1926.959(d)(3): Extra Precautions for Mechanical Equipment Near Lines
If mechanical equipment could become energized during operation, employers must also use at least one listed precaution: cover lines with insulating material, insulate and position the equipment outside minimum approach distances, or protect employees from hazardous potential differences using grounding, bonding, ground mats and insulating equipment or barricades.
Key takeaways
- 1926.959(d)(3) is part of OSHA's construction standards (29 CFR Part 1926, Subpart V).
- OSHA cited it 10 times in the last 3 years, in 6 inspections, with $58,550 in current penalties.
- 1 death is linked to inspections that cited this rule.
- Most citations: MI (6), TX (2), NJ (1).
- 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) ("Extra precautions") is one requirement inside 1926.959 Mechanical equipment, an OSHA construction standard (Part 1926, Subpart V). It includes 7 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
(3) Extra precautions. If, during operation of the mechanical equipment, that equipment could become energized, the operation also shall comply with at least one of paragraphs (d)(3)(i) through (d)(3)(iii) of this section. 10 citations
(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. Open (d)(3)(i) 2 citations
(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). Open (d)(3)(ii) 4 citations
(iii) Each employee shall be protected from hazards that could arise from mechanical equipment contact with energized lines or equipment. The measures used shall ensure that employees will not be exposed to hazardous differences in electric potential. Unless the employer can demonstrate that the methods in use protect each employee from the hazards that could arise if the mechanical equipment contacts the energized line or equipment, the measures used shall include all of the following techniques: Open (d)(3)(iii) 3 citations
(A) Using the best available ground to minimize the time the lines or electric equipment remain energized,
(B) Bonding mechanical equipment together to minimize potential differences,
(C) Providing ground mats to extend areas of equipotential, and
(D) Employing insulating protective equipment or barricades to guard against any remaining hazardous electrical potential differences.
Appendix C to this subpart contains information on hazardous step and touch potentials and on methods of protecting employees from hazards resulting from such potentials.
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).
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
| Year | Citations |
|---|---|
| 2024 | 3 |
| 2025 | 6 |
| 2026 | 1 |
Top states: MI (6), TX (2), NJ (1), MN (1)
Largest penalties
| Employer | Location | Penalty for this rule |
|---|---|---|
| TRIPLE D HORIZONTAL DIRECTIONAL DRILLING INC. | ARMADA, MI | $21,000 |
| 110759 - PRAXEL LINE SERVICES LLC | SAINT PAUL, MN | $16,550 |
| XTREME POWERLINE CONSTRUCTION, LLC | ARMADA, MI | $14,700 |
| NEW JERSEY DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION - ELECTRICAL OPERATIONS - SOUTH | CHERRY HILL, NJ | $6,300 |
| R & A ROAD BORING LLC | PASADENA, TX | $0 |
Free toolbox talk
A 5-minute crew talk on 1926.959(d)(3), 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).
Related parts of this rule
- 1926.959(d) Operations near energized lines or equipment 20 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
- 1926.959(d)(3)(i) 2 citations
Get your crew competent
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Frequently asked questions
When are extra precautions required?
When the mechanical equipment could become energized during operation.
What are the options?
Insulating covers on lines, insulated equipment kept outside minimum approach distances, or protection from hazardous potential differences.
What techniques are used for the third option?
Best available ground, bonding equipment, ground mats, and insulating protective equipment or barricades, unless other methods are shown to protect employees.
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.