1926.1408(b): Preventing Crane Power Line Encroachment
When encroachment precautions are required, employers must hold a planning meeting, use only non-conductive tag lines and set up an elevated warning line, barricade or line of signs at the required distance in view of the operator. They must also use at least one more measure, such as a proximity alarm or a dedicated spotter in continuous contact with the operator.
Key takeaways
- 1926.1408(b) is part of OSHA's construction standards (29 CFR Part 1926, Subpart CC).
- OSHA cited it 11 times in the last 3 years, in 5 inspections, with $56,231 in current penalties.
- Most citations: TN (5), SD (3), CT (1).
- Free 5-minute toolbox talk for your crew below.
In this article
What this rule covers
29 CFR 1926.1408(b) ("Preventing encroachment/electrocution") is one requirement inside 1926.1408 Power line safety (up to 350 kV)—equipment operations, an OSHA construction standard (Part 1926, Subpart CC). It includes 14 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) Preventing encroachment/electrocution. Where encroachment precautions are required under Option (2) or Option (3) of this section, all of the following requirements must be met: 11 citations
(1) Conduct a planning meeting with the operator and the other workers who will be in the area of the equipment or load to review the location of the power line(s), and the steps that will be implemented to prevent encroachment/electrocution. 1 citations
(2) If tag lines are used, they must be non-conductive. 1 citations
(3) Erect and maintain an elevated warning line, barricade, or line of signs, in view of the operator, equipped with flags or similar high-visibility markings, at 20 feet from the power line (if using Option (2) of this section) or at the minimum approach distance under Table A (see § 1926.1408) (if using Option (3) of this section). If the operator is unable to see the elevated warning line, a dedicated spotter must be used as described in § 1926.1408(b)(4)(ii) in addition to implementing one of the measures described in §§ 1926.1408(b)(4)(i), (iii), (iv) and (v). 3 citations
(4) Implement at least one of the following measures: 5 citations
(i) A proximity alarm set to give the operator sufficient warning to prevent encroachment. 1 citations
(ii) A dedicated spotter who is in continuous contact with the operator. Where this measure is selected, the dedicated spotter must: 2 citations
(A) Be equipped with a visual aid to assist in identifying the minimum clearance distance. Examples of a visual aid include, but are not limited to: A clearly visible line painted on the ground; a clearly visible line of stanchions; a set of clearly visible line-of-sight landmarks (such as a fence post behind the dedicated spotter and a building corner ahead of the dedicated spotter).
(B) Be positioned to effectively gauge the clearance distance.
(C) Where necessary, use equipment that enables the dedicated spotter to communicate directly with the operator.
(D) Give timely information to the operator so that the required clearance distance can be maintained. 1 citations
(iii) A device that automatically warns the operator when to stop movement, such as a range control warning device. Such a device must be set to give the operator sufficient warning to prevent encroachment. 1 citations
(iv) A device that automatically limits range of movement, set to prevent encroachment. 1 citations
(v) An insulating link/device, as defined in § 1926.1401, installed at a point between the end of the load line (or below) and the load.
(5) The requirements of paragraph (b)(4) of this section do not apply to work covered by subpart V of this part.
Source: eCFR, text current as of 2026-10-15. Read all of 1926.1408.
Where and how often it was cited
| Year | Citations |
|---|---|
| 2024 | 7 |
| 2026 | 4 |
Top states: TN (5), SD (3), CT (1), VA (1), MN (1)
Largest penalties
| Employer | Location | Penalty for this rule |
|---|---|---|
| 110759 - PRAXEL LINE SERVICES LLC | SAINT PAUL, MN | $16,550 |
| GRANGAARD CONSTRUCTION, INC | MENNO, SD | $16,550 |
| THREE PHASE LINE CONSTRUCTION, INC. | MONROE, CT | $16,131 |
| ALLIED CRANE & RIGGING, INC. | JAMESTOWN, TN | $7,000 |
| SHAW CONSTRUCTION CORPORATION | CHESAPEAKE, VA | $0 |
Free toolbox talk
A 5-minute crew talk on 1926.1408(b), plus alerts when this rule changes. Free.
OSHA interpretation letters
None exist. OSHA has not published a letter of interpretation for 1926.1408(b).
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Frequently asked questions
What is the first step?
Conduct a planning meeting with the operator and other workers to review power line locations and steps to prevent encroachment.
Where does the warning line go?
At 20 feet from the power line under Option (2), or at the Table A minimum approach distance under Option (3).
What if the operator cannot see the warning line?
A dedicated spotter must be used in addition to one of the other listed measures.
About this page
Sources
- 29 CFR 1926.1408 (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 2026-10-19
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.