1910.333(c)(3)(i): Clearances for Unqualified Workers Near Overhead Lines
Unqualified workers near unguarded, energized overhead lines must keep themselves and any conductive object at least 10 feet away for lines 50kV or below to ground, plus 4 inches for every 10kV over 50kV. This applies when working elevated or on the ground. Objects without an insulating rating for the voltage are considered conductive.
Key takeaways
- 1910.333(c)(3)(i) is part of OSHA's general industry standards (29 CFR Part 1910, Subpart S).
- OSHA cited it 46 times in the last 3 years, in 46 inspections, with $229,517 in current penalties.
- 11 deaths are linked to inspections that cited this rule.
- Most citations: FL (13), TX (6), NY (4).
- Related part: 1910.333(c) Working on or near exposed energized parts (200 citations).
- Free 5-minute toolbox talk for your crew below.
In this article
What this rule covers
29 CFR 1910.333(c)(3)(i) ("Unqualified persons") 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
(i) Unqualified persons. 46 citations
(A) When an unqualified person is working in an elevated position near overhead lines, the location shall be such that the person and the longest conductive object he or she may contact cannot come closer to any unguarded, energized overhead line than the following distances: Open (c)(3)(i)(a) 36 citations
(1) For voltages to ground 50kV or below—10 ft. (305 cm);
(2) For voltages to ground over 50kV—10 ft. (305 cm) plus 4 in. (10 cm) for every 10kV over 50kV.
(B) When an unqualified person is working on the ground in the vicinity of overhead lines, the person may not bring any conductive object closer to unguarded, energized overhead lines than the distances given in paragraph (c)(3)(i)(A) of this section. Open (c)(3)(i)(b) 10 citations
For voltages normally encountered with overhead power lines, objects which do not have an insulating rating for the voltage involved are considered to be conductive.
Source: eCFR, text current as of 2026-10-15. Read all of 1910.333.
Injuries linked to this rule
11 deaths are linked to inspections where OSHA cited 1910.333(c)(3)(i).
At 9:03 a.m. on February 6, 2025, Employee #1 working for a tree care company was trimming a tree from a self-propelled boom lift. Using a 21-foot aluminum pole saw to clear up the canopy on a residential property, he turned his body causing him…
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 | 13 |
| 2025 | 22 |
| 2026 | 9 |
Top states: FL (13), TX (6), NY (4), MD (3), NJ (2)
Largest penalties
| Employer | Location | Penalty for this rule |
|---|---|---|
| 108756 - DISCOUNT TREE CARE INC | MAYER, MN | $25,000 |
| OSMOSE UTILITIES SERVICES, INC. | WEST HELENA, AR | $21,508 |
| HUNT FOREST PRODUCTS, LLC | POLLOCK, LA | $16,550 |
| SERIOUS TREE SERVICES LLC | ACWORTH, GA | $12,104 |
| CESAR GARCIA LANDSCAPING CORP. | MIAMI, FL | $11,598 |
Free toolbox talk
A 5-minute crew talk on 1910.333(c)(3)(i), plus alerts when this rule changes. Free.
OSHA interpretation letters
None exist. OSHA has not published a letter of interpretation for 1910.333(c)(3)(i).
Related parts of this rule
- 1910.333(c) Working on or near exposed energized parts 200 citations
- 1910.333(c)(3) Overhead lines 110 citations
- 1910.333(c)(2) Work on energized equipment 61 citations
- 1910.333(c)(3)(i)(A) 36 citations
- 1910.333(c)(3)(iii) Vehicular and mechanical equipment 27 citations
- 1910.333(c)(3)(iii)(A) 26 citations
- 1910.333(c)(7) Portable ladders 11 citations
- 1910.333(c)(6) Conductive materials and equipment 10 citations
- 1910.333(c)(3)(i)(B) 10 citations
Get your crew competent
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Frequently asked questions
How close can an unqualified worker get to a 50kV or lower line?
No closer than 10 feet, including the longest conductive object they may contact.
What about lines over 50kV?
10 feet plus 4 inches for every 10kV over 50kV.
Is a wooden ladder or pole considered conductive?
Objects that do not have an insulating rating for the voltage involved are considered conductive.
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 2026-10-22
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.