1910.303(g)(1)(i): Working Space Around Live Electrical Equipment
Employers must keep clear working space in front of electrical equipment that may be examined, adjusted, serviced or maintained while energized. The space must meet the depth in Table S-1, be at least as wide as the equipment or 30 inches, whichever is greater, allow equipment doors to open at least 90 degrees, and stay clear from the floor to the required height.
Key takeaways
- 1910.303(g)(1)(i) is part of OSHA's general industry standards (29 CFR Part 1910, Subpart S).
- OSHA cited it 436 times in the last 3 years, in 430 inspections, with $747,006 in current penalties.
- 3 deaths are linked to inspections that cited this rule.
- Most citations: VA (37), AK (34), TN (32).
- Related part: 1910.303(g) 600 Volts, nominal, or less (3,265 citations).
- Free 5-minute toolbox talk for your crew below.
In this article
What this rule covers
29 CFR 1910.303(g)(1)(i) is one requirement inside 1910.303 General, an OSHA general industry standard (Part 1910, Subpart S). 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
(i) Working space for equipment likely to require examination, adjustment, servicing, or maintenance while energized shall comply with the following dimensions, except as required or permitted elsewhere in this subpart: 436 citations
(A) The depth of the working space in the direction of access to live parts may not be less than indicated in Table S-1. Distances shall be measured from the live parts if they are exposed or from the enclosure front or opening if they are enclosed; Open (g)(1)(i)(a) 176 citations
(B) The width of working space in front of the electric equipment shall be the width of the equipment or 762 mm (30 in.), whichever is greater. In all cases, the working space shall permit at least a 90-degree opening of equipment doors or hinged panels; and Open (g)(1)(i)(b) 87 citations
(C) The work space shall be clear and extend from the grade, floor, or platform to the height required by paragraph (g)(1)(vi) of this section. However, other equipment associated with the electrical installation and located above or below the electric equipment may extend not more than 153 mm (6 in.) beyond the front of the electric equipment. Open (g)(1)(i)(c) 24 citations
Source: eCFR, text current as of 2026-10-15. Read all of 1910.303.
Injuries linked to this rule
3 deaths are linked to inspections where OSHA cited 1910.303(g)(1)(i).
At 3:20 p.m. on December 27, 2024, an employee returned from lunch and entered the water purifying system room (utility room) inside the establishment. Minuteslater, the employee was found unresponsive on the floor by a coworker. The medical examiner determined the cause of death as…
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 | 28 |
| 2024 | 169 |
| 2025 | 166 |
| 2026 | 73 |
Top states: VA (37), AK (34), TN (32), UT (31), OR (22)
Largest penalties
| Employer | Location | Penalty for this rule |
|---|---|---|
| FUYAO GLASS AMERICA INC. | MORAINE, OH | $99,300 |
| KROGER COMPANY #359 | KINGWOOD, TX | $57,044 |
| DOLLAR TREE INC | ALEXANDRIA, VA | $21,075 |
| CASE FARMS PROCESSING, INC. | WINESBURG, OH | $16,550 |
| MOUNTAINVIEW REGIONAL MEDICAL CENTER | LAS CRUCES, NM | $16,071 |
Free toolbox talk
A 5-minute crew talk on 1910.303(g)(1)(i), plus alerts when this rule changes. Free.
OSHA interpretation letters
Related parts of this rule
- 1910.303(g) 600 Volts, nominal, or less 3,265 citations
- 1910.303(g)(1) Space about electric equipment 2,528 citations
- 1910.303(g)(1)(ii) 817 citations
- 1910.303(g)(2) Guarding of live parts 737 citations
- 1910.303(g)(2)(i) 587 citations
- 1910.303(g)(1)(i)(A) 176 citations
- 1910.303(g)(2)(ii) 132 citations
- 1910.303(g)(1)(i)(B) 87 citations
- 1910.303(g)(1)(i)(C) 24 citations
- 1910.303(g)(1)(iii) 24 citations
- 1910.303(g)(1)(v) 11 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
How wide must the working space in front of electrical equipment be?
The width of the equipment or 30 inches (762 mm), whichever is greater.
How far must equipment doors be able to open?
The working space must allow equipment doors or hinged panels to open at least 90 degrees.
Can other equipment stick out into the working space?
Associated electrical equipment above or below may extend not more than 6 inches (153 mm) beyond the front of the electric 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.