1910.333(b)(2)(ii)(A): Plan Safe Deenergizing First
Employers must determine safe procedures for deenergizing circuits and equipment before those circuits or equipment are deenergized.
Key takeaways
- 1910.333(b)(2)(ii)(A) is part of OSHA's general industry standards (29 CFR Part 1910, Subpart S).
- OSHA cited it 18 times in the last 3 years, in 18 inspections, with $95,271 in current penalties.
- 3 deaths are linked to inspections that cited this rule.
- Most citations: VA (2), TX (2), NE (2).
- Related part: 1910.333(b) Working on or near exposed deenergized parts (225 citations).
- Free 5-minute toolbox talk for your crew below.
In this article
What this rule covers
29 CFR 1910.333(b)(2)(ii)(A) is one requirement inside 1910.333 Selection and use of work practices, 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
(A) Safe procedures for deenergizing circuits and equipment shall be determined before circuits or equipment are deenergized. 18 citations
Source: eCFR, text current as of 2026-10-15. Read all of 1910.333.
Injuries linked to this rule
3 deaths are linked to inspections where OSHA cited 1910.333(b)(2)(ii)(A).
At approximately 4:20 a.m. on February 25, 2025, Employee #1 was working on an AirTrain switch electrical panel, attempting to replace blown fuses. During the task, the employee came into contact with energized components and received a 600-volt electric shock. Employee #1 was fatally electrocuted.
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 | 2 |
| 2024 | 7 |
| 2025 | 5 |
| 2026 | 4 |
Top states: VA (2), TX (2), NE (2), PR (2), OK (2)
Largest penalties
| Employer | Location | Penalty for this rule |
|---|---|---|
| ALSTOM TRANSPORTATION USA INC. | NEWARK, NJ | $16,550 |
| LOS LUNAS, VILLAGE OF, PARKS & RECREATION DEPARTMENT | LOS LUNAS, NM | $11,588 |
| NANKANI & SONS, INC. | CONROE, TX | $11,585 |
| PERDUE FARMS, LLC. | ACCOMAC, VA | $10,763 |
| CHIEF FABRICATION | GRAND ISLAND, NE | $10,163 |
Free toolbox talk
A 5-minute crew talk on 1910.333(b)(2)(ii)(A), plus alerts when this rule changes. Free.
OSHA interpretation letters
None exist. OSHA has not published a letter of interpretation for 1910.333(b)(2)(ii)(A).
Related parts of this rule
- 1910.333(b) Working on or near exposed deenergized parts 225 citations
- 1910.333(b)(2) Lockout and tagging 223 citations
- 1910.333(b)(2)(i) Procedures 61 citations
- 1910.333(b)(2)(iv) 31 citations
- 1910.333(b)(2)(ii) Deenergizing equipment 31 citations
- 1910.333(b)(2)(iv)(B) 24 citations
- 1910.333(b)(2)(iii) Application of locks and tags 20 citations
- 1910.333(b)(2)(iii)(A) 18 citations
- 1910.333(b)(2)(ii)(B) 12 citations
- 1910.333(b)(2)(v) Reenergizing equipment 4 citations
- 1910.333(b)(1) Application 2 citations
- 1910.333(b)(2)(iv)(A) 2 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
When must deenergizing procedures be decided?
Before circuits or equipment are deenergized.
Who determines the procedures?
The rule requires that safe procedures be determined; under this standard that is the employer's responsibility.
Does this apply to equipment as well as circuits?
Yes. It covers both circuits and equipment.
About this page
Sources
- 29 CFR 1910.333 (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.