29 CFR 1926 · Construction · Subpart J

1926.351(d): Operating instructions

By Black Belt Safety Editorial Team Official text as of October 15, 2026 3 min read

Key takeaways

  • 1926.351(d) is part of OSHA's construction standards (29 CFR Part 1926, Subpart J).
  • Related part: 1926.351(d)(1).
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In this article
  1. What this rule covers
  2. Official text
  3. Free toolbox talk
  4. OSHA interpretation letters
  5. Related parts of this rule
  6. Get your crew competent
  7. About this page

What this rule covers

29 CFR 1926.351(d) ("Operating instructions") is one requirement inside 1926.351 Arc welding and cutting, an OSHA construction standard (Part 1926, Subpart J). It includes 5 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

(d) Operating instructions. Employers shall instruct employees in the safe means of arc welding and cutting as follows:

(1) When electrode holders are to be left unattended, the electrodes shall be removed and the holders shall be so placed or protected that they cannot make electrical contact with employees or conducting objects. Open (d)(1)

(2) Hot electrode holders shall not be dipped in water; to do so may expose the arc welder or cutter to electric shock.

(3) When the arc welder or cutter has occasion to leave his work or to stop work for any appreciable length of time, or when the arc welding or cutting machine is to be moved, the power supply switch to the equipment shall be opened.

(4) Any faulty or defective equipment shall be reported to the supervisor.

(5) See § 1926.406(c) for additional requirements.

Source: eCFR, text current as of 2026-10-15. Read all of 1926.351.

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OSHA interpretation letters

None exist. OSHA has not published a letter of interpretation for 1926.351(d).

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

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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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