1910.335(b): Electrical Hazard Alerting Techniques
Employers must use safety signs, symbols or accident prevention tags where needed to warn employees about electrical hazards, as required by 1910.145. Barricades must be used with signs where needed to prevent or limit access to areas with uninsulated energized parts, but conductive barricades may not be used where they could cause contact. If signs and barricades are not enough, an attendant must be stationed to warn and protect employees.
Key takeaways
- 1910.335(b) is part of OSHA's general industry standards (29 CFR Part 1910, Subpart S).
- OSHA cited it 35 times in the last 3 years, in 32 inspections, with $232,498 in current penalties.
- 2 deaths are linked to inspections that cited this rule.
- Most citations: TX (7), PA (4), MI (3).
- Related part: 1910.335(b)(1) Safety signs and tags (18 citations).
- Free 5-minute toolbox talk for your crew below.
In this article
What this rule covers
29 CFR 1910.335(b) ("Alerting techniques") is one requirement inside 1910.335 Safeguards for personnel protection, an OSHA general industry standard (Part 1910, Subpart S). It includes 3 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
(b) Alerting techniques. The following alerting techniques shall be used to warn and protect employees from hazards which could cause injury due to electric shock, burns, or failure of electric equipment parts: 35 citations
(1) Safety signs and tags. Safety signs, safety symbols, or accident prevention tags shall be used where necessary to warn employees about electrical hazards which may endanger them, as required by § 1910.145. Open (b)(1) 18 citations
(2) Barricades. Barricades shall be used in conjunction with safety signs where it is necessary to prevent or limit employee access to work areas exposing employees to uninsulated energized conductors or circuit parts. Conductive barricades may not be used where they might cause an electrical contact hazard. 7 citations
(3) Attendants. If signs and barricades do not provide sufficient warning and protection from electrical hazards, an attendant shall be stationed to warn and protect employees. Open (b)(3) 4 citations
[55 FR 32020, Aug. 6, 1990]
Source: eCFR, text current as of 2026-10-15. Read all of 1910.335.
Injuries linked to this rule
2 deaths are linked to inspections where OSHA cited 1910.335(b).
At 5:00 p.m. on April 2, 2024, an employee and a coworker (foreman) working for a utilities service were treating a utility pole with chemicals for to prevent pests. The crew was preparing the pole for the installation of a steel support truss. They had…
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 | 3 |
| 2024 | 21 |
| 2025 | 7 |
| 2026 | 4 |
Top states: TX (7), PA (4), MI (3), OK (3), FL (2)
Largest penalties
| Employer | Location | Penalty for this rule |
|---|---|---|
| GAGE TREE SERVICE LLC | CHUGIAK, AK | $99,308 |
| OSMOSE UTILITIES SERVICES, INC. | WEST HELENA, AR | $21,508 |
| JBL ELECTRIC, INC. | SOUTH PLAINFIELD, NJ | $18,070 |
| HUBBELL INC. | READING, PA | $18,000 |
| SOLVAY CHEMICALS, INC | LA PORTE, TX | $12,340 |
Free toolbox talk
A 5-minute crew talk on 1910.335(b), plus alerts when this rule changes. Free.
OSHA interpretation letters
- OSHA requirements for warning signs and protection from electric-arc-flash hazards and compliance with NFPA 70E-2004. (2006-11-14)
Related parts of this rule
- 1910.335(b)(1) Safety signs and tags 18 citations
- 1910.335(b)(3) Attendants 4 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 barricades be used?
In conjunction with safety signs where it is necessary to prevent or limit access to work areas exposing employees to uninsulated energized conductors or circuit parts.
Can metal barricades be used?
Conductive barricades may not be used where they might cause an electrical contact hazard.
When is an attendant required?
If signs and barricades do not provide sufficient warning and protection from electrical hazards.
About this page
Sources
- 29 CFR 1910.335 (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.