1926.959(d)(3)(i): Covering Lines With Insulating Material
When this option is used for mechanical equipment near energized lines, the energized lines or equipment exposed to contact must be covered with insulating protective material that will withstand the type of contact that could be made during the operation.
Key takeaways
- 1926.959(d)(3)(i) is part of OSHA's construction standards (29 CFR Part 1926, Subpart V).
- OSHA cited it 2 times in the last 3 years, in 2 inspections, with $11,900 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)(3)(i) 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
(i) The energized lines or equipment exposed to contact shall be covered with insulating protective material that will withstand the type of contact that could be made during the operation. 2 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)(3)(i).
At 1:00 p.m. on September 12, 2024, Employee #1 was raising the boom of a vacuumtruck to install an extension. During the operation, the boom made contact with an overhead electrical line, resulting in electrocution.
Where and how often it was cited
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A 5-minute crew talk on 1926.959(d)(3)(i), plus alerts when this rule changes. Free.
OSHA interpretation letters
None exist. OSHA has not published a letter of interpretation for 1926.959(d)(3)(i).
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)(1) Minimum approach distance 5 citations
- 1926.959(d)(2) Observer 5 citations
- 1926.959(d)(3)(ii) 4 citations
- 1926.959(d)(3)(iii) 3 citations
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Frequently asked questions
What must be covered?
The energized lines or equipment exposed to contact.
What kind of covering is required?
Insulating protective material that will withstand the type of contact that could be made during the operation.
Why match the cover to the contact type?
A cover that cannot handle the expected contact could fail and expose workers.
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.