29 CFR 1926 · Construction · Subpart I

1926.302(a): Electric power-operated tools

By Black Belt Safety Editorial Team Official text as of October 15, 2026 Data updated November 6, 2026 2 min read

Key takeaways

  • 1926.302(a) is part of OSHA's construction standards (29 CFR Part 1926, Subpart I).
  • OSHA cited it 5 times in the last 3 years, in 5 inspections, with $10,013 in current penalties.
  • Related part: 1926.302(a)(1) (2 citations).
  • Free 5-minute toolbox talk for your crew below.

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5citations, 3 years
$10,013current penalties
5inspections
0linked injury cases
In this article
  1. What this rule covers
  2. Official text
  3. Where and how often it was cited
  4. Free toolbox talk
  5. OSHA interpretation letters
  6. Related parts of this rule
  7. Get your crew competent
  8. About this page

What this rule covers

29 CFR 1926.302(a) ("Electric power-operated tools") is one requirement inside 1926.302 Power-operated hand tools, an OSHA construction standard (Part 1926, Subpart I). 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

(a) Electric power-operated tools. 5 citations

(1) Electric power operated tools shall either be of the approved double-insulated type or grounded in accordance with subpart K of this part. Open (a)(1) 2 citations

(2) The use of electric cords for hoisting or lowering tools shall not be permitted. 3 citations

Source: eCFR, text current as of 2026-10-15. Read all of 1926.302.

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Where and how often it was cited

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OSHA interpretation letters

None exist. OSHA has not published a letter of interpretation for 1926.302(a).

Related parts of this rule

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About this page

Sources

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.

Written and reviewed by

Black Belt Safety Editorial Team

Site Safety Officer and Safety Professional

OSHA 30 · CPR · USACE CQM

Written and reviewed by the Black Belt Safety team. Every post is checked against the OSHA standard or agency source it cites.

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