1926.351(b)(4): Repairing Worn Welding Cables
Employers must not use welding cables in need of repair. When a cable, other than the cable lead covered in (b)(2), wears to the point of exposing bare conductors, the exposed portion must be protected with rubber and friction tape or other equivalent insulation.
Key takeaways
- 1926.351(b)(4) is part of OSHA's construction standards (29 CFR Part 1926, Subpart J).
- OSHA cited it 14 times in the last 3 years, in 14 inspections, with $22,188 in current penalties.
- 1 death is linked to inspections that cited this rule.
- Most citations: NV (4), AK (3), MD (2).
- Related part: 1926.351(b) Welding cables and connectors (26 citations).
- Free 5-minute toolbox talk for your crew below.
In this article
What this rule covers
29 CFR 1926.351(b)(4) is one requirement inside 1926.351 Arc welding and cutting, an OSHA construction standard (Part 1926, Subpart J). 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) Cables in need of repair shall not be used. When a cable, other than the cable lead referred to in paragraph (b)(2) of this section, becomes worn to the extent of exposing bare conductors, the portion thus exposed shall be protected by means of rubber and friction tape or other equivalent insulation. 14 citations
Source: eCFR, text current as of 2026-10-15. Read all of 1926.351.
Injuries linked to this rule
1 death is linked to inspections where OSHA cited 1926.351(b)(4).
At 12:11 p.m. on May 8, 2024, Employee #1 was installing insulation to ductwork while working on a ladder and using a stud welder. The employee received an electrical shock while using the stud welder, causing him to fall off the ladderto the ground. Emergency…
Where and how often it was cited
| Year | Citations |
|---|---|
| 2023 | 1 |
| 2024 | 8 |
| 2025 | 3 |
| 2026 | 2 |
Top states: NV (4), AK (3), MD (2), VA (1), VI (1)
Largest penalties
| Employer | Location | Penalty for this rule |
|---|---|---|
| DELTABJDS, INC. | PHILADELPHIA, PA | $11,292 |
| ALLIED TANK & CONSTRUCTION LLC | PLAINVIEW, NE | $4,850 |
| JNBA CONSTRUCTION CONSULTING | FREDERIKSTED, VI | $4,194 |
| AGUIRRE STEEL ERECTORS, LLC | LUBBOCK, TX | $1,702 |
| PRIORITY IRON, LLC | PIKESVILLE, MD | $150 |
Free toolbox talk
A 5-minute crew talk on 1926.351(b)(4), plus alerts when this rule changes. Free.
OSHA interpretation letters
- OSHA's General Industry standard requires damaged welding leads to be replaced and not to be repaired. (2005-04-05)
Related parts of this rule
- 1926.351(b) Welding cables and connectors 26 citations
- 1926.351(b)(2) 8 citations
- 1926.351(b)(3)
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
Can I use a welding cable that needs repair?
No. Cables in need of repair shall not be used.
How should a cable with exposed bare conductors be fixed?
The exposed portion must be protected with rubber and friction tape or other equivalent insulation.
Does the taping rule apply to the cable lead in (b)(2)?
No. The taping fix applies to cables other than the cable lead referred to in paragraph (b)(2).
About this page
Sources
- 29 CFR 1926.351 (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.