1910.334(a)(4): Electrical Equipment in Wet Locations
Employers must make sure portable electric equipment and flexible cords used in highly conductive work locations, such as those inundated with water or other conductive liquids, or where employees are likely to contact water or conductive liquids, are approved for those locations.
Key takeaways
- 1910.334(a)(4) is part of OSHA's general industry standards (29 CFR Part 1910, Subpart S).
- OSHA cited it 15 times in the last 3 years, in 15 inspections, with $20,217 in current penalties.
- Most citations: IA (3), NC (2), CT (1).
- Related part: 1910.334(a) Portable electric equipment (956 citations).
- Free 5-minute toolbox talk for your crew below.
In this article
What this rule covers
29 CFR 1910.334(a)(4) ("Conductive work locations") is one requirement inside 1910.334 Use of equipment, 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
(4) Conductive work locations. Portable electric equipment and flexible cords used in highly conductive work locations (such as those inundated with water or other conductive liquids), or in job locations where employees are likely to contact water or conductive liquids, shall be approved for those locations. 15 citations
Source: eCFR, text current as of 2026-10-15. Read all of 1910.334.
Where and how often it was cited
| Year | Citations |
|---|---|
| 2023 | 1 |
| 2024 | 1 |
| 2025 | 10 |
| 2026 | 3 |
Top states: IA (3), NC (2), CT (1), MN (1), OR (1)
Largest penalties
| Employer | Location | Penalty for this rule |
|---|---|---|
| DPJL LLC | CARRIZOZO, NM | $4,966 |
| VICTORIA GRANITE WORKS, INC. | CICERO, IL | $3,547 |
| 317739245 - BROOKDALE SENIOR LIVING COMMUNITIES INC | GRESHAM, OR | $3,177 |
| 108464 - U OF M LANDSCAPE ARBORETUM | CHASKA, MN | $2,520 |
| VERBIO NORTH AMERICA | NEVADA, IA | $1,675 |
Free toolbox talk
A 5-minute crew talk on 1910.334(a)(4), plus alerts when this rule changes. Free.
OSHA interpretation letters
None exist. OSHA has not published a letter of interpretation for 1910.334(a)(4).
Related parts of this rule
- 1910.334(a) Portable electric equipment 956 citations
- 1910.334(a)(2) Visual inspection 830 citations
- 1910.334(a)(2)(ii) 484 citations
- 1910.334(a)(2)(i) 344 citations
- 1910.334(a)(3) Grounding-type equipment 80 citations
- 1910.334(a)(3)(i) 52 citations
- 1910.334(a)(1) Handling 29 citations
- 1910.334(a)(3)(ii) 26 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
What is a conductive work location?
A location such as one inundated with water or other conductive liquids.
What equipment must be approved?
Portable electric equipment and flexible cords used there.
Does this apply if workers may just contact water?
Yes. It applies where employees are likely to contact water or conductive liquids.
About this page
Sources
- 29 CFR 1910.334 (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.