1910.305(j)(1): Safe Light Fixtures, Lampholders and Handlamps
Fixtures, lampholders, lamps, rosettes and receptacles may have no live parts normally exposed to contact, though rosettes and cleat-type lampholders and receptacles at least 8 feet above the floor may have exposed terminals. Portable handlamps need a molded or identified handle and a substantial guard, and metal shell, paper-lined lampholders may not be used. Screw-shell lampholders are for lamps only, and fixtures and lampholders in wet or damp locations must be suitable for them.
Key takeaways
- 1910.305(j)(1) is part of OSHA's general industry standards (29 CFR Part 1910, Subpart S).
- OSHA cited it 147 times in the last 3 years, in 147 inspections, with $174,688 in current penalties.
- 1 death is linked to inspections that cited this rule.
- Most citations: IL (25), VA (15), MD (13).
- 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) ("Lighting fixtures, lampholders, lamps, and receptacles") is one requirement inside 1910.305 Wiring methods, components, and equipment for general use, an OSHA general industry standard (Part 1910, Subpart S). It includes 4 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) Lighting fixtures, lampholders, lamps, and receptacles. 147 citations
(i) Fixtures, lampholders, lamps, rosettes, and receptacles may have no live parts normally exposed to employee contact. However, rosettes and cleat-type lampholders and receptacles located at least 2.44 m (8.0 ft) above the floor may have exposed terminals. Open (j)(1)(i) 115 citations
(ii) Handlamps of the portable type supplied through flexible cords shall be equipped with a handle of molded composition or other material identified for the purpose, and a substantial guard shall be attached to the lampholder or the handle. Metal shell, paper-lined lampholders may not be used. 4 citations
(iii) Lampholders of the screw-shell type shall be installed for use as lampholders only. Where supplied by a circuit having a grounded conductor, the grounded conductor shall be connected to the screw shell. Lampholders installed in wet or damp locations shall be of the weatherproof type. 1 citations
(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. Open (j)(1)(iv) 26 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(j)(1).
At 6:00 a.m. on January 9, 2024, a custodian was found deceased inside the entrance door of a school at the start of shift. It appears to have been a personal medical issue, possibly a heart attack, that caused his death.
Where and how often it was cited
| Year | Citations |
|---|---|
| 2023 | 7 |
| 2024 | 54 |
| 2025 | 45 |
| 2026 | 41 |
Top states: IL (25), VA (15), MD (13), PR (12), HI (12)
Largest penalties
| Employer | Location | Penalty for this rule |
|---|---|---|
| THE GOODYEAR TIRE & RUBBER COMPANY | DANVILLE, VA | $15,875 |
| THE HOME DEPOT #0457 | SCOTTSDALE, AZ | $15,211 |
| FREEMAC INC. | VIRGINIA BEACH, VA | $10,395 |
| ZIPS CAR WASH | SAN ANTONIO, TX | $9,376 |
| NOLATO GW, INC. | BETHEL, VT | $9,375 |
Free toolbox talk
A 5-minute crew talk on 1910.305(j)(1), 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).
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)(i) 115 citations
- 1910.305(j)(2)(iv) 113 citations
- 1910.305(j)(1)(iv) 26 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
Can light fixtures have exposed live parts?
No, except rosettes and cleat-type lampholders and receptacles located at least 8.0 feet above the floor may have exposed terminals.
What does a portable handlamp need?
A handle of molded composition or other identified material and a substantial guard on the lampholder or handle.
What about wet locations?
Lampholders must be weatherproof, and fixtures must be identified for the purpose and built so water cannot enter or accumulate in electrical parts.
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.