1910.333(b)(2)(iv): Verify Equipment Is Deenergized
Before circuits or equipment can be treated as deenergized, a qualified person must operate the controls or otherwise verify the equipment cannot restart, and use test equipment to verify the parts workers will be exposed to are deenergized, including checking for induced voltage or backfeed. For circuits over 600 volts, nominal, the tester must be checked for proper operation immediately before and immediately after the test.
Key takeaways
- 1910.333(b)(2)(iv) is part of OSHA's general industry standards (29 CFR Part 1910, Subpart S).
- OSHA cited it 31 times in the last 3 years, in 30 inspections, with $150,805 in current penalties.
- 3 deaths are linked to inspections that cited this rule.
- Most citations: MI (6), VA (5), OK (3).
- 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)(iv) is one requirement inside 1910.333 Selection and use of work practices, an OSHA general industry standard (Part 1910, Subpart S). It includes 2 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
(iv) Verification of deenergized condition. The requirements of this paragraph shall be met before any circuits or equipment can be considered and worked as deenergized. 31 citations
(A) A qualified person shall operate the equipment operating controls or otherwise verify that the equipment cannot be restarted. Open (b)(2)(iv)(a) 2 citations
(B) A qualified person shall use test equipment to test the circuit elements and electrical parts of equipment to which employees will be exposed and shall verify that the circuit elements and equipment parts are deenergized. The test shall also determine if any energized condition exists as a result of inadvertently induced voltage or unrelated voltage backfeed even though specific parts of the circuit have been deenergized and presumed to be safe. If the circuit to be tested is over 600 volts, nominal, the test equipment shall be checked for proper operation immediately before and immediately after this test. Open (b)(2)(iv)(b) 24 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)(iv).
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 |
|---|---|
| 2024 | 16 |
| 2025 | 11 |
| 2026 | 4 |
Top states: MI (6), VA (5), OK (3), MA (3), TX (3)
Largest penalties
| Employer | Location | Penalty for this rule |
|---|---|---|
| PROLEC-GE WAUKESHA, INC. | WAUKESHA, WI | $16,550 |
| UNIVERSITY OF VIRGINIA | CHARLOTTESVILLE, VA | $16,285 |
| UPS INSTRUMENT & ELECTRICAL SERVICES, LLC | TULSA, OK | $16,131 |
| COMMUNICATIONS TEST DESIGN, INC. | CAMBRIDGE, MA | $16,131 |
| NIDRA LLC | CHESAPEAKE, VA | $15,875 |
Free toolbox talk
A 5-minute crew talk on 1910.333(b)(2)(iv), plus alerts when this rule changes. Free.
OSHA interpretation letters
- Whether an LED type device ca be used for the isolation and deenergization verification requirements of 1910.147 and 1910.333. (2012-12-12)
- Verification procedures for group lockout/tagout. (1999-11-16)
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)(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)(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
Who must verify the deenergized condition?
A qualified person.
What must the test check for?
That circuit elements and parts are deenergized, and whether any energized condition exists from inadvertently induced voltage or unrelated voltage backfeed.
When must the tester itself be checked?
If the circuit is over 600 volts, nominal, immediately before and immediately after the test.
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.