1926.959(d)(3)(ii): Insulated Mechanical Equipment
Under this option, mechanical equipment must be insulated for the voltage involved and positioned so its uninsulated portions cannot get closer to energized lines or equipment than the minimum approach distances set under 1926.960(c)(1)(i).
Key takeaways
- 1926.959(d)(3)(ii) is part of OSHA's construction standards (29 CFR Part 1926, Subpart V).
- OSHA cited it 4 times in the last 3 years, in 4 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)(ii) 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
(ii) The mechanical equipment shall be insulated for the voltage involved. The mechanical equipment shall be positioned so that its uninsulated portions cannot approach the energized lines or equipment any closer than the minimum approach distances, established by the employer under § 1926.960(c)(1)(i). 4 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)(ii).
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)(ii), 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)(ii).
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)(iii) 3 citations
- 1926.959(d)(3)(i) 2 citations
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Frequently asked questions
What insulation must the equipment have?
It must be insulated for the voltage involved.
How must the equipment be positioned?
So its uninsulated portions cannot approach the energized lines or equipment closer than the minimum approach distances.
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.