work that the host employer did not mention under paragraph (a)(3)(i)
of this section. The contract employer shall provide this information
to the host employer within 2 working days after discovering the
hazardous condition.
    (iii) The contract employer and the host employer shall coordinate
their work rules and procedures so that each employee of the contract
employer and the host employer is protected as required by this
section.
    (4) Existing characteristics and conditions. Existing
characteristics and

conditions of electric lines and equipment that are related to the
safety of the work to be performed shall be determined before work on
or near the lines or equipment is started. Such characteristics and
conditions include, but are not limited to:
    (i) The nominal voltages of lines and equipment,
    (ii) The maximum switching-transient voltages,
    (iii) The presence of hazardous induced voltages,
    (iv) The presence of protective grounds and equipment grounding
conductors,
    (v) The locations of circuits and equipment, including electric
supply lines, communication lines, and fire-protective signaling
circuits,
    (vi) The condition of protective grounds and equipment grounding
conductors,
    (vii) The condition of poles, and
    (viii) Environmental conditions relating to safety.
    (b) Medical services and first aid. The employer shall provide
medical services and first aid as required in Sec.  1910.151. In
addition to the requirements of Sec.  1910.151, the following
requirements also apply:
    (1) First-aid training. When employees are performing work on, or
associated with, exposed lines or equipment energized at 50 volts or
more, persons with first-aid training shall be available as follows:
    (i) For field work involving two or more employees at a work
location, at least two trained persons shall be available. However, for
line-clearance tree trimming operations performed by line-clearance
tree trimmers who are not qualified employees, only one trained person
need be available if all new employees are trained in first aid within
3 months of their hiring dates.
    (ii) For fixed work locations such as substations, the number of
trained persons available shall be sufficient to ensure that each
employee exposed to electric shock can be reached within 4 minutes by a
trained person. However, where the existing number of employees is
insufficient to meet this requirement (at a remote substation, for
example), each employee at the work location shall be a trained
employee.
    (2) First-aid supplies. First-aid supplies required by Sec.
1910.151(b) shall be placed in weatherproof containers if the supplies
could be exposed to the weather.
    (3) First-aid kits. The employer shall maintain each first-aid kit,
shall ensure that it is readily available for use, and shall inspect it
frequently enough to ensure that expended items are replaced. The
employer also shall inspect each first aid kit at least once per year.
    (c) Job briefing. (1) Before each job. (i) In assigning an employee
or a group of employees to perform a job, the employer shall provide
the employee in charge of the job with all available information that
relates to the determination of existing characteristics and conditions
required by paragraph (a)(4) of this section.
    (ii) The employer shall ensure that the employee in charge conducts
a job briefing that meets paragraphs (c)(2), (c)(3), and (c)(4) of this
section with the employees involved before they start each job.
    (2) Subjects to be covered. The briefing shall cover at least the
following subjects: hazards associated with the job, work procedures
involved, special precautions, energy-source controls, and personal
protective equipment requirements.
    (3) Number of briefings. (i) If the work or operations to be
performed during the work day or shift are repetitive and similar, at
least one job briefing shall be conducted before the start of the first
job of each day or shift.
    (ii) Additional job briefings shall be held if significant changes,
which might affect the safety of the employees, occur during the course
of the work.
    (4) Extent of briefing. (i) A brief discussion is satisfactory if
the work involved is routine and if the employees, by virtue of
training and experience, can reasonably be expected to recognize and
avoid the hazards involved in the job.
    (ii) A more extensive discussion shall be conducted:
    (A) If the work is complicated or particularly hazardous, or
    (B) If the employee cannot be expected to recognize and avoid the
hazards involved in the job.

    Note to paragraph (c)(4): The briefing must address all the
subjects listed in paragraph (c)(2) of this section.

    (5) Working alone. An employee working alone need not conduct a job
briefing. However, the employer shall ensure that the tasks to be
performed are planned as if a briefing were required.
    (d) Hazardous energy control (lockout/tagout) procedures. (1)
Application. The provisions of paragraph (d) of this section apply to
the use of lockout/tagout procedures for the control of energy sources
in installations for the purpose of electric power generation,
including related equipment for communication or metering. Locking and
tagging procedures for the deenergizing of electric energy sources
which are used exclusively for purposes of transmission and
distribution are addressed by paragraph (m) of this section.

    Note to paragraph (d)(1): Installations in electric power
generation facilities that are not an integral part of, or
inextricably commingled with, power generation processes or
equipment are covered under Sec.  1910.147 and Subpart S of this
part.

    (2) General. (i) The employer shall establish a program consisting
of energy control procedures, employee training, and periodic
inspections to ensure that, before any employee performs any servicing
or maintenance on a machine or equipment where the unexpected
energizing, start up, or release of stored energy could occur and cause
injury, the machine or equipment is isolated from the energy source and
rendered inoperative.
    (ii) The employer's energy control program under paragraph (d)(2)
of this section shall meet the following requirements:
    (A) If an energy isolating device is not capable of being locked
out, the employer's program shall use a tagout system.
    (B) If an energy isolating device is capable of being locked out,
the employer's program shall use lockout, unless the employer can
demonstrate that the use of a tagout system will provide full employee
protection as follows:
    (1) When a tagout device is used on an energy isolating device
which is capable of being locked out, the tagout device shall be
attached at the same location that the lockout device would have been
attached, and the employer shall demonstrate that the tagout program
will provide a level of safety equivalent to that obtained by the use
of a lockout program.
    (2) In demonstrating that a level of safety is achieved in the
tagout program equivalent to the level of safety obtained by the use of
a lockout program, the employer shall demonstrate full compliance with
all tagout-related provisions of this standard together with such
additional elements as are necessary to provide the equivalent safety
available from the use of a lockout device. Additional means to be
considered as part of the demonstration of full employee protection
shall include the implementation of additional safety measures such as
the removal of an isolating circuit element, blocking of a controlling
switch, opening of an extra disconnecting device, or the removal of a
valve handle to reduce the likelihood of inadvertent energizing.

    (C) After November 1, 1994, whenever replacement or major repair,
renovation, or modification of a machine or equipment is performed, and
whenever new machines or equipment are installed, energy isolating
devices for such machines or equipment shall be designed to accept a
lockout device.
    (iii) Procedures shall be developed, documented, and used for the
control of potentially hazardous energy covered by paragraph (d) of
this section.
    (iv) The procedure shall clearly and specifically outline the
scope, purpose, responsibility, authorization, rules, and techniques to
be applied to the control of hazardous energy, and the measures to
enforce compliance including, but not limited to, the following:
    (A) A specific statement of the intended use of this procedure;
    (B) Specific procedural steps for shutting down, isolating,
blocking and securing machines or equipment to control hazardous
energy;
    (C) Specific procedural steps for the placement, removal, and
transfer of lockout devices or tagout devices and the responsibility
for them; and
    (D) Specific requirements for testing a machine or equipment to
determine and verify the effectiveness of lockout devices, tagout
devices, and other energy control measures.
    (v) The employer shall conduct a periodic inspection of the energy
control procedure at least annually to ensure that the procedure and
the provisions of paragraph (d) of this section are being followed.
    (A) The periodic inspection shall be performed by an authorized
employee who is not using the energy control procedure being inspected.
    (B) The periodic inspection shall be designed to identify and
correct any deviations or inadequacies.
    (C) If lockout is used for energy control, the periodic inspection
shall include a review, between the inspector and each authorized
employee, of that employee's responsibilities under the energy control
procedure being inspected.
    (D) Where tagout is used for energy control, the periodic
inspection shall include a review, between the inspector and each
authorized and affected employee, of that employee's responsibilities
under the energy control procedure being inspected, and the elements
set forth in paragraph (d)(2)(vii) of this section.
    (E) The employer shall certify that the inspections required by
paragraph (d)(2)(v) of this section have been accomplished. The
certification shall identify the machine or equipment on which the
energy control procedure was being used, the date of the inspection,
the employees included in the inspection, and the person performing the
inspection.

    Note to paragraph (d)(2)(v)(E): If normal work schedule and
operation records demonstrate adequate inspection activity and
contain the required information, no additional certification is
required.

    (vi) The employer shall provide training to ensure that the purpose
and function of the energy control program are understood by employees
and that the knowledge and skills required for the safe application,
usage, and removal of energy controls are acquired by employees. The
training shall include the following:
    (A) Each authorized employee shall receive training in the
recognition of applicable hazardous energy sources, the type and
magnitude of energy available in the workplace, and in the methods and
means necessary for energy isolation and control.
    (B) Each affected employee shall be instructed in the purpose and
use of the energy control procedure.
    (C) All other employees whose work operations are or may be in an
area where energy control procedures may be used shall be instructed
about the procedures and about the prohibition relating to attempts to
restart or reenergize machines or equipment that are locked out or
tagged out.
    (vii) When tagout systems are used, employees shall also be trained
in the following limitations of tags:
    (A) Tags are essentially warning devices affixed to energy
isolating devices and do not provide the physical restraint on those
devices that is provided by a lock.
    (B) When a tag is attached to an energy isolating means, it is not
to be removed without authorization of the authorized person
responsible for it, and it is never to be bypassed, ignored, or
otherwise defeated.
    (C) Tags must be legible and understandable by all authorized
employees, affected employees, and all other employees whose work
operations are or may be in the area, in order to be effective.
    (D) Tags and their means of attachment must be made of materials
which will withstand the environmental conditions encountered in the
workplace.
    (E) Tags may evoke a false sense of security, and their meaning
needs to be understood as part of the overall energy control program.
    (F) Tags must be securely attached to energy isolating devices so
that they cannot be inadvertently or accidentally detached during use.
    (viii) Retraining shall be provided by the employer as follows:
    (A) Retraining shall be provided for all authorized and affected
employees whenever there is a change in their job assignments, a change
in machines, equipment, or processes that present a new hazard or
whenever there is a change in the energy control procedures.
    (B) Retraining shall also be conducted whenever a periodic
inspection under paragraph (d)(2)(v) of this section reveals, or
whenever the employer has reason to believe, that there are deviations
from or inadequacies in an employee's knowledge or use of the energy
control procedures.
    (C) The retraining shall reestablish employee proficiency and shall
introduce new or revised control methods and procedures, as necessary.
    (ix) The employer shall certify that employee training has been
accomplished and is being kept up to date. The certification shall
contain each employee's name and dates of training.
    (3) Protective materials and hardware. (i) Locks, tags, chains,
wedges, key blocks, adapter pins, self-locking fasteners, or other
hardware shall be provided by the employer for isolating, securing, or
blocking of machines or equipment from energy sources.
    (ii) Lockout devices and tagout devices shall be singularly
identified; shall be the only devices used for controlling energy; may
not be used for other purposes; and shall meet the following
requirements:
    (A) Lockout devices and tagout devices shall be capable of
withstanding the environment to which they are exposed for the maximum
period of time that exposure is expected.
    (1) Tagout devices shall be constructed and printed so that
exposure to weather conditions or wet and damp locations will not cause
the tag to deteriorate or the message on the tag to become illegible.
    (2) Tagout devices shall be so constructed as not to deteriorate
when used in corrosive environments.
    (B) Lockout devices and tagout devices shall be standardized within
the facility in at least one of the following criteria: color, shape,
size. Additionally, in the case of tagout devices, print and format
shall be standardized.
    (C) Lockout devices shall be substantial enough to prevent removal
without the use of excessive force or unusual techniques, such as with
the use of bolt cutters or metal cutting tools.
    (D) Tagout devices, including their means of attachment, shall be
substantial enough to prevent

inadvertent or accidental removal. Tagout device attachment means shall
be of a non-reusable type, attachable by hand, self-locking, and
nonreleasable with a minimum unlocking strength of no less than 50
pounds and shall have the general design and basic characteristics of
being at least equivalent to a one-piece, all-environment-tolerant
nylon cable tie.
    (E) Each lockout device or tagout device shall include provisions
for the identification of the employee applying the device.
    (F) Tagout devices shall warn against hazardous conditions if the
machine or equipment is energized and shall include a legend such as
the following: Do Not Start, Do Not Open, Do Not Close, Do Not
Energize, Do Not Operate.

    Note to paragraph (d)(3)(ii)(F):  For specific provisions
covering accident prevention tags, see Sec.  1910.145.

    (4) Energy isolation. Lockout and tagout device application and
removal may only be performed by the authorized employees who are
performing the servicing or maintenance.
    (5) Notification. Affected employees shall be notified by the
employer or authorized employee of the application and removal of
lockout or tagout devices. Notification shall be given before the
controls are applied and after they are removed from the machine or
equipment.

    Note to paragraph (d)(5): See also paragraph (d)(7) of this
section, which requires that the second notification take place
before the machine or equipment is reenergized.

    (6) Lockout/tagout application. The established procedures for the
application of energy control (the lockout or tagout procedures) shall
include the following elements and actions, and these procedures shall
be performed in the following sequence:
    (i) Before an authorized or affected employee turns off a machine
or equipment, the authorized employee shall have knowledge of the type
and magnitude of the energy, the hazards of the energy to be
controlled, and the method or means to control the energy.
    (ii) The machine or equipment shall be turned off or shut down
using the procedures established for the machine or equipment. An
orderly shutdown shall be used to avoid any additional or increased
hazards to employees as a result of the equipment stoppage.
    (iii) All energy isolating devices that are needed to control the
energy to the machine or equipment shall be physically located and
operated in such a manner as to isolate the machine or equipment from
energy sources.
    (iv) Lockout or tagout devices shall be affixed to each energy
isolating device by authorized employees.
    (A) Lockout devices shall be attached in a manner that will hold
the energy isolating devices in a ``safe'' or ``off'' position.
    (B) Tagout devices shall be affixed in such a manner as will
clearly indicate that the operation or movement of energy isolating
devices from the ``safe'' or ``off'' position is prohibited.
    (1) Where tagout devices are used with energy isolating devices
designed with the capability of being locked out, the tag attachment
shall be fastened at the same point at which the lock would have been
attached.
    (2) Where a tag cannot be affixed directly to the energy isolating
device, the tag shall be located as close as safely possible to the
device, in a position that will be immediately obvious to anyone
attempting to operate the device.
    (v) Following the application of lockout or tagout devices to
energy isolating devices, all potentially hazardous stored or residual
energy shall be relieved, disconnected, restrained, or otherwise
rendered safe.
    (vi) If there is a possibility of reaccumulation of stored energy
to a hazardous level, verification of isolation shall be continued
until the servicing or maintenance is completed or until the
possibility of such accumulation no longer exists.
    (vii) Before starting work on machines or equipment that have been
locked out or tagged out, the authorized employee shall verify that
isolation and deenergizing of the machine or equipment have been
accomplished. If normally energized parts will be exposed to contact by
an employee while the machine or equipment is deenergized, a test shall
be performed to ensure that these parts are deenergized.
    (7) Release from lockout/tagout. Before lockout or tagout devices
are removed and energy is restored to the machine or equipment,
procedures shall be followed and actions taken by the authorized
employees to ensure the following:
    (i) The work area shall be inspected to ensure that nonessential
items have been removed and that machine or equipment components are
operationally intact.
    (ii) The work area shall be checked to ensure that all employees
have been safely positioned or removed.
    (iii) After lockout or tagout devices have been removed and before
a machine or equipment is started, affected employees shall be notified
that the lockout or tagout devices have been removed.
    (iv) Each lockout or tagout device shall be removed from each
energy isolating device by the authorized employee who applied the
lockout or tagout device. However, if that employee is not available to
remove it, the device may be removed under the direction of the
employer, provided that specific procedures and training for such
removal have been developed, documented, and incorporated into the
employer's energy control program. The employer shall demonstrate that
the specific procedure provides a degree of safety equivalent to that
provided by the removal of the device by the authorized employee who
applied it. The specific procedure shall include at least the following
elements:
    (A) Verification by the employer that the authorized employee who
applied the device is not at the facility;
    (B) Making all reasonable efforts to contact the authorized
employee to inform him or her that his or her lockout or tagout device
has been removed; and
    (C) Ensuring that the authorized employee has this knowledge before
he or she resumes work at that facility.
    (8) Additional requirements. (i) If the lockout or tagout devices
must be temporarily removed from energy isolating devices and the
machine or equipment must be energized to test or position the machine,
equipment, or component thereof, the following sequence of actions
shall be followed:
    (A) Clear the machine or equipment of tools and materials in
accordance with paragraph (d)(7)(i) of this section;
    (B) Remove employees from the machine or equipment area in
accordance with paragraphs (d)(7)(ii) and (d)(7)(iii) of this section;
    (C) Remove the lockout or tagout devices as specified in paragraph
(d)(7)(iv) of this section;
    (D) Energize and proceed with the testing or positioning; and
    (E) Deenergize all systems and reapply energy control measures in
accordance with paragraph (d)(6) of this section to continue the
servicing or maintenance.
    (ii) When servicing or maintenance is performed by a crew, craft,
department, or other group, they shall use a procedure which affords
the employees a level of protection equivalent to that provided by the
implementation of a personal lockout or tagout device. Group lockout or
tagout devices shall be used in accordance with the procedures required
by paragraphs (d)(2)(iii) and (d)(2)(iv) of this section including, but
not limited to, the following specific requirements:

    (A) Primary responsibility shall be vested in an authorized
employee for a set number of employees working under the protection of
a group lockout or tagout device (such as an operations lock);
    (B) Provision shall be made for the authorized employee to
ascertain the exposure status of all individual group members with
regard to the lockout or tagout of the machine or equipment;
    (C) When more than one crew, craft, department, or other group is
involved, assignment of overall job-associated lockout or tagout
control responsibility shall be given to an authorized employee
designated to coordinate affected work forces and ensure continuity of
protection; and
    (D) Each authorized employee shall affix a personal lockout or
tagout device to the group lockout device, group lockbox, or comparable
mechanism when he or she begins work and shall remove those devices
when he or she stops working on the machine or equipment being serviced
or maintained.
    (iii) Procedures shall be used during shift or personnel changes to
ensure the continuity of lockout or tagout protection, including
provision for the orderly transfer of lockout or tagout device
protection between off-going and on-coming employees, to minimize their
exposure to hazards from the unexpected energizing or start-up of the
machine or equipment or from the release of stored energy.
    (iv) Whenever outside servicing personnel are to be engaged in
activities covered by paragraph (d) of this section, the on-site
employer and the outside employer shall inform each other of their
respective lockout or tagout procedures, and each employer shall ensure
that his or her personnel understand and comply with restrictions and
prohibitions of the energy control procedures being used.
    (v) If energy isolating devices are installed in a central location
and are under the exclusive control of a system operator, the following
requirements apply:
    (A) The employer shall use a procedure that affords employees a
level of protection equivalent to that provided by the implementation
of a personal lockout or tagout device.
    (B) The system operator shall place and remove lockout and tagout
devices in place of the authorized employee under paragraphs (d)(4),
(d)(6)(iv), and (d)(7)(iv) of this section.
    (C) Provisions shall be made to identify the authorized employee
who is responsible for (that is, being protected by) the lockout or
tagout device, to transfer responsibility for lockout and tagout
devices, and to ensure that an authorized employee requesting removal
or transfer of a lockout or tagout device is the one responsible for it
before the device is removed or transferred.

    Note to paragraph (d): Lockout and tagging procedures that
comply with paragraphs (c) through (f) of Sec.  1910.147 will also
be deemed to comply with paragraph (d) of this section if the
procedures address the hazards covered by paragraph (d) of this
section.

    (e) Enclosed spaces. This paragraph covers enclosed spaces that may
be entered by employees. It does not apply to vented vaults if the
employer makes a determination that the ventilation system is operating
to protect employees before they enter the space. This paragraph
applies to routine entry into enclosed spaces in lieu of the permit-
space entry requirements contained in paragraphs (d) through (k) of
Sec.  1910.146. If, after the employer takes the precautions given in
paragraphs (e) and (t) of this section, the hazards remaining in the
enclosed space endanger the life of an entrant or could interfere with
an entrant's escape from the space, then entry into the enclosed space
shall meet the permit-space entry requirements of paragraphs (d)
through (k) of Sec.  1910.146.
    (1) Safe work practices. The employer shall ensure the use of safe
work practices for entry into, and work in, enclosed spaces and for
rescue of employees from such spaces.
    (2) Training. Each employee who enters an enclosed space or who
serves as an attendant shall be trained in the hazards of enclosed-
space entry, in enclosed-space entry procedures, and in enclosed-space
rescue procedures.
    (3) Rescue equipment. Employers shall provide equipment to ensure
the prompt and safe rescue of employees from the enclosed space.
    (4) Evaluating potential hazards. Before any entrance cover to an
enclosed space is removed, the employer shall determine whether it is
safe to do so by checking for the presence of any atmospheric pressure
or temperature differences and by evaluating whether there might be a
hazardous atmosphere in the space. Any conditions making it unsafe to
remove the cover shall be eliminated before the cover is removed.

    Note to paragraph (e)(4): The determination called for in this
paragraph may consist of a check of the conditions that might
foreseeably be in the enclosed space. For example, the cover could
be checked to see if it is hot and, if it is fastened in place,
could be loosened gradually to release any residual pressure. An
evaluation also needs to be made of whether conditions at the site
could cause a hazardous atmosphere, such as an oxygen-deficient or
flammable atmosphere, to develop within the space.

    (5) Removing covers. When covers are removed from enclosed spaces,
the opening shall be promptly guarded by a railing, temporary cover, or
other barrier designed to prevent an accidental fall through the
opening and to protect employees working in the space from objects
entering the space.
    (6) Hazardous atmosphere. Employees may not enter any enclosed
space while it contains a hazardous atmosphere, unless the entry
conforms to the permit-required confined spaces standard in Sec.
1910.146.
    (7) Attendants. While work is being performed in the enclosed
space, an attendant with first-aid training shall be immediately
available outside the enclosed space to provide assistance if a hazard
exists because of traffic patterns in the area of the opening used for
entry. The attendant is not precluded from performing other duties
outside the enclosed space if these duties do not distract the
attendant from: monitoring employees within the space or ensuring that
it is safe for employees to enter and exit the space.

    Note to paragraph (e)(7): See paragraph (t) of this section for
additional requirements on attendants for work in manholes and
vaults.

    (8) Calibration of test instruments. Test instruments used to
monitor atmospheres in enclosed spaces shall be kept in calibration and
shall have a minimum accuracy of 10 percent.
    (9) Testing for oxygen deficiency. Before an employee enters an
enclosed space, the atmosphere in the enclosed space shall be tested
for oxygen deficiency with a direct-reading meter or similar
instrument, capable of collection and immediate analysis of data
samples without the need for off-site evaluation. If continuous forced-
air ventilation is provided, testing is not required provided that the
procedures used ensure that employees are not exposed to the hazards
posed by oxygen deficiency.
    (10) Testing for flammable gases and vapors. Before an employee
enters an enclosed space, the internal atmosphere shall be tested for
flammable gases and vapors with a direct-reading meter or similar
instrument capable of collection and immediate analysis of data samples
without the need for off-site evaluation. This test shall be performed
after the oxygen testing and ventilation required by paragraph (e)(9)
of this section demonstrate that there is sufficient oxygen to ensure
the accuracy of the test for flammability.

    (11) Ventilation, and monitoring for flammable gases or vapors. If
flammable gases or vapors are detected or if an oxygen deficiency is
found, forced-air ventilation shall be used to maintain oxygen at a
safe level and to prevent a hazardous concentration of flammable gases
and vapors from accumulating. A continuous monitoring program to ensure
that no increase in flammable gas or vapor concentration above safe
levels occurs may be followed in lieu of ventilation if flammable gases
or vapors are initially detected at safe levels.

    Note to paragraph (e)(11): See the definition of ``hazardous
atmosphere'' for guidance in determining whether a specific
concentration of a substance is hazardous.

    (12) Specific ventilation requirements. If continuous forced-air
ventilation is used, it shall begin before entry is made and shall be
maintained long enough for the employer to be able to demonstrate that
a safe atmosphere exists before employees are allowed to enter the work
area. The forced-air ventilation shall be so directed as to ventilate
the immediate area where employees are present within the enclosed
space and shall continue until all employees leave the enclosed space.
    (13) Air supply. The air supply for the continuous forced-air
ventilation shall be from a clean source and may not increase the
hazards in the enclosed space.
    (14) Open flames. If open flames are used in enclosed spaces, a
test for flammable gases and vapors shall be made immediately before
the open flame device is used and at least once per hour while the
device is used in the space. Testing shall be conducted more frequently
if conditions present in the enclosed space indicate that once per hour
is insufficient to detect hazardous accumulations of flammable gases or
vapors.

    Note to paragraph (e)(14): See the definition of ``hazardous
atmosphere'' for guidance in determining whether a specific
concentration of a substance is hazardous.

    Note to paragraph (e): Entries into enclosed spaces conducted in
accordance with the permit-space entry requirements of paragraphs
(d) through (k) of Sec.  1910.146 are considered as complying with
paragraph (e) of this section.

    (f) Excavations. Excavation operations shall comply with Subpart P
of Part 1926 of this chapter.
    (g) Personal protective equipment. (1) General. Personal protective
equipment shall meet the requirements of Subpart I of this part.

    Note to paragraph (g)(1) of this section: Paragraph (h) of Sec.
1910.132 sets employer payment obligations for the personal
protective equipment required by this section, including, but not
limited to, the fall protection equipment required by paragraph
(g)(2) of this section, the electrical protective equipment required
by paragraph (l)(3) of this section, and the flame-resistant and
arc-rated clothing and other protective equipment required by
paragraph (l)(8) of this section.

    (2) Fall protection. (i) Personal fall arrest systems shall meet
the requirements of Subpart M of Part 1926 of this chapter.
    (ii) Personal fall arrest equipment used by employees who are
exposed to hazards from flames or electric arcs, as determined by the
employer under paragraph (l)(8)(i) of this section, shall be capable of
passing a drop test equivalent to that required by paragraph
(g)(2)(iii)(L) of this section after exposure to an electric arc with a
heat energy of 405 cal/cm\2\.
    (iii) Body belts and positioning straps for work-positioning
equipment shall meet the following requirements:
    (A) Hardware for body belts and positioning straps shall meet the
following requirements:
    (1) Hardware shall be made of drop-forged steel, pressed steel,
formed steel, or equivalent material.
    (2) Hardware shall have a corrosion-resistant finish.
    (3) Hardware surfaces shall be smooth and free of sharp edges.
    (B) Buckles shall be capable of withstanding an 8.9-kilonewton
(2,000-pound-force) tension test with a maximum permanent deformation
no greater than 0.4 millimeters (0.0156 inches).
    (C) D rings shall be capable of withstanding a 22-kilonewton
(5,000-pound-force) tensile test without cracking or breaking.
    (D) Snaphooks shall be capable of withstanding a 22-kilonewton
(5,000-pound-force) tension test without failure.

    Note to paragraph (g)(2)(iii)(D): Distortion of the snaphook
sufficient to release the keeper is considered to be tensile failure
of a snaphook.

    (E) Top grain leather or leather substitute may be used in the
manufacture of body belts and positioning straps; however, leather and
leather substitutes may not be used alone as a load-bearing component
of the assembly.
    (F) Plied fabric used in positioning straps and in load-bearing
parts of body belts shall be constructed in such a way that no raw
edges are exposed and the plies do not separate.
    (G) Positioning straps shall be capable of withstanding the
following tests:
    (1) A dielectric test of 819.7 volts, AC, per centimeter (25,000
volts per foot) for 3 minutes without visible deterioration;
    (2) A leakage test of 98.4 volts, AC, per centimeter (3,000 volts
per foot) with a leakage current of no more than 1 mA;

    Note to paragraphs (g)(2)(iii)(G)(1) and (g)(2)(iii)(G)(2):
    Positioning straps that pass direct-current tests at equivalent
voltages are considered as meeting this requirement.

    (3) Tension tests of 20 kilonewtons (4,500 pounds-force) for
sections free of buckle holes and of 15 kilonewtons (3,500 pounds-
force) for sections with buckle holes;
    (4) A buckle-tear test with a load of 4.4 kilonewtons (1,000
pounds-force); and
    (5) A flammability test in accordance with Table R-2.

                      Table R-2--Flammability Test
------------------------------------------------------------------------
              Test method                 Criteria for passing the test
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Vertically suspend a 500-mm (19.7-inch)  Any flames on the positioning
 length of strapping supporting a 100-    strap shall self extinguish.
 kg (220.5-lb) weight.                   The positioning strap shall
Use a butane or propane burner with a     continue to support the 100-kg
 76-mm (3-inch) flame..                   (220.5-lb) mass.
Direct the flame to an edge of the
 strapping at a distance of 25 mm (1
 inch).
Remove the flame after 5 seconds.......
Wait for any flames on the positioning
 strap to stop burning.
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    (H) The cushion part of the body belt shall contain no exposed
rivets on the inside and shall be at least 76 millimeters (3 inches) in
width.
    (I) Tool loops shall be situated on the body of a body belt so that
the 100

millimeters (4 inches) of the body belt that is in the center of the
back, measuring from D ring to D ring, is free of tool loops and any
other attachments.
    (J) Copper, steel, or equivalent liners shall be used around the
bars of D rings to prevent wear between these members and the leather
or fabric enclosing them.
    (K) Snaphooks shall be of the locking type meeting the following
requirements:
    (1) The locking mechanism shall first be released, or a destructive
force shall be placed on the keeper, before the keeper will open.
    (2) A force in the range of 6.7 N (1.5 lbf) to 17.8 N (4 lbf) shall
be required to release the locking mechanism.
    (3) With the locking mechanism released and with a force applied on
the keeper against the face of the nose, the keeper may not begin to
open with a force of 11.2 N (2.5 lbf) or less and shall begin to open
with a maximum force of 17.8 N (4 lbf).
    (L) Body belts and positioning straps shall be capable of
withstanding a drop test as follows:
    (1) The test mass shall be rigidly constructed of steel or
equivalent material with a mass of 100 kg (220.5 lbm). For work-
positioning equipment used by employees weighing more than 140 kg (310
lbm) fully equipped, the test mass shall be increased proportionately
(that is, the test mass must equal the mass of the equipped worker
divided by 1.4).
    (2) For body belts, the body belt shall be fitted snugly around the
test mass and shall be attached to the test-structure anchorage point
by means of a wire rope.
    (3) For positioning straps, the strap shall be adjusted to its
shortest length possible to accommodate the test and connected to the
test-structure anchorage point at one end and to the test mass on the
other end.
    (4) The test mass shall be dropped an unobstructed distance of 1
meter (39.4 inches) from a supporting structure that will sustain
minimal deflection during the test.
    (5) Body belts shall successfully arrest the fall of the test mass
and shall be capable of supporting the mass after the test.
    (6) Positioning straps shall successfully arrest the fall of the
test mass without breaking, and the arrest force may not exceed 17.8
kilonewtons (4,000 pounds-force). Additionally, snaphooks on
positioning straps may not distort to such an extent that the keeper
would release.

    Note to paragraph (g)(2)(iii) of this section: When used by
employees weighing no more than 140 kg (310 lbm) fully equipped,
body belts and positioning straps that conform to American Society
of Testing and Materials Standard Specifications for Personal
Climbing Equipment, ASTM F887-12\e1\, are deemed to be in compliance
with paragraph (g)(2)(iii) of this section.

    (iv) The following requirements apply to the care and use of
personal fall protection equipment.
    (A) Work-positioning equipment shall be inspected before use each
day to determine that the equipment is in safe working condition. Work-
positioning equipment that is not in safe working condition may not be
used.

    Note to paragraph (g)(2)(iv)(A): Appendix F to this section
contains guidelines for inspecting work-positioning equipment.

    (B) Personal fall arrest systems shall be used in accordance with
Sec.  1926.502(d).

    Note to paragraph (g)(2)(iv)(B): Fall protection equipment
rigged to arrest falls is considered a fall arrest system and must
meet the applicable requirements for the design and use of those
systems. Fall protection equipment rigged for work positioning is
considered work-positioning equipment and must meet the applicable
requirements for the design and use of that equipment.

    (C) The employer shall ensure that employees use fall protection
systems as follows:
    (1) Each employee working from an aerial lift shall use a fall
restraint system or a personal fall arrest system. Paragraph (c)(2)(v)
of Sec.  1910.67 does not apply.
    (2) Except as provided in paragraph (g)(2)(iv)(C)(3) of this
section, each employee in elevated locations more than 1.2 meters (4
feet) above the ground on poles, towers, or similar structures shall
use a personal fall arrest system, work-positioning equipment, or fall
restraint system, as appropriate, if the employer has not provided
other fall protection meeting Subpart D of this part.
    (3) Until March 31, 2015, a qualified employee climbing or changing
location on poles, towers, or similar structures need not use fall
protection equipment, unless conditions, such as, but not limited to,
ice, high winds, the design of the structure (for example, no provision
for holding on with hands), or the presence of contaminants on the
structure, could cause the employee to lose his or her grip or footing.
On and after April 1, 2015, each qualified employee climbing or
changing location on poles, towers, or similar structures must use fall
protection equipment unless the employer can demonstrate that climbing
or changing location with fall protection is infeasible or creates a
greater hazard than climbing or changing location without it.

    Note 1 to paragraphs (g)(2)(iv)(C)(2) and (g)(2)(iv)(C)(3):
    These paragraphs apply to structures that support overhead
electric power transmission and distribution lines and equipment.
They do not apply to portions of buildings, such as loading docks,
or to electric equipment, such as transformers and capacitors.
Subpart D of this part contains the duty to provide fall protection
associated with walking and working surfaces.

    Note 2 to paragraphs (g)(2)(iv)(C)(2) and (g)(2)(iv)(C)(3):
    Until the employer ensures that employees are proficient in
climbing and the use of fall protection under paragraph (a)(2)(viii)
of this section, the employees are not considered ``qualified
employees'' for the purposes of paragraphs (g)(2)(iv)(C)(2) and
(g)(2)(iv)(C)(3) of this section. These paragraphs require
unqualified employees (including trainees) to use fall protection
any time they are more than 1.2 meters (4 feet) above the ground.

    (D) On and after April 1, 2015, work-positioning systems shall be
rigged so that an employee can free fall no more than 0.6 meters (2
feet).
    (E) Anchorages for work-positioning equipment shall be capable of
supporting at least twice the potential impact load of an employee's
fall, or 13.3 kilonewtons (3,000 pounds-force), whichever is greater.

    Note to paragraph (g)(2)(iv)(E): Wood-pole fall-restriction
devices meeting American Society of Testing and Materials Standard
Specifications for Personal Climbing Equipment, ASTM F887-12\e1\,
are deemed to meet the anchorage-strength requirement when they are
used in accordance with manufacturers' instructions.

    (F) Unless the snaphook is a locking type and designed specifically
for the following connections, snaphooks on work-positioning equipment
may not be engaged:
    (1) Directly to webbing, rope, or wire rope;
    (2) To each other;
    (3) To a D ring to which another snaphook or other connector is
attached;
    (4) To a horizontal lifeline; or
    (5) To any object that is incompatibly shaped or dimensioned in
relation to the snaphook such that accidental disengagement could occur
should the connected object sufficiently depress the snaphook keeper to
allow release of the object.
    (h) Portable ladders and platforms. (1) General. Requirements for
portable ladders contained in Subpart D of this part apply in addition
to the requirements of paragraph (h) of this section, except as
specifically noted in paragraph (h)(2) of this section.
    (2) Special ladders and platforms. Portable ladders used on
structures or

conductors in conjunction with overhead line work need not meet Sec.
1910.25(d)(2)(i) and (d)(2)(iii) or Sec.  1910.26(c)(3)(iii). Portable
ladders and platforms used on structures or conductors in conjunction
with overhead line work shall meet the following requirements:
    (i) In the configurations in which they are used, portable
platforms shall be capable of supporting without failure at least 2.5
times the maximum intended load.
    (ii) Portable ladders and platforms may not be loaded in excess of
the working loads for which they are designed.
    (iii) Portable ladders and platforms shall be secured to prevent
them from becoming dislodged.
    (iv) Portable ladders and platforms may be used only in
applications for which they are designed.
    (3) Conductive ladders. Portable metal ladders and other portable
conductive ladders may not be used near exposed energized lines or
equipment. However, in specialized high-voltage work, conductive
ladders shall be used when the employer demonstrates that nonconductive
ladders would present a greater hazard to employees than conductive
ladders.
    (i) Hand and portable power equipment. (1) General. Paragraph
(i)(2) of this section applies to electric equipment connected by cord
and plug. Paragraph (i)(3) of this section applies to portable and
vehicle-mounted generators used to supply cord- and plug-connected
equipment. Paragraph (i)(4) of this section applies to hydraulic and
pneumatic tools.
    (2) Cord- and plug-connected equipment. Cord- and plug-connected
equipment not covered by Subpart S of this part shall comply with one
of the following instead of Sec.  1910.243(a)(5):
    (i) The equipment shall be equipped with a cord containing an
equipment grounding conductor connected to the equipment frame and to a
means for grounding the other end of the conductor (however, this
option may not be used where the introduction of the ground into the
work environment increases the hazard to an employee); or
    (ii) The equipment shall be of the double-insulated type conforming
to Subpart S of this part; or
    (iii) The equipment shall be connected to the power supply through
an isolating transformer with an ungrounded secondary of not more than
50 volts.
    (3) Portable and vehicle-mounted generators. Portable and vehicle-
mounted generators used to supply cord- and plug-connected equipment
covered by paragraph (i)(2) of this section shall meet the following
requirements:
    (i) The generator may only supply equipment located on the
generator or the vehicle and cord- and plug-connected equipment through
receptacles mounted on the generator or the vehicle.
    (ii) The non-current-carrying metal parts of equipment and the
equipment grounding conductor terminals of the receptacles shall be
bonded to the generator frame.
    (iii) For vehicle-mounted generators, the frame of the generator
shall be bonded to the vehicle frame.
    (iv) Any neutral conductor shall be bonded to the generator frame.
    (4) Hydraulic and pneumatic tools. (i) Safe operating pressures for
hydraulic and pneumatic tools, hoses, valves, pipes, filters, and
fittings may not be exceeded.

    Note to paragraph (i)(4)(i): If any hazardous defects are
present, no operating pressure is safe, and the hydraulic or
pneumatic equipment involved may not be used. In the absence of
defects, the maximum rated operating pressure is the maximum safe
pressure.

    (ii) A hydraulic or pneumatic tool used where it may contact
exposed energized parts shall be designed and maintained for such use.
    (iii) The hydraulic system supplying a hydraulic tool used where it
may contact exposed live parts shall provide protection against loss of
insulating value, for the voltage involved, due to the formation of a
partial vacuum in the hydraulic line.

    Note to paragraph (i)(4)(iii): Use of hydraulic lines that do
not have check valves and that have a separation of more than 10.7
meters (35 feet) between the oil reservoir and the upper end of the
hydraulic system promotes the formation of a partial vacuum.

    (iv) A pneumatic tool used on energized electric lines or
equipment, or used where it may contact exposed live parts, shall
provide protection against the accumulation of moisture in the air
supply.
    (v) Pressure shall be released before connections are broken,
unless quick-acting, self-closing connectors are used.
    (vi) Employers must ensure that employees do not use any part of
their bodies to locate, or attempt to stop, a hydraulic leak.
    (vii) Hoses may not be kinked.
    (j) Live-line tools. (1) Design of tools. Live-line tool rods,
tubes, and poles shall be designed and constructed to withstand the
following minimum tests:
    (i) If the tool is made of fiberglass-reinforced plastic (FRP), it
shall withstand 328,100 volts per meter (100,000 volts per foot) of
length for 5 minutes, or

    Note to paragraph (j)(1)(i): Live-line tools using rod and tube
that meet ASTM F711-02 (2007), Standard Specification for
Fiberglass-Reinforced Plastic (FRP) Rod and Tube Used in Live Line
Tools, are deemed to comply with paragraph (j)(1) of this section.

    (ii) If the tool is made of wood, it shall withstand 246,100 volts
per meter (75,000 volts per foot) of length for 3 minutes, or
    (iii) The tool shall withstand other tests that the employer can
demonstrate are equivalent.
    (2) Condition of tools. (i) Each live-line tool shall be wiped
clean and visually inspected for defects before use each day.
    (ii) If any defect or contamination that could adversely affect the
insulating qualities or mechanical integrity of the live-line tool is
present after wiping, the tool shall be removed from service and
examined and tested according to paragraph (j)(2)(iii) of this section
before being returned to service.
    (iii) Live-line tools used for primary employee protection shall be
removed from service every 2 years, and whenever required under
paragraph (j)(2)(ii) of this section, for examination, cleaning,
repair, and testing as follows:
    (A) Each tool shall be thoroughly examined for defects.
    (B) If a defect or contamination that could adversely affect the
insulating qualities or mechanical integrity of the live-line tool is
found, the tool shall be repaired and refinished or shall be
permanently removed from service. If no such defect or contamination is
found, the tool shall be cleaned and waxed.
    (C) The tool shall be tested in accordance with paragraphs
(j)(2)(iii)(D) and (j)(2)(iii)(E) of this section under the following
conditions:
    (1) After the tool has been repaired or refinished; and
    (2) After the examination if repair or refinishing is not
performed, unless the tool is made of FRP rod or foam-filled FRP tube
and the employer can demonstrate that the tool has no defects that
could cause it to fail during use.
    (D) The test method used shall be designed to verify the tool's
integrity along its entire working length and, if the tool is made of
fiberglass-reinforced plastic, its integrity under wet conditions.
    (E) The voltage applied during the tests shall be as follows:
    (1) 246,100 volts per meter (75,000 volts per foot) of length for 1
minute if the tool is made of fiberglass, or

    (2) 164,000 volts per meter (50,000 volts per foot) of length for 1
minute if the tool is made of wood, or
    (3) Other tests that the employer can demonstrate are equivalent.

    Note to paragraph (j)(2): Guidelines for the examination,
cleaning, repairing, and in-service testing of live-line tools are
specified in the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers'
IEEE Guide for Maintenance Methods on Energized Power Lines, IEEE
Std 516-2009.

    (k) Materials handling and storage. (1) General. Materials handling
and storage shall comply with applicable material-handling and
material-storage requirements in this part, including those in Subpart
N of this part.
    (2) Materials storage near energized lines or equipment. (i) In
areas to which access is not restricted to qualified persons only,
materials or equipment may not be stored closer to energized lines or
exposed energized parts of equipment than the following distances, plus
a distance that provides for the maximum sag and side swing of all
conductors and for the height and movement of material-handling
equipment:
    (A) For lines and equipment energized at 50 kilovolts or less, the
distance is 3.05 meters (10 feet).
    (B) For lines and equipment energized at more than 50 kilovolts,
the distance is 3.05 meters (10 feet) plus 0.10 meter (4 inches) for
every 10 kilovolts over 50 kilovolts.
    (ii) In areas restricted to qualified employees, materials may not
be stored within the working space about energized lines or equipment.

    Note to paragraph (k)(2)(ii): Paragraphs (u)(1) and (v)(3) of
this section specify the size of the working space.

    (l) Working on or near exposed energized parts. This paragraph
applies to work on exposed live parts, or near enough to them to expose
the employee to any hazard they present.
    (1) General. (i) Only qualified employees may work on or with
exposed energized lines or parts of equipment.
    (ii) Only qualified employees may work in areas containing
unguarded, uninsulated energized lines or parts of equipment operating
at 50 volts or more.
    (iii) Electric lines and equipment shall be considered and treated
as energized unless they have been deenergized in accordance with
paragraph (d) or (m) of this section.
    (2) At least two employees. (i) Except as provided in paragraph
(l)(2)(ii) of this section, at least two employees shall be present
while any employees perform the following types of work:
    (A) Installation, removal, or repair of lines energized at more
than 600 volts,
    (B) Installation, removal, or repair of deenergized lines if an
employee is exposed to contact with other parts energized at more than
600 volts,
    (C) Installation, removal, or repair of equipment, such as
transformers, capacitors, and regulators, if an employee is exposed to
contact with parts energized at more than 600 volts,
    (D) Work involving the use of mechanical equipment, other than
insulated aerial lifts, near parts energized at more than 600 volts,
and
    (E) Other work that exposes an employee to electrical hazards
greater than, or equal to, the electrical hazards posed by operations
listed specifically in paragraphs (l)(2)(i)(A) through (l)(2)(i)(D) of
this section.
    (ii) Paragraph (l)(2)(i) of this section does not apply to the
following operations:
    (A) Routine circuit switching, when the employer can demonstrate
that conditions at the site allow safe performance of this work,
    (B) Work performed with live-line tools when the position of the
employee is such that he or she is neither within reach of, nor
otherwise exposed to contact with, energized parts, and
    (C) Emergency repairs to the extent necessary to safeguard the
general public.
    (3) Minimum approach distances. (i) The employer shall establish
minimum approach distances no less than the distances computed by Table
R-3 for ac systems or Table R-8 for dc systems.
    (ii) No later than April 1, 2015, for voltages over 72.5 kilovolts,
the employer shall determine the maximum anticipated per-unit transient
overvoltage, phase-to-ground, through an engineering analysis or assume
a maximum anticipated per-unit transient overvoltage, phase-to-ground,
in accordance with Table R-9. When the employer uses portable
protective gaps to control the maximum transient overvoltage, the value
of the maximum anticipated per-unit transient overvoltage, phase-to-
ground, must provide for five standard deviations between the
statistical sparkover voltage of the gap and the statistical withstand
voltage corresponding to the electrical component of the minimum
approach distance. The employer shall make any engineering analysis
conducted to determine maximum anticipated per-unit transient
overvoltage available upon request to employees and to the Assistant
Secretary or designee for examination and copying.

    Note to paragraph (l)(3)(ii): See Appendix B to this section for
information on how to calculate the maximum anticipated per-unit
transient overvoltage, phase-to-ground, when the employer uses
portable protective gaps to reduce maximum transient overvoltages.

    (iii) The employer shall ensure that no employee approaches or
takes any conductive object closer to exposed energized parts than the
employer's established minimum approach distance, unless:
    (A) The employee is insulated from the energized part (rubber
insulating gloves or rubber insulating gloves and sleeves worn in
accordance with paragraph (l)(4) of this section constitutes insulation
of the employee from the energized part upon which the employee is
working provided that the employee has control of the part in a manner
sufficient to prevent exposure to uninsulated portions of the
employee's body), or
    (B) The energized part is insulated from the employee and from any
other conductive object at a different potential, or
    (C) The employee is insulated from any other exposed conductive
object in accordance with the requirements for live-line barehand work
in paragraph (q)(3) of this section.
    (4) Type of insulation. (i) When an employee uses rubber insulating
gloves as insulation from energized parts (under paragraph
(l)(3)(iii)(A) of this section), the employer shall ensure that the
employee also uses rubber insulating sleeves. However, an employee need
not use rubber insulating sleeves if:
    (A) Exposed energized parts on which the employee is not working
are insulated from the employee; and
    (B) When installing insulation for purposes of paragraph
(l)(4)(i)(A) of this section, the employee installs the insulation from
a position that does not expose his or her upper arm to contact with
other energized parts.
    (ii) When an employee uses rubber insulating gloves or rubber
insulating gloves and sleeves as insulation from energized parts (under
paragraph (l)(3)(iii)(A) of this section), the employer shall ensure
that the employee:
    (A) Puts on the rubber insulating gloves and sleeves in a position
where he or she cannot reach into the minimum approach distance,
established by the employer under paragraph (l)(3)(i) of this section;
and
    (B) Does not remove the rubber insulating gloves and sleeves until
he or she is in a position where he or she cannot reach into the
minimum approach distance, established by the employer under paragraph
(l)(3)(i) of this section.

    (5) Working position. (i) The employer shall ensure that each
employee, to the extent that other safety-related conditions at the
worksite permit, works in a position from which a slip or shock will
not bring the employee's body into contact with exposed, uninsulated
parts energized at a potential different from the employee's.
    (ii) When an employee performs work near exposed parts energized at
more than 600 volts, but not more than 72.5 kilovolts, and is not
wearing rubber insulating gloves, being protected by insulating
equipment covering the energized parts, performing work using live-line
tools, or performing live-line barehand work under paragraph (q)(3) of
this section, the employee shall work from a position where he or she
cannot reach into the minimum approach distance, established by the
employer under paragraph (l)(3)(i) of this section.
    (6) Making connections. The employer shall ensure that employees
make connections as follows:
    (i) In connecting deenergized equipment or lines to an energized
circuit by means of a conducting wire or device, an employee shall
first attach the wire to the deenergized part;
    (ii) When disconnecting equipment or lines from an energized
circuit by means of a conducting wire or device, an employee shall
remove the source end first; and
    (iii) When lines or equipment are connected to or disconnected from
energized circuits, an employee shall keep loose conductors away from
exposed energized parts.
    (7) Conductive articles. When an employee performs work within
reaching distance of exposed energized parts of equipment, the employer
shall ensure that the employee removes or renders nonconductive all
exposed conductive articles, such as keychains or watch chains, rings,
or wrist watches or bands, unless such articles do not increase the
hazards associated with contact with the energized parts.
    (8) Protection from flames and electric arcs. (i) The employer
shall assess the workplace to identify employees exposed to hazards
from flames or from electric arcs.
    (ii) For each employee exposed to hazards from electric arcs, the
employer shall make a reasonable estimate of the incident heat energy
to which the employee would be exposed.

    Note 1 to paragraph (l)(8)(ii): Appendix E to this section
provides guidance on estimating available heat energy. The
Occupational Safety and Health Administration will deem employers
following the guidance in Appendix E to this section to be in
compliance with paragraph (l)(8)(ii) of this section. An employer
may choose a method of calculating incident heat energy not included
in Appendix E to this section if the chosen method reasonably
predicts the incident energy to which the employee would be exposed.

    Note 2 to paragraph (l)(8)(ii): This paragraph does not require
the employer to estimate the incident heat energy exposure for every
job task performed by each employee. The employer may make broad
estimates that cover multiple system areas provided the employer
uses reasonable assumptions about the energy-exposure distribution
throughout the system and provided the estimates represent the
maximum employee exposure for those areas. For example, the employer
could estimate the heat energy just outside a substation feeding a
radial distribution system and use that estimate for all jobs
performed on that radial system.

    (iii) The employer shall ensure that each employee who is exposed
to hazards from flames or electric arcs does not wear clothing that
could melt onto his or her skin or that could ignite and continue to
burn when exposed to flames or the heat energy estimated under
paragraph (l)(8)(ii) of this section.

    Note to paragraph (l)(8)(iii) of this section: This paragraph
prohibits clothing made from acetate, nylon, polyester, rayon and
polypropylene, either alone or in blends, unless the employer
demonstrates that the fabric has been treated to withstand the
conditions that may be encountered by the employee or that the
employee wears the clothing in such a manner as to eliminate the
hazard involved.

    (iv) The employer shall ensure that the outer layer of clothing
worn by an employee, except for clothing not required to be arc rated
under paragraphs (l)(8)(v)(A) through (l)(8)(v)(E) of this section, is
flame resistant under any of the following conditions:
    (A) The employee is exposed to contact with energized circuit parts
operating at more than 600 volts,
    (B) An electric arc could ignite flammable material in the work
area that, in turn, could ignite the employee's clothing,
    (C) Molten metal or electric arcs from faulted conductors in the
work area could ignite the employee's clothing, or

    Note to paragraph (l)(8)(iv)(C): This paragraph does not apply
to conductors that are capable of carrying, without failure, the
maximum available fault current for the time the circuit protective
devices take to interrupt the fault.

    (D) The incident heat energy estimated under paragraph (l)(8)(ii)
of this section exceeds 2.0 cal/cm\2\.
    (v) The employer shall ensure that each employee exposed to hazards
from electric arcs wears protective clothing and other protective
equipment with an arc rating greater than or equal to the heat energy
estimated under paragraph (l)(8)(ii) of this section whenever that
estimate exceeds 2.0 cal/cm\2\. This protective equipment shall cover
the employee's entire body, except as follows:
    (A) Arc-rated protection is not necessary for the employee's hands
when the employee is wearing rubber insulating gloves with protectors
or, if the estimated incident energy is no more than 14 cal/cm\2\,
heavy-duty leather work gloves with a weight of at least 407 gm/m\2\
(12 oz/yd\2\),
    (B) Arc-rated protection is not necessary for the employee's feet
when the employee is wearing heavy-duty work shoes or boots,
    (C) Arc-rated protection is not necessary for the employee's head
when the employee is wearing head protection meeting Sec.  1910.135 if
the estimated incident energy is less than 9 cal/cm\2\ for exposures
involving single-phase arcs in open air or 5 cal/cm\2\ for other
exposures,
    (D) The protection for the employee's head may consist of head
protection meeting Sec.  1910.135 and a faceshield with a minimum arc
rating of 8 cal/cm\2\ if the estimated incident-energy exposure is less
than 13 cal/cm\2\ for exposures involving single-phase arcs in open air
or 9 cal/cm\2\ for other exposures, and
    (E) For exposures involving single-phase arcs in open air, the arc
rating for the employee's head and face protection may be 4 cal/cm\2\
less than the estimated incident energy.

    Note to paragraph (l)(8): See Appendix E to this section for
further information on the selection of appropriate protection.

    (vi) Dates. (A) The obligation in paragraph (l)(8)(ii) of this
section for the employer to make reasonable estimates of incident
energy commences January 1, 2015.
    (B) The obligation in paragraph (l)(8)(iv)(D) of this section for
the employer to ensure that the outer layer of clothing worn by an
employee is flame-resistant when the estimated incident heat energy
exceeds 2.0 cal/cm\2\ commences April 1, 2015.
    (C) The obligation in paragraph (l)(8)(v) of this section for the
employer to ensure that each employee exposed to hazards from electric
arcs wears the required arc-rated protective equipment commences April
1, 2015.
    (9) Fuse handling. When an employee must install or remove fuses
with one or both terminals energized at more than 300 volts, or with
exposed parts energized at more than 50 volts, the

employer shall ensure that the employee uses tools or gloves rated for
the voltage. When an employee installs or removes expulsion-type fuses
with one or both terminals energized at more than 300 volts, the
employer shall ensure that the employee wears eye protection meeting
the requirements of Subpart I of this part, uses a tool rated for the
voltage, and is clear of the exhaust path of the fuse barrel.
    (10) Covered (noninsulated) conductors. The requirements of this
section that pertain to the hazards of exposed live parts also apply
when an employee performs work in proximity to covered (noninsulated)
wires.
    (11) Non-current-carrying metal parts. Non-current-carrying metal
parts of equipment or devices, such as transformer cases and circuit-
breaker housings, shall be treated as energized at the highest voltage
to which these parts are exposed, unless the employer inspects the
installation and determines that these parts are grounded before
employees begin performing the work.
    (12) Opening and closing circuits under load. (i) The employer
shall ensure that devices used by employees to open circuits under load
conditions are designed to interrupt the current involved.
    (ii) The employer shall ensure that devices used by employees to
close circuits under load conditions are designed to safely carry the
current involved.

                             Table R-3--AC Live-Line Work Minimum Approach Distance
           [The minimum approach distance (MAD; in meters) shall conform to the following equations.]
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
For phase-to-phase system voltages of 50 V to 300 V:\ 1\
MAD = avoid contact
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
For phase-to-phase system voltages of 301 V to 5 kV: \ 1\
MAD = M + D, where
    D = 0.02 m..................  the electrical component of the minimum approach distance.
    M = 0.31 m for voltages up    the inadvertent movement factor.
     to 750 V and 0.61 m
     otherwise.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
For phase-to-phase system
 voltages of 5.1 kV to 72.5 kV:
 \1\ \4\
MAD = M + AD, where
    M = 0.61 m..................  the inadvertent movement factor.
    A = the applicable value      the altitude correction factor.
     from Table R-5.
    D = the value from Table R-4  the electrical component of the minimum approach distance.
     corresponding to the
     voltage and exposure or the
     value of the electrical
     component of the minimum
     approach distance
     calculated using the method
     provided in Appendix B to
     this section.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
For phase-to-phase system voltages of more than 72.5 kV, nominal: \2\ \4\
MAD = 0.3048(C + )VL-GTA + M, where
    C = 0.01 for phase-to-ground exposures that the employer can demonstrate consist only of air across the
     approach distance (gap),.
        0.01 for phase-to-phase exposures if the employer can demonstrate that no insulated tool spans the gap
         and that no large conductive object is in the gap, or.
        0.011 otherwise.........................................................................................
    VL-G = phase-to-ground rms voltage, in kV...................................................................
    T = maximum anticipated per-unit transient overvoltage; for phase-to-ground exposures, T equals TL-G, the
     maximum per-unit transient overvoltage, phase-to-ground, determined by the employer under paragraph
     (l)(3)(ii) of this section; for phase-to-phase exposures, T equals 1.35TL-G + 0.45.
    A = altitude correction factor from Table R-5...............................................................
    M = 0.31 m, the inadvertent movement factor.................................................................
    a = saturation factor, as follows:..........................................................................
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                Phase-to-Ground Exposures
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
VPeak = TL-GVL-G[radic]2................     635 kV or less        635.1 to 915 kV      915.1 to 1,050 kV                More than 1,050 kV
a.......................................                  0    (VPeak-635)/140,000    (VPeak-645)/135,000                (VPeak-675)/125,000
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                              Phase-to-Phase Exposures \3\
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
VPeak = (1.35TL-G + 0.45)VL-G[radic]2...     630 kV or less        630.1 to 848 kV      848.1 to 1,131 kV    1,131.1 to 1,485 kV     More than 1,485 kV
a.......................................                  0    (VPeak-630)/155,000   (VPeak-633.6)/152,207   (VPeak-628)/153,846   (VPeak-350.5)/203,666
\1\ Employers may use the minimum approach distances in Table R-6. If the worksite is at an elevation of more than 900 meters (3,000 feet), see footnote
  1 to Table R-6.
\2\ Employers may use the minimum approach distances in Table R-7, except that the employer may not use the minimum approach distances in Table R-7 for
  phase-to-phase exposures if an insulated tool spans the gap or if any large conductive object is in the gap. If the worksite is at an elevation of
  more than 900 meters (3,000 feet), see footnote 1 to Table R-7. Employers may use the minimum approach distances in Table 6 through Table 13 in
  Appendix B to this section, which calculated MAD for various values of T, provided the employer follows the notes to those tables.
\3\ Use the equations for phase-to-ground exposures (with VPeak for phase-to-phase exposures) unless the employer can demonstrate that no insulated tool
  spans the gap and that no large conductive object is in the gap.
\4\ Until March 31, 2015, employers may use the minimum approach distances in Table 6 through Table 13 in Appendix B to this section.

               Table R-4--Electrical Component of the Minimum Approach Distance at 5.1 to 72.5 kV
                                                 [D; In meters]
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                         Phase-to-ground exposure      Phase-to-phase exposure
         Nominal voltage (kV) phase-to-phase          ----------------------------------------------------------
                                                                   D (m)                        D (m)
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
5.1 to 15.0..........................................                         0.04                          0.07
15.1 to 36.0.........................................                         0.16                          0.28
36.1 to 46.0.........................................                         0.23                          0.37
46.1 to 72.5.........................................                         0.39                          0.59
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

                  Table R-5--Altitude Correction Factor
------------------------------------------------------------------------
       Altitude above sea level  (m)                      A
------------------------------------------------------------------------
0 to 900...................................                         1.00
901 to 1,200...............................                         1.02
1,201 to 1,500.............................                         1.05
1,501 to 1,800.............................                         1.08
1,801 to 2,100.............................                         1.11
2,101 to 2,400.............................                         1.14
2,401 to 2,700.............................                         1.17
2,701 to 3,000.............................                         1.20
3,001 to 3,600.............................                         1.25
3,601 to 4,200.............................                         1.30
4,201 to 4,800.............................                         1.35
4,801 to 5,400.............................                         1.39
5,401 to 6,000.............................                         1.44
------------------------------------------------------------------------

             Table R-6--Alternative Minimum Approach Distances for Voltages of 72.5 kV and Less \1\
                                         [In meters or feet and inches]
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                             Distance
                                                ----------------------------------------------------------------
      Nominal voltage (kV) phase-to-phase            Phase-to-ground exposure         Phase-to-phase exposure
                                                ----------------------------------------------------------------
                                                        m               ft               m              ft
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
0.50 to 0.300 \2\..............................           Avoid Contact
                                                          Avoid Contact
                                                ----------------------------------------------------------------
0.301 to 0.750 \2\.............................            0.33            1.09             0.33            1.09
0.751 to 5.0...................................            0.63            2.07             0.63            2.07
5.1 to 15.0....................................            0.65            2.14             0.68            2.24
15.1 to 36.0...................................            0.77            2.53             0.89            2.92
36.1 to 46.0...................................            0.84            2.76             0.98            3.22
46.1 to 72.5...................................            1.00            3.29             1.20            3.94
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
\1\ Employers may use the minimum approach distances in this table provided the worksite is at an elevation of
  900 meters (3,000 feet) or less. If employees will be working at elevations greater than 900 meters (3,000
  feet) above mean sea level, the employer shall determine minimum approach distances by multiplying the
  distances in this table by the correction factor in Table R-5 corresponding to the altitude of the work.
\2\ For single-phase systems, use voltage-to-ground.

         Table R-7--Alternative Minimum Approach Distances for Voltages of More Than 72.5 kV \1\ \2\ \3\
                                         [In meters or feet and inches]
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                     Phase-to-ground exposure         Phase-to-phase exposure
       Voltage range phase to phase (kV)        ----------------------------------------------------------------
                                                        m               ft               m              ft
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
72.6 to 121.0..................................            1.13            3.71             1.42            4.66
121.1 to 145.0.................................            1.30            4.27             1.64            5.38
145.1 to 169.0.................................            1.46            4.79             1.94            6.36
169.1 to 242.0.................................            2.01            6.59             3.08           10.10
242.1 to 362.0.................................            3.41           11.19             5.52           18.11
362.1 to 420.0.................................            4.25           13.94             6.81           22.34
420.1 to 550.0.................................            5.07           16.63             8.24           27.03
550.1 to 800.0.................................            6.88           22.57            11.38           37.34
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
\1\ Employers may use the minimum approach distances in this table provided the worksite is at an elevation of
  900 meters (3,000 feet) or less. If employees will be working at elevations greater than 900 meters (3,000
  feet) above mean sea level, the employer shall determine minimum approach distances by multiplying the
  distances in this table by the correction factor in Table R-5 corresponding to the altitude of the work.
\2\ Employers may use the phase-to-phase minimum approach distances in this table provided that no insulated
  tool spans the gap and no large conductive object is in the gap.

\3\ The clear live-line tool distance shall equal or exceed the values for the indicated voltage ranges.

                  Table R-8--DC Live-Line Minimum Approach Distance with Overvoltage Factor \1\
                                                   [In meters]
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                 Distance (m) maximum line-to-ground voltage (kV)
  Maximum anticipated per-unit   -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
      transient overvoltage             250             400             500             600             750
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1.5 or less.....................            1.12            1.60            2.06            2.62            3.61
1.6.............................            1.17            1.69            2.24            2.86            3.98
1.7.............................            1.23            1.82            2.42            3.12            4.37
1.8.............................            1.28            1.95            2.62            3.39            4.79
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
\1\ The distances specified in this table are for air, bare-hand, and live-line tool conditions. If employees
  will be working at elevations greater than 900 meters (3,000 feet) above mean sea level, the employer shall
  determine minimum approach distances by multiplying the distances in this table by the correction factor in
  Table R-5 corresponding to the altitude of the work.

        Table R-9--Assumed Maximum Per-Unit Transient Overvoltage
------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                        Assumed  maximum
                                     Type of current        per-unit
        Voltage range (kV)              (ac or dc)         transient
                                                          overvoltage
------------------------------------------------------------------------
72.6 to 420.0.....................                 ac                3.5
420.1 to 550.0....................                 ac                3.0
550.1 to 800.0....................                 ac                2.5
250 to 750........................                 dc                1.8
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    (m) Deenergizing lines and equipment for employee protection. (1)
Application. Paragraph (m) of this section applies to the deenergizing
of transmission and distribution lines and equipment for the purpose of
protecting employees. See paragraph (d) of this section for
requirements on the control of hazardous energy sources used in the
generation of electric energy. Conductors and parts of electric
equipment that have been deenergized under procedures other than those
required by paragraph (d) or (m) of this section, as applicable, shall
be treated as energized.
    (2) General. (i) If a system operator is in charge of the lines or
equipment and their means of disconnection, the employer shall
designate one employee in the crew to be in charge of the clearance and
shall comply with all of the requirements of paragraph (m)(3) of this
section in the order specified.
    (ii) If no system operator is in charge of the lines or equipment
and their means of disconnection, the employer shall designate one
employee in the crew to be in charge of the clearance and to perform
the functions that the system operator would otherwise perform under
paragraph (m) of this section. All of the requirements of paragraph
(m)(3) of this section apply, in the order specified, except as
provided in paragraph (m)(2)(iii) of this section.
    (iii) If only one crew will be working on the lines or equipment
and if the means of disconnection is accessible and visible to, and
under the sole control of, the employee in charge of the clearance,
paragraphs (m)(3)(i), (m)(3)(iii), and (m)(3)(v) of this section do not
apply. Additionally, the employer does not need to use the tags
required by the remaining provisions of paragraph (m)(3) of this
section.
    (iv) If two or more crews will be working on the same lines or
equipment, then:
    (A) The crews shall coordinate their activities under paragraph (m)
of this section with a single employee in charge of the clearance for
all of the crews and follow the requirements of paragraph (m) of this
section as if all of the employees formed a single crew, or
    (B) Each crew shall independently comply with paragraph (m) of this
section and, if there is no system operator in charge of the lines or
equipment, shall have separate tags and coordinate deenergizing and
reenergizing the lines and equipment with the other crews.
    (v) The employer shall render any disconnecting means that are
accessible to individuals outside the employer's control (for example,
the general public) inoperable while the disconnecting means are open
for the purpose of protecting employees.
    (3) Deenergizing lines and equipment. (i) The employee that the
employer designates pursuant to paragraph (m)(2) of this section as
being in charge of the clearance shall make a request of the system
operator to deenergize the particular section of line or equipment. The
designated employee becomes the employee in charge (as this term is
used in paragraph (m)(3) of this section) and is responsible for the
clearance.
    (ii) The employer shall ensure that all switches, disconnectors,
jumpers, taps, and other means through which known sources of electric
energy may be supplied to the particular lines and equipment to be
deenergized are open. The employer shall render such means inoperable,
unless its design does not so permit, and then ensure that such means
are tagged to indicate that employees are at work.
    (iii) The employer shall ensure that automatically and remotely
controlled switches that could cause the opened disconnecting means to
close are also tagged at the points of control. The employer shall
render the automatic or remote control feature inoperable, unless its
design does not so permit.
    (iv) The employer need not use the tags mentioned in paragraphs
(m)(3)(ii) and (m)(3)(iii) of this section on a network protector for
work on the primary feeder for the network protector's associated
network transformer when the employer can demonstrate all of the
following conditions:
    (A) Every network protector is maintained so that it will
immediately trip open if closed when a primary conductor is
deenergized;

    (B) Employees cannot manually place any network protector in a
closed position without the use of tools, and any manual override
position is blocked, locked, or otherwise disabled; and
    (C) The employer has procedures for manually overriding any network
protector that incorporate provisions for determining, before anyone
places a network protector in a closed position, that: The line
connected to the network protector is not deenergized for the
protection of any employee working on the line; and (if the line
connected to the network protector is not deenergized for the
protection of any employee working on the line) the primary conductors
for the network protector are energized.
    (v) Tags shall prohibit operation of the disconnecting means and
shall indicate that employees are at work.
    (vi) After the applicable requirements in paragraphs (m)(3)(i)
through (m)(3)(v) of this section have been followed and the system
operator gives a clearance to the employee in charge, the employer
shall ensure that the lines and equipment are deenergized by testing
the lines and equipment to be worked with a device designed to detect
voltage.
    (vii) The employer shall ensure the installation of protective
grounds as required by paragraph (n) of this section.
    (viii) After the applicable requirements of paragraphs (m)(3)(i)
through (m)(3)(vii) of this section have been followed, the lines and
equipment involved may be considered deenergized.
    (ix) To transfer the clearance, the employee in charge (or the
employee's supervisor if the employee in charge must leave the worksite
due to illness or other emergency) shall inform the system operator and
employees in the crew; and the new employee in charge shall be
responsible for the clearance.
    (x) To release a clearance, the employee in charge shall:
    (A) Notify each employee under that clearance of the pending
release of the clearance;
    (B) Ensure that all employees under that clearance are clear of the
lines and equipment;
    (C) Ensure that all protective grounds protecting employees under
that clearance have been removed; and
    (D) Report this information to the system operator and then release
the clearance.
    (xi) Only the employee in charge who requested the clearance may
release the clearance, unless the employer transfers responsibility
under paragraph (m)(3)(ix) of this section.
    (xii) No one may remove tags without the release of the associated
clearance as specified under paragraphs (m)(3)(x) and (m)(3)(xi) of
this section.
    (xiii) The employer shall ensure that no one initiates action to
reenergize the lines or equipment at a point of disconnection until all
protective grounds have been removed, all crews working on the lines or
equipment release their clearances, all employees are clear of the
lines and equipment, and all protective tags are removed from that
point of disconnection.
    (n) Grounding for the protection of employees. (1) Application.
Paragraph (n) of this section applies to grounding of generation,
transmission, and distribution lines and equipment for the purpose of
protecting employees. Paragraph (n)(4) of this section also applies to
protective grounding of other equipment as required elsewhere in this
section.

    Note to paragraph (n)(1): This paragraph covers grounding of
generation, transmission, and distribution lines and equipment when
this section requires protective grounding and whenever the employer
chooses to ground such lines and equipment for the protection of
employees.

    (2) General. For any employee to work transmission and distribution
lines or equipment as deenergized, the employer shall ensure that the
lines or equipment are deenergized under the provisions of paragraph
(m) of this section and shall ensure proper grounding of the lines or
equipment as specified in paragraphs (n)(3) through (n)(8) of this
section. However, if the employer can demonstrate that installation of
a ground is impracticable or that the conditions resulting from the
installation of a ground would present greater hazards to employees
than working without grounds, the lines and equipment may be treated as
deenergized provided that the employer establishes that all of the
following conditions apply:
    (i) The employer ensures that the lines and equipment are
deenergized under the provisions of paragraph (m) of this section.
    (ii) There is no possibility of contact with another energized
source.
    (iii) The hazard of induced voltage is not present.
    (3) Equipotential zone. Temporary protective grounds shall be
placed at such locations and arranged in such a manner that the
employer can demonstrate will prevent each employee from being exposed
to hazardous differences in electric potential.

    Note to paragraph (n)(3): Appendix C to this section contains
guidelines for establishing the equipotential zone required by this
paragraph. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration will
deem grounding practices meeting these guidelines as complying with
paragraph (n)(3) of this section.

    (4) Protective grounding equipment. (i) Protective grounding
equipment shall be capable of conducting the maximum fault current that
could flow at the point of grounding for the time necessary to clear
the fault.
    (ii) Protective grounding equipment shall have an ampacity greater
than or equal to that of No. 2 AWG copper.
    (iii) Protective grounds shall have an impedance low enough so that
they do not delay the operation of protective devices in case of
accidental energizing of the lines or equipment.

    Note to paragraph (n)(4): American Society for Testing and
Materials Standard Specifications for Temporary Protective Grounds
to Be Used on De-Energized Electric Power Lines and Equipment, ASTM
F855-09, contains guidelines for protective grounding equipment. The
Institute of Electrical Engineers Guide for Protective Grounding of
Power Lines, IEEE Std 1048-2003, contains guidelines for selecting
and installing protective grounding equipment.

    (5) Testing. The employer shall ensure that, unless a previously
installed ground is present, employees test lines and equipment and
verify the absence of nominal voltage before employees install any
ground on those lines or that equipment.
    (6) Connecting and removing grounds. (i) The employer shall ensure
that, when an employee attaches a ground to a line or to equipment, the
employee attaches the ground-end connection first and then attaches the
other end by means of a live-line tool. For lines or equipment
operating at 600 volts or less, the employer may permit the employee to
use insulating equipment other than a live-line tool if the employer
ensures that the line or equipment is not energized at the time the
ground is connected or if the employer can demonstrate that each
employee is protected from hazards that may develop if the line or
equipment is energized.
    (ii) The employer shall ensure that, when an employee removes a
ground, the employee removes the grounding device from the line or
equipment using a live-line tool before he or she removes the ground-
end connection. For lines or equipment operating at 600 volts or less,
the employer may permit the employee to use insulating equipment other
than a live-line tool if the employer ensures that the line or
equipment is not energized at the time the ground is disconnected or if
the employer can

demonstrate that each employee is protected from hazards that may
develop if the line or equipment is energized.
    (7) Additional precautions. The employer shall ensure that, when an
employee performs work on a cable at a location remote from the cable
terminal, the cable is not grounded at the cable terminal if there is a
possibility of hazardous transfer of potential should a fault occur.
    (8) Removal of grounds for test. The employer may permit employees
to remove grounds temporarily during tests. During the test procedure,
the employer shall ensure that each employee uses insulating equipment,
shall isolate each employee from any hazards involved, and shall
implement any additional measures necessary to protect each exposed
employee in case the previously grounded lines and equipment become
energized.
    (o) Testing and test facilities. (1) Application. Paragraph (o) of
this section provides for safe work practices for high-voltage and
high-power testing performed in laboratories, shops, and substations,
and in the field and on electric transmission and distribution lines
and equipment. It applies only to testing involving interim
measurements using high voltage, high power, or combinations of high
voltage and high power, and not to testing involving continuous
measurements as in routine metering, relaying, and normal line work.

    Note to paragraph (o)(1): OSHA considers routine inspection and
maintenance measurements made by qualified employees to be routine
line work not included in the scope of paragraph (o) of this
section, provided that the hazards related to the use of intrinsic
high-voltage or high-power sources require only the normal
precautions associated with routine work specified in the other
paragraphs of this section. Two typical examples of such excluded
test work procedures are ``phasing-out'' testing and testing for a
``no-voltage'' condition.

    (2) General requirements. (i) The employer shall establish and
enforce work practices for the protection of each worker from the
hazards of high-voltage or high-power testing at all test areas,
temporary and permanent. Such work practices shall include, as a
minimum, test area safeguarding, grounding, the safe use of measuring
and control circuits, and a means providing for periodic safety checks
of field test areas.
    (ii) The employer shall ensure that each employee, upon initial
assignment to the test area, receives training in safe work practices,
with retraining provided as required by paragraph (a)(2) of this
section.
    (3) Safeguarding of test areas. (i) The employer shall provide
safeguarding within test areas to control access to test equipment or
to apparatus under test that could become energized as part of the
testing by either direct or inductive coupling and to prevent
accidental employee contact with energized parts.
    (ii) The employer shall guard permanent test areas with walls,
fences, or other barriers designed to keep employees out of the test
areas.
    (iii) In field testing, or at a temporary test site not guarded by
permanent fences and gates, the employer shall ensure the use of one of
the following means to prevent employees without authorization from
entering:
    (A) Distinctively colored safety tape supported approximately waist
high with safety signs attached to it,
    (B) A barrier or barricade that limits access to the test area to a
degree equivalent, physically and visually, to the barricade specified
in paragraph (o)(3)(iii)(A) of this section, or
    (C) One or more test observers stationed so that they can monitor
the entire area.
    (iv) The employer shall ensure the removal of the safeguards
required by paragraph (o)(3)(iii) of this section when employees no
longer need the protection afforded by the safeguards.
    (4) Grounding practices. (i) The employer shall establish and
implement safe grounding practices for the test facility.
    (A) The employer shall maintain at ground potential all conductive
parts accessible to the test operator while the equipment is operating
at high voltage.
    (B) Wherever ungrounded terminals of test equipment or apparatus
under test may be present, they shall be treated as energized until
tests demonstrate that they are deenergized.
    (ii) The employer shall ensure either that visible grounds are
applied automatically, or that employees using properly insulated tools
manually apply visible grounds, to the high-voltage circuits after they
are deenergized and before any employee performs work on the circuit or
on the item or apparatus under test. Common ground connections shall be
solidly connected to the test equipment and the apparatus under test.
    (iii) In high-power testing, the employer shall provide an isolated
ground-return conductor system designed to prevent the intentional
passage of current, with its attendant voltage rise, from occurring in
the ground grid or in the earth. However, the employer need not provide
an isolated ground-return conductor if the employer can demonstrate
that both of the following conditions exist:
    (A) The employer cannot provide an isolated ground-return conductor
due to the distance of the test site from the electric energy source,
and
    (B) The employer protects employees from any hazardous step and
touch potentials that may develop during the test.

    Note to paragraph (o)(4)(iii)(B): See Appendix C to this section
for information on measures that employers can take to protect
employees from hazardous step and touch potentials.

    (iv) For tests in which using the equipment grounding conductor in
the equipment power cord to ground the test equipment would result in
greater hazards to test personnel or prevent the taking of satisfactory
measurements, the employer may use a ground clearly indicated in the
test set-up if the employer can demonstrate that this ground affords
protection for employees equivalent to the protection afforded by an
equipment grounding conductor in the power supply cord.
    (v) The employer shall ensure that, when any employee enters the
test area after equipment is deenergized, a ground is placed on the
high-voltage terminal and any other exposed terminals.
    (A) Before any employee applies a direct ground, the employer shall
discharge high capacitance equipment through a resistor rated for the
available energy.
    (B) A direct ground shall be applied to the exposed terminals after
the stored energy drops to a level at which it is safe to do so.
    (vi) If the employer uses a test trailer or test vehicle in field
testing, its chassis shall be grounded. The employer shall protect each
employee against hazardous touch potentials with respect to the
vehicle, instrument panels, and other conductive parts accessible to
employees with bonding, insulation, or isolation.
    (5) Control and measuring circuits. (i) The employer may not run
control wiring, meter connections, test leads, or cables from a test
area unless contained in a grounded metallic sheath and terminated in a
grounded metallic enclosure or unless the employer takes other
precautions that it can demonstrate will provide employees with
equivalent safety.
    (ii) The employer shall isolate meters and other instruments with
accessible terminals or parts from test personnel to protect against
hazards that could arise should such terminals and parts become
energized during testing. If the employer

provides this isolation by locating test equipment in metal
compartments with viewing windows, the employer shall provide
interlocks to interrupt the power supply when someone opens the
compartment cover.
    (iii) The employer shall protect temporary wiring and its
connections against damage, accidental interruptions, and other
hazards. To the maximum extent possible, the employer shall keep
signal, control, ground, and power cables separate from each other.
    (iv) If any employee will be present in the test area during
testing, a test observer shall be present. The test observer shall be
capable of implementing the immediate deenergizing of test circuits for
safety purposes.
    (6) Safety check. (i) Safety practices governing employee work at
temporary or field test areas shall provide, at the beginning of each
series of tests, for a routine safety check of such test areas.
    (ii) The test operator in charge shall conduct these routine safety
checks before each series of tests and shall verify at least the
following conditions:
    (A) Barriers and safeguards are in workable condition and placed
properly to isolate hazardous areas;
    (B) System test status signals, if used, are in operable condition;
    (C) Clearly marked test-power disconnects are readily available in
an emergency;
    (D) Ground connections are clearly identifiable;
    (E) Personal protective equipment is provided and used as required
by Subpart I of this part and by this section; and
    (F) Proper separation between signal, ground, and power cables.
    (p) Mechanical equipment. (1) General requirements. (i) The
critical safety components of mechanical elevating and rotating
equipment shall receive a thorough visual inspection before use on each
shift.

    Note to paragraph (p)(1)(i): Critical safety components of
mechanical elevating and rotating equipment are components for which
failure would result in free fall or free rotation of the boom.

    (ii) No motor vehicle or earthmoving or compacting equipment having
an obstructed view to the rear may be operated on off-highway jobsites
where any employee is exposed to the hazards created by the moving
vehicle, unless:
    (A) The vehicle has a reverse signal alarm audible above the
surrounding noise level, or
    (B) The vehicle is backed up only when a designated employee
signals that it is safe to do so.
    (iii) Rubber-tired self-propelled scrapers, rubber-tired front-end
loaders, rubber-tired dozers, wheel-type agricultural and industrial
tractors, crawler-type tractors, crawler-type loaders, and motor
graders, with or without attachments, shall have rollover protective
structures that meet the requirements of Subpart W of Part 1926 of this
chapter.
    (iv) The operator of an electric line truck may not leave his or
her position at the controls while a load is suspended, unless the
employer can demonstrate that no employee (including the operator) is
endangered.
    (2) Outriggers. (i) Mobile equipment, if provided with outriggers,
shall be operated with the outriggers extended and firmly set, except
as provided in paragraph (p)(2)(iii) of this section.
    (ii) Outriggers may not be extended or retracted outside of the
clear view of the operator unless all employees are outside the range
of possible equipment motion.
    (iii) If the work area or the terrain precludes the use of
outriggers, the equipment may be operated only within its maximum load
ratings specified by the equipment manufacturer for the particular
configuration of the equipment without outriggers.
    (3) Applied loads. Mechanical equipment used to lift or move lines
or other material shall be used within its maximum load rating and
other design limitations for the conditions under which the mechanical
equipment is being used.
    (4) Operations near energized lines or equipment. (i) Mechanical
equipment shall be operated so that the minimum approach distances,
established by the employer under paragraph (l)(3)(i) of this section,
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.
    (ii) A designated employee other than the equipment operator shall
observe the approach distance to exposed lines and equipment and
provide timely warnings before the minimum approach distance required
by paragraph (p)(4)(i) of this section is reached, unless the employer
can demonstrate that the operator can accurately determine that the
minimum approach distance is being maintained.
    (iii) If, during operation of the mechanical equipment, that
equipment could become energized, the operation also shall comply with
at least one of paragraphs (p)(4)(iii)(A) through (p)(4)(iii)(C) of
this section.
    (A) 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.
    (B) 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 paragraph (l)(3)(i) of this section.
    (C) 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:
    (1) Using the best available ground to minimize the time the lines
or electric equipment remain energized,
    (2) Bonding mechanical equipment together to minimize potential
differences,
    (3) Providing ground mats to extend areas of equipotential, and
    (4) Employing insulating protective equipment or barricades to
guard against any remaining hazardous electrical potential differences.

    Note to paragraph (p)(4)(iii)(C): Appendix C to this section
contains information on hazardous step and touch potentials and on
methods of protecting employees from hazards resulting from such
potentials.

    (q) Overhead lines and live-line barehand work. This paragraph
provides additional requirements for work performed on or near overhead
lines and equipment and for live-line barehand work.
    (1) General. (i) Before allowing employees to subject elevated
structures, such as poles or towers, to such stresses as climbing or
the installation or removal of equipment may impose, the employer shall
ascertain that the structures are capable of sustaining the additional
or unbalanced stresses. If the pole or other structure cannot withstand
the expected loads, the employer shall brace or otherwise support the
pole or structure so as to prevent failure.

    Note to paragraph (q)(1)(i): Appendix D to this section contains
test methods that

employers can use in ascertaining whether a wood pole is capable of
sustaining the forces imposed by an employee climbing the pole. This
paragraph also requires the employer to ascertain that the pole can
sustain all other forces imposed by the work employees will perform.

    (ii) When a pole is set, moved, or removed near an exposed
energized overhead conductor, the pole may not contact the conductor.
    (iii) When a pole is set, moved, or removed near an exposed
energized overhead conductor, the employer shall ensure that each
employee wears electrical protective equipment or uses insulated
devices when handling the pole and that no employee contacts the pole
with uninsulated parts of his or her body.
    (iv) To protect employees from falling into holes used for placing
poles, the employer shall physically guard the holes, or ensure that
employees attend the holes, whenever anyone is working nearby.
    (2) Installing and removing overhead lines. The following
provisions apply to the installation and removal of overhead conductors
or cable (overhead lines).
    (i) When lines that employees are installing or removing can
contact energized parts, the employer shall use the tension-stringing
method, barriers, or other equivalent measures to minimize the
possibility that conductors and cables the employees are installing or
removing will contact energized power lines or equipment.
    (ii) For conductors, cables, and pulling and tensioning equipment,
the employer shall provide the protective measures required by
paragraph (p)(4)(iii) of this section when employees are installing or
removing a conductor or cable close enough to energized conductors that
any of the following failures could energize the pulling or tensioning
equipment or the conductor or cable being installed or removed:
    (A) Failure of the pulling or tensioning equipment,
    (B) Failure of the conductor or cable being pulled, or
    (C) Failure of the previously installed lines or equipment.
    (iii) If the conductors that employees are installing or removing
cross over energized conductors in excess of 600 volts and if the
design of the circuit-interrupting devices protecting the lines so
permits, the employer shall render inoperable the automatic-reclosing
feature of these devices.
    (iv) Before employees install lines parallel to existing energized
lines, the employer shall make a determination of the approximate
voltage to be induced in the new lines, or work shall proceed on the
assumption that the induced voltage is hazardous. Unless the employer
can demonstrate that the lines that employees are installing are not
subject to the induction of a hazardous voltage or unless the lines are
treated as energized, temporary protective grounds shall be placed at
such locations and arranged in such a manner that the employer can
demonstrate will prevent exposure of each employee to hazardous
differences in electric potential.

    Note 1 to paragraph (q)(2)(iv): If the employer takes no
precautions to protect employees from hazards associated with
involuntary reactions from electric shock, a hazard exists if the
induced voltage is sufficient to pass a current of 1 milliampere
through a 500-ohm resistor. If the employer protects employees from
injury due to involuntary reactions from electric shock, a hazard
exists if the resultant current would be more than 6 milliamperes.

    Note 2 to paragraph (q)(2)(iv): Appendix C to this section
contains guidelines for protecting employees from hazardous
differences in electric potential as required by this paragraph.

    (v) Reel-handling equipment, including pulling and tensioning
devices, shall be in safe operating condition and shall be leveled and
aligned.
    (vi) The employer shall ensure that employees do not exceed load
ratings of stringing lines, pulling lines, conductor grips, load-
bearing hardware and accessories, rigging, and hoists.
    (vii) The employer shall repair or replace defective pulling lines
and accessories.
    (viii) The employer shall ensure that employees do not use
conductor grips on wire rope unless the manufacturer specifically
designed the grip for this application.
    (ix) The employer shall ensure that employees maintain reliable
communications, through two-way radios or other equivalent means,
between the reel tender and the pulling-rig operator.
    (x) Employees may operate the pulling rig only when it is safe to
do so.

    Note to paragraph (q)(2)(x): Examples of unsafe conditions
include: employees in locations prohibited by paragraph (q)(2)(xi)
of this section, conductor and pulling line hang-ups, and slipping
of the conductor grip.

    (xi) While a power-driven device is pulling the conductor or
pulling line and the conductor or pulling line is in motion, the
employer shall ensure that employees are not directly under overhead
operations or on the crossarm, except as necessary for the employees to
guide the stringing sock or board over or through the stringing sheave.
    (3) Live-line barehand work. In addition to other applicable
provisions contained in this section, the following requirements apply
to live-line barehand work:
    (i) Before an employee uses or supervises the use of the live-line
barehand technique on energized circuits, the employer shall ensure
that the employee completes training conforming to paragraph (a)(2) of
this section in the technique and in the safety requirements of
paragraph (q)(3) of this section.
    (ii) Before any employee uses the live-line barehand technique on
energized high-voltage conductors or parts, the employer shall
ascertain the following information in addition to information about
other existing conditions required by paragraph (a)(4) of this section:
    (A) The nominal voltage rating of the circuit on which employees
will perform the work,
    (B) The clearances to ground of lines and other energized parts on
which employees will perform the work, and
    (C) The voltage limitations of equipment employees will use.
    (iii) The employer shall ensure that the insulated equipment,
insulated tools, and aerial devices and platforms used by employees are
designed, tested, and made for live-line barehand work.
    (iv) The employer shall ensure that employees keep tools and
equipment clean and dry while they are in use.
    (v) The employer shall render inoperable the automatic-reclosing
feature of circuit-interrupting devices protecting the lines if the
design of the devices permits.
    (vi) The employer shall ensure that employees do not perform work
when adverse weather conditions would make the work hazardous even
after the employer implements the work practices required by this
section. Additionally, employees may not perform work when winds reduce
the phase-to-phase or phase-to-ground clearances at the work location
below the minimum approach distances specified in paragraph (q)(3)(xiv)
of this section, unless insulating guards cover the grounded objects
and other lines and equipment.

    Note to paragraph (q)(3)(vi): Thunderstorms in the vicinity,
high winds, snow storms, and ice storms are examples of adverse
weather conditions that make live-line barehand work too hazardous
to perform safely even after the employer implements the work
practices required by this section.

    (vii) The employer shall provide and ensure that employees use a
conductive bucket liner or other conductive device for bonding the
insulated aerial device to the energized line or equipment.

    (A) The employee shall be connected to the bucket liner or other
conductive device by the use of conductive shoes, leg clips, or other
means.
    (B) Where differences in potentials at the worksite pose a hazard
to employees, the employer shall provide electrostatic shielding
designed for the voltage being worked.
    (viii) The employer shall ensure that, before the employee contacts
the energized part, the employee bonds the conductive bucket liner or
other conductive device to the energized conductor by means of a
positive connection. This connection shall remain attached to the
energized conductor until the employee completes the work on the
energized circuit.
    (ix) Aerial lifts used for live-line barehand work shall have dual
controls (lower and upper) as follows:
    (A) The upper controls shall be within easy reach of the employee
in the bucket. On a two-bucket-type lift, access to the controls shall
be within easy reach of both buckets.
    (B) The lower set of controls shall be near the base of the boom
and shall be designed so that they can override operation of the
equipment at any time.
    (x) Lower (ground-level) lift controls may not be operated with an
employee in the lift except in case of emergency.
    (xi) The employer shall ensure that, before employees elevate an
aerial lift into the work position, the employees check all controls
(ground level and bucket) to determine that they are in proper working
condition.
    (xii) The employer shall ensure that, before employees elevate the
boom of an aerial lift, the employees ground the body of the truck or
barricade the body of the truck and treat it as energized.
    (xiii) The employer shall ensure that employees perform a boom-
current test before starting work each day, each time during the day
when they encounter a higher voltage, and when changed conditions
indicate a need for an additional test.
    (A) This test shall consist of placing the bucket in contact with
an energized source equal to the voltage to be encountered for a
minimum of 3 minutes.
    (B) The leakage current may not exceed 1 microampere per kilovolt
of nominal phase-to-ground voltage.
    (C) The employer shall immediately suspend work from the aerial
lift when there is any indication of a malfunction in the equipment.
    (xiv) The employer shall ensure that employees maintain the minimum
approach distances, established by the employer under paragraph
(l)(3)(i) of this section, from all grounded objects and from lines and
equipment at a potential different from that to which the live-line
barehand equipment is bonded, unless insulating guards cover such
grounded objects and other lines and equipment.
    (xv) The employer shall ensure that, while an employee is
approaching, leaving, or bonding to an energized circuit, the employee
maintains the minimum approach distances, established by the employer
under paragraph (l)(3)(i) of this section, between the employee and any
grounded parts, including the lower boom and portions of the truck and
between the employee and conductive objects energized at different
potentials.
    (xvi) While the bucket is alongside an energized bushing or
insulator string, the employer shall ensure that employees maintain the
phase-to-ground minimum approach distances, established by the employer
under paragraph (l)(3)(i) of this section, between all parts of the
bucket and the grounded end of the bushing or insulator string or any
other grounded surface.
    (xvii) The employer shall ensure that employees do not use
handlines between the bucket and the boom or between the bucket and the
ground. However, employees may use nonconductive-type handlines from
conductor to ground if not supported from the bucket. The employer
shall ensure that no one uses ropes used for live-line barehand work
for other purposes.
    (xviii) The employer shall ensure that employees do not pass
uninsulated equipment or material between a pole or structure and an
aerial lift while an employee working from the bucket is bonded to an
energized part.
    (xix) A nonconductive measuring device shall be readily accessible
to employees performing live-line barehand work to assist them in
maintaining the required minimum approach distance.
    (4) Towers and structures. The following requirements apply to work
performed on towers or other structures that support overhead lines.
    (i) The employer shall ensure that no employee is under a tower or
structure while work is in progress, except when the employer can
demonstrate that such a working position is necessary to assist
employees working above.
    (ii) The employer shall ensure that employees use tag lines or
other similar devices to maintain control of tower sections being
raised or positioned, unless the employer can demonstrate that the use
of such devices would create a greater hazard to employees.
    (iii) The employer shall ensure that employees do not detach the
loadline from a member or section until they safely secure the load.
    (iv) The employer shall ensure that, except during emergency
restoration procedures, employees discontinue work when adverse weather
conditions would make the work hazardous in spite of the work practices
required by this section.

    Note to paragraph (q)(4)(iv): Thunderstorms in the vicinity,
high winds, snow storms, and ice storms are examples of adverse
weather conditions that make this work too hazardous to perform even
after the employer implements the work practices required by this
section.

    (r) Line-clearance tree trimming operations. This paragraph
provides additional requirements for line-clearance tree-trimming
operations and for equipment used in these operations.
    (1) Electrical hazards. This paragraph does not apply to qualified
employees.
    (i) Before an employee climbs, enters, or works around any tree, a
determination shall be made of the nominal voltage of electric power
lines posing a hazard to employees. However, a determination of the
maximum nominal voltage to which an employee will be exposed may be
made instead, if all lines are considered as energized at this maximum
voltage.
    (ii) There shall be a second line-clearance tree trimmer within
normal (that is, unassisted) voice communication under any of the
following conditions:
    (A) If a line-clearance tree trimmer is to approach more closely
than 3.05 meters (10 feet) to any conductor or electric apparatus
energized at more than 750 volts or
    (B) If branches or limbs being removed are closer to lines
energized at more than 750 volts than the distances listed in Table R-
5, Table R-6, Table R-7, and Table R-8 or
    (C) If roping is necessary to remove branches or limbs from such
conductors or apparatus.
    (iii) Line-clearance tree trimmers shall maintain the minimum
approach distances from energized conductors given in Table R-5, Table
R-6, Table R-7, and Table R-8.
    (iv) Branches that are contacting exposed energized conductors or
equipment or that are within the distances specified in Table R-5,
Table R-6, Table R-7, and Table R-8 may be removed only through the use
of insulating equipment.

    Note to paragraph (r)(1)(iv): A tool constructed of a material
that the employer can demonstrate has insulating qualities

meeting paragraph (j)(1) of this section is considered as insulated
under paragraph (r)(1)(iv) of this section if the tool is clean and
dry.

    (v) Ladders, platforms, and aerial devices may not be brought
closer to an energized part than the distances listed in Table R-5,
Table R-6, Table R-7, and Table R-8.
    (vi) Line-clearance tree-trimming work may not be performed when
adverse weather conditions make the work hazardous in spite of the work
practices required by this section. Each employee performing line-
clearance tree trimming work in the aftermath of a storm or under
similar emergency conditions shall be trained in the special hazards
related to this type of work.

    Note to paragraph (r)(1)(vi): Thunderstorms in the immediate
vicinity, high winds, snow storms, and ice storms are examples of
adverse weather conditions that are presumed to make line-clearance
tree trimming work too hazardous to perform safely.

    (2) Brush chippers. (i) Brush chippers shall be equipped with a
locking device in the ignition system.
    (ii) Access panels for maintenance and adjustment of the chipper
blades and associated drive train shall be in place and secure during
operation of the equipment.
    (iii) Brush chippers not equipped with a mechanical infeed system
shall be equipped with an infeed hopper of length sufficient to prevent
employees from contacting the blades or knives of the machine during
operation.
    (iv) Trailer chippers detached from trucks shall be chocked or
otherwise secured.
    (v) Each employee in the immediate area of an operating chipper
feed table shall wear personal protective equipment as required by
Subpart I of this part.
    (3) Sprayers and related equipment. (i) Walking and working
surfaces of sprayers and related equipment shall be covered with slip-