1910.303(b)(2): Install and use listed equipment per its instructions
Electrical equipment that is listed or labeled (for example by a nationally recognized testing laboratory) must be installed and used according to any instructions that come with that listing or labeling.
Key takeaways
- 1910.303(b)(2) is part of OSHA's general industry standards (29 CFR Part 1910, Subpart S).
- OSHA cited it 2,289 times in the last 3 years, in 2,288 inspections, with $2,643,180 in current penalties.
- 5 deaths are linked to inspections that cited this rule.
- Most citations: TN (349), NY (174), CT (161).
- 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)(2) ("Installation and use") 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
(2) Installation and use. Listed or labeled equipment shall be installed and used in accordance with any instructions included in the listing or labeling. 2,289 citations
Source: eCFR, text current as of 2026-10-15. Read all of 1910.303.
Injuries linked to this rule
5 deaths are linked to inspections where OSHA cited 1910.303(b)(2).
At 9:00 a.m. on February 28, 2025, Employee #1 exited the forklift without setting the parking brake. The forklift rolled and trapped the employee's foot, pinning him between the forklift and the container. Employee #1 was found unconscious after he fell backwards striking his head.…
Full case list with employer, penalty, filters and download is part of OSHA Data (Purple Belt).
Unlock with Purple BeltWhere and how often it was cited
| Year | Citations |
|---|---|
| 2023 | 161 |
| 2024 | 766 |
| 2025 | 781 |
| 2026 | 581 |
Top states: TN (349), NY (174), CT (161), NV (139), VA (122)
Largest penalties
| Employer | Location | Penalty for this rule |
|---|---|---|
| AGUA CALIENTE CASINO CATHEDRAL CITY | CATHEDRAL CITY, CA | $23,506 |
| THE AUTO STORE LLC | CAMDEN, NJ | $20,427 |
| U.S. POSTAL SERVICE - LOS ANGELES NETWORK DISTRIBUTION CENTER | BELL, CA | $19,771 |
| CRAFT MACHINE WORKS INC | HAMPTON, VA | $16,100 |
| MAPS PH MANAGEMENT LLC | QUAKERTOWN, PA | $15,000 |
Free toolbox talk
A 5-minute crew talk on 1910.303(b)(2), plus alerts when this rule changes. Free.
OSHA interpretation letters
- Confidentiality of employee post-exposure evaluations as it pertains to the Bloodborne Pathogens Standard; use of portable fans in phlebotomy collection rooms. (2009-11-10)
- Acceptability of using a light switch as a disconnecting means for the electrical lockout/tagout standard. (2005-10-27)
- Use of personal cooling fans listed for "residential use only" in an industrial setting. (2005-02-01)
- Requirements for protecting against the automatic restart of low-voltage light-duty woodworking and metalworking equipment following an unscheduled electrical outage. (2005-01-31)
- Installation and use of electrical equipment must be consistent with NRTL intructions for that equipment. (2003-08-26)
- Workplace use of electrical equipment designated as "Household Use Only" and recordkeeping requirements. (2003-07-16)
- Electrical conductors and equipment must be approved and used according to its listing/label. (2003-05-27)
- Compliance requirements for relocatable power taps or "power strips" (2002-11-18)
- Applicable OSHA standards and safety considerations for microwave device use in a laboratory (2002-08-08)
- The listing requirements in the U.S. for Industrial Packaging equipment. (1990-02-28)
Related parts of this rule
- 1910.303(b) Examination, installation, and use of equipment 3,837 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)(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
Is using listed equipment outside its instructions a violation?
Yes. Listed or labeled equipment must be installed and used in accordance with the instructions included in the listing or labeling.
What does listed or labeled mean?
The equipment has been evaluated and marked as suitable for a stated purpose. The listing or labeling instructions set how it may be installed and used.
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.