1910.305(j)(1)(iv): Light Fixtures in Wet or Damp Locations
Employers must make sure light fixtures installed in wet or damp locations are identified for that purpose and built or installed so water cannot enter or accumulate in wireways, lampholders or other electrical parts.
Key takeaways
- 1910.305(j)(1)(iv) is part of OSHA's general industry standards (29 CFR Part 1910, Subpart S).
- OSHA cited it 26 times in the last 3 years, in 26 inspections, with $28,416 in current penalties.
- Most citations: HI (10), NV (3), PA (2).
- Related part: 1910.305(j) Equipment for general use (359 citations).
- Free 5-minute toolbox talk for your crew below.
In this article
What this rule covers
29 CFR 1910.305(j)(1)(iv) 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
(iv) Fixtures installed in wet or damp locations shall be identified for the purpose and shall be so constructed or installed that water cannot enter or accumulate in wireways, lampholders, or other electrical parts. 26 citations
Source: eCFR, text current as of 2026-10-15. Read all of 1910.305.
Where and how often it was cited
| Year | Citations |
|---|---|
| 2023 | 2 |
| 2024 | 11 |
| 2025 | 7 |
| 2026 | 6 |
Top states: HI (10), NV (3), PA (2), MD (2), MI (2)
Largest penalties
| Employer | Location | Penalty for this rule |
|---|---|---|
| NOLATO GW, INC. | BETHEL, VT | $9,375 |
| NACHO DADDY LLC | LAS VEGAS, NV | $6,696 |
| BRICKYARD HOLLOW BREWING COMPANY | NEW GLOUCESTER, ME | $4,965 |
| 2885DH LLC | HONOLULU, HI | $3,939 |
| LILIHA BAKERY II INC | HONOLULU, HI | $2,461 |
Free toolbox talk
A 5-minute crew talk on 1910.305(j)(1)(iv), plus alerts when this rule changes. Free.
OSHA interpretation letters
None exist. OSHA has not published a letter of interpretation for 1910.305(j)(1)(iv).
Related parts of this rule
- 1910.305(j) Equipment for general use 359 citations
- 1910.305(j)(2) Receptacles, cord connectors, and attachment plugs (caps) 192 citations
- 1910.305(j)(1) Lighting fixtures, lampholders, lamps, and receptacles 147 citations
- 1910.305(j)(1)(i) 115 citations
- 1910.305(j)(2)(iv) 113 citations
- 1910.305(j)(2)(vi) 26 citations
- 1910.305(j)(2)(v) 24 citations
- 1910.305(j)(2)(vii) 23 citations
- 1910.305(j)(4) Motors 13 citations
- 1910.305(j)(3) Appliances 7 citations
- 1910.305(j)(3)(i) 4 citations
- 1910.305(j)(7) Storage Batteries
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 fixtures can be used in wet or damp places?
Fixtures identified for the purpose.
What must the installation prevent?
Water entering or accumulating in wireways, lampholders or other electrical parts.
Who is responsible?
The employer.
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.
