1926.959(d)(1): Minimum Approach Distance for Equipment
Mechanical equipment must be operated so the minimum approach distances set by the employer under 1926.960(c)(1)(i) are kept from exposed energized lines and equipment. The insulated portion of an aerial lift run by a qualified employee in the lift is exempt if the uninsulated portions keep the minimum approach distance from objects at a different electrical potential.
Key takeaways
- 1926.959(d)(1) is part of OSHA's construction standards (29 CFR Part 1926, Subpart V).
- OSHA cited it 5 times in the last 3 years, in 5 inspections, with $37,382 in current penalties.
- 1 death is linked to inspections that cited this rule.
- Related part: 1926.959(d) Operations near energized lines or equipment (20 citations).
- Free 5-minute toolbox talk for your crew below.
In this article
What this rule covers
29 CFR 1926.959(d)(1) ("Minimum approach distance") is one requirement inside 1926.959 Mechanical equipment, an OSHA construction standard (Part 1926, Subpart V). 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
(1) Minimum approach distance. Mechanical equipment shall be operated so that the minimum approach distances, established by the employer under § 1926.960(c)(1)(i), are maintained from exposed energized lines and equipment. However, the insulated portion of an aerial lift operated by a qualified employee in the lift is exempt from this requirement if the applicable minimum approach distance is maintained between the uninsulated portions of the aerial lift and exposed objects having a different electrical potential. 5 citations
Source: eCFR, text current as of 2026-10-15. Read all of 1926.959.
Injuries linked to this rule
1 death is linked to inspections where OSHA cited 1926.959(d)(1).
On January 11, 2024, after completing a safety brief, a four-person crew proceeded the operations of removing and installing the overhead power lines onto a newly installed 95-foot long concrete utility pole. The crew consisted ofa foreman, Employee #1 (lineman), Coworker #1 (heavy equipment operator),…
Where and how often it was cited
Free toolbox talk
A 5-minute crew talk on 1926.959(d)(1), plus alerts when this rule changes. Free.
OSHA interpretation letters
None exist. OSHA has not published a letter of interpretation for 1926.959(d)(1).
Related parts of this rule
- 1926.959(d) Operations near energized lines or equipment 20 citations
- 1926.959(d)(3) Extra precautions 10 citations
- 1926.959(d)(2) Observer 5 citations
- 1926.959(d)(3)(ii) 4 citations
- 1926.959(d)(3)(iii) 3 citations
- 1926.959(d)(3)(i) 2 citations
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Frequently asked questions
What distance must mechanical equipment keep from energized lines?
The minimum approach distances established by the employer under 1926.960(c)(1)(i).
Is there an exception for aerial lifts?
The insulated portion of an aerial lift operated by a qualified employee in the lift is exempt, if the uninsulated portions keep the minimum approach distance.
Who sets the minimum approach distances?
The employer, under 1926.960(c)(1)(i).
About this page
Sources
- 29 CFR 1926.959 (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.