1910.305(a)(2)(ix): Guarding Lamps for General Lighting
Employers must protect all lamps used for general lighting from accidental contact or breakage with a suitable fixture or lampholder with a guard. Brass shell, paper-lined sockets or other metal-cased sockets may not be used unless the shell is grounded.
Key takeaways
- 1910.305(a)(2)(ix) is part of OSHA's general industry standards (29 CFR Part 1910, Subpart S).
- OSHA cited it 100 times in the last 3 years, in 100 inspections, with $121,801 in current penalties.
- 1 death is linked to inspections that cited this rule.
- Most citations: IL (25), VA (10), NY (8).
- Related part: 1910.305(a) Wiring methods (382 citations).
- Free 5-minute toolbox talk for your crew below.
In this article
What this rule covers
29 CFR 1910.305(a)(2)(ix) is one requirement inside 1910.305 Wiring methods, components, and equipment for general use, 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
(ix) All lamps for general illumination shall be protected from accidental contact or breakage by a suitable fixture or lampholder with a guard. Brass shell, paper-lined sockets, or other metal-cased sockets may not be used unless the shell is grounded. 100 citations
Source: eCFR, text current as of 2026-10-15. Read all of 1910.305.
Injuries linked to this rule
1 death is linked to inspections where OSHA cited 1910.305(a)(2)(ix).
An employee was fabricating a part for an agricultural wagon using a drill presswhen it fell onto his head, causing multiple fatal injuries to the employee.
Where and how often it was cited
| Year | Citations |
|---|---|
| 2023 | 7 |
| 2024 | 41 |
| 2025 | 35 |
| 2026 | 17 |
Top states: IL (25), VA (10), NY (8), VI (6), FL (6)
Largest penalties
| Employer | Location | Penalty for this rule |
|---|---|---|
| THE GOODYEAR TIRE & RUBBER COMPANY | DANVILLE, VA | $12,135 |
| AEKO KULA LLC | HONOLULU, HI | $11,823 |
| CLUB DEMONSTRATION SERVICES INC | HONOLULU, HI | $10,050 |
| GERDAU AMERISTEEL US, INC. | WILTON, IA | $8,372 |
| CLARKS | FARMINGTON, CT | $6,500 |
Free toolbox talk
A 5-minute crew talk on 1910.305(a)(2)(ix), plus alerts when this rule changes. Free.
OSHA interpretation letters
None exist. OSHA has not published a letter of interpretation for 1910.305(a)(2)(ix).
Related parts of this rule
- 1910.305(a) Wiring methods 382 citations
- 1910.305(a)(2) Temporary wiring 358 citations
- 1910.305(a)(2)(x) 123 citations
- 1910.305(a)(2)(i) 77 citations
- 1910.305(a)(2)(ii) 27 citations
- 1910.305(a)(1) General requirements 19 citations
- 1910.305(a)(1)(i) 19 citations
- 1910.305(a)(2)(xi) 11 citations
- 1910.305(a)(2)(i)(B) 10 citations
- 1910.305(a)(2)(v) 8 citations
- 1910.305(a)(2)(v)(C) 8 citations
- 1910.305(a)(3) Cable trays
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
Do light bulbs need guards?
Yes. Lamps for general illumination must be protected from accidental contact or breakage by a suitable fixture or lampholder with a guard.
Can brass shell sockets be used?
Only if the shell is grounded.
What is the hazard?
Accidental contact with or breakage of the lamp.
About this page
Sources
- 29 CFR 1910.305 (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.