,050 |
| 84 LUMBER COMPANY, LIMITED PARTNERSHIP | MOUNTAIN HOME, ID | $16,550 |
| ROEHM AMERICA, LLC | BAY CITY, TX | $16,550 |
| AEE | YAUCO, PR | $16,550 |
Free toolbox talk
A 5-minute crew talk on 1910.303(b)(1), plus alerts when this rule changes. Free.
OSHA interpretation letters
- Approval of employee-furnished equipment for use in hazardous locations; definition of "electric utilization equipment." (2006-07-24)
- Clarification of under voltage protection on metal-working equipment and emergency stop devices. (1999-04-28)
- Acceptable job-made extension cords. (1992-06-17)
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)(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)(ii) 38 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 factors decide if electric equipment is safe?
Suitability for the use, mechanical strength, wire-bending and connection space, insulation, heating effects, arcing effects, classification by type, size, voltage and current, and other safeguarding factors.
How can I tell if equipment is suitable for a use?
Listing or labeling for that identified purpose can show suitability.
Who must make sure equipment is hazard-free?
The employer must ensure electric equipment is free from recognized hazards likely to cause death or serious physical harm.
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.