Subpart V - Electric Power Transmission and Distribution

Scope: This standard provides the general requirements for electric power transmission and distribution.

Special Requirements: Training, electrical safety-related work practices, supervision, advise, communicated, information, contract employer, host employer, inform, demonstrated, determined, safety-related work practices, inspections, competent, safety procedures, work rules, references other standards

1926.950(a)(1)(i) - This subpart, except for paragraph (a)(3) of this section, covers the construction of electric power transmission and distribution lines and equipment. As used in this subpart, the term "construction" includes the erection of new electric transmission and distribution lines and equipment, and the alteration, conversion, and improvement of existing electric transmission and distribution lines and equipment.

Note to paragraph (a)(1)(i): An employer that complies with 1910.269 - electric power generation, transmission, and distribution, of this chapter will be considered in compliance with requirements in this subpart that do not reference other subparts of this part. Compliance with 1910.269 - electric power generation, transmission, and distribution, of this chapter will not excuse an employer from compliance obligations under other subparts of this part.

1926.950(a)(1)(ii) - Notwithstanding paragraph (a)(1)(i) of this section, this subpart does not apply to electrical safety-related work practices for unqualified employees.

1926.950(a)(2) - Other part 1926 standards. This subpart applies in addition to all other applicable standards contained in this part 1926. Employers covered under this subpart are not exempt from complying with other applicable provisions in part 1926 by the operation of 1910.5(c) of this chapter. Specific references in this subpart to other sections of part 1926 are provided for emphasis only.

1926.950(a)(3) - Applicable part 1910 requirements.

• 1926.950(a)(3)(i) - Line-clearance tree trimming performed for the purpose of clearing space around electric power generation, transmission, or distribution lines or equipment and on behalf of an organization that operates, or that controls the operating procedures for, those lines or equipment shall comply with 1910.269 - electric power generation, transmission, and distribution of this chapter.
• 1926.950(a)(3)(ii) - Work involving electric power generation installations shall comply with 1910.269 - electric power generation, transmission, and distribution of this chapter.

1926.950(b)(1) - All employees.

• 1926.950(b)(1)(i) -  Each employee shall be trained in, and familiar with, the safety-related work practices, safety procedures, and other safety requirements in this subpart that pertain to his or her job assignments.
• 1926.950(b)(1)(ii) - Each employee shall also be trained in and familiar with any other safety practices, including applicable emergency procedures (such as pole-top and manhole rescue), that are not specifically addressed by this subpart but that are related to his or her work and are necessary for his or her safety.
• 1926.950(b)(1)(iii) -The degree of training shall be determined by the risk to the employee for the hazard involved.

1926.950(b)(2) - Qualified employees. Each qualified employee shall also be trained and competent in: [Reference paragraph (b)(2)(i) - (v)].

1926.950(b)(3) - Supervision and annual inspection. The employer shall determine, through regular supervision and through inspections conducted on at least an annual basis, that each employee is complying with the safety-related work practices required by this subpart.

1926.950(b)(4) - Additional training. An employee shall receive additional training (or retraining) under any of the following conditions: [Reference paragraph (b)(4)(i) - (iii)].

1926.950(b)(5) -Type of training. The training required by paragraph (b) of this section shall be of the classroom or on-the-job type.

1926.950(b)(6) - Training goals. The training shall establish employee proficiency in the work practices required by this subpart and shall introduce the procedures necessary for compliance with this subpart.

1926.950(b)(7) - Demonstration of proficiency. The employer shall ensure that each employee has demonstrated proficiency in the work practices involved before that employee is considered as having completed the training required by paragraph (b) of this section.

1926.950(c)(1)  - Host employer responsibilities. Before work begins, the host employer shall inform contract employers of: [Reference paragraph (c)(1)(i) - (iv)].

1926.950(c)(2)(i) - The contract employer shall ensure that each of its employees is instructed in the hazardous conditions relevant to the employee's work that the contract employer is aware of as a result of information communicated to the contract employer by the host employer under paragraph (c)(1) of this section.

1926.950(c)(2)(ii) - Before work begins, the contract employer shall advise the host employer of any unique hazardous conditions presented by the contract employer's work.

1926.950(c)(2)(iii) - The contract employer shall advise the host employer of any unanticipated hazardous conditions found during the contract employer's work that the host employer did not mention under paragraph (c)(1) of this section. The contract employer shall provide this information to the host employer within 2 working days after discovering the hazardous condition.

1926.950(c)(3) - Joint host- and contract-employer responsibilities. 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 subpart.

1926.950(d) - 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: [Reference paragraph (d)(1) - (d)(8)].

Scope: This standard provides the requirements for medical services and first aid.

Special Requirements: Training, references other standards

1926.951(a) - General. The employer shall provide medical services and first aid as required in 1926.50 - medical services and first aid.

1926.951(b) - First-aid training. In addition to the requirements of 1926.50 - medical services and first aid, 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:

• 1926.951(b)(1) -Field work. For field work involving two or more employees at a work location, at least two trained persons shall be available.
• 1926.951(b)(2) - Fixed work locations. 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.

Scope: This standard provides the requirements for job briefings.

Special Requirements: Information, determination, job briefings, employee in charge, work procedures, special precautions, personal protective equipment, training, discussions

1926.952(a) - Before each job -

• 1926.952(a)(1) - Information provided by the employer. 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 1926.950(d) - general, existing characteristics and conditions.
• 1926.952(a)(2) - Briefing by the employee in charge. The employer shall ensure that the employee in charge conducts a job briefing that meets paragraphs (b), (c), and (d) of this section with the employees involved before they start each job.

1926.952(b) - 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.

1926.952(c) - Number of briefings -

• 1926.952(c)(1) - At least one before each day or shift. 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.
• 1926.952(c)(2)  - Additional briefings. Additional job briefings shall be held if significant changes, which might affect the safety of the employees, occur during the course of the work.

1926.952(d)(1) - Short discussion. 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.

1926.952(d)(2) - Detailed discussion. A more extensive discussion shall be conducted: [Reference paragraph (d)(2)(i) - (ii)].

1926.952(e) - 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.

Scope: This standard provides the requirements pertaining to enclosed spaces.

Special Requirements: Training, work practices, rescue equipment, evaluation, monitor, test equipment, calibration, site evaluation, continuous monitoring program, attendants, first aid training, determination, testing, precautions, entry procedures, rescue procedures, data samples, references other standards

1926.953(a) - General. This section 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 section applies to routine entry into enclosed spaces. If, after the employer takes the precautions given in this section and in 1926.965 - underground electrical installations, 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 must meet the permit space entry requirements of subpart AA  - confined spaces in construction, of this part. For routine entries where the hazards remaining in the enclosed space do not endanger the life of an entrant or interfere with an entrant's escape from the space, this section applies in lieu of the permit-space entry requirements contained in 1926.1204 through 1926.1211.

1926.953(b) - 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.

1926.953(c) - 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.

1926.953(d) - Rescue equipment. Employers shall provide equipment to ensure the prompt and safe rescue of employees from the enclosed space.

1926.953(e) - 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): 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.

1926.953(g) - Hazardous atmosphere. Employees may not enter any enclosed space while it contains a hazardous atmosphere, unless the entry conforms to the confined spaces in construction standard in subpart AA  - confined spaces in construction of this part.

1926.953(h) - 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 (h): See 1926.965 - Underground electrical installations, for additional requirements on attendants for work in manholes and vaults.

1926.953(i) - 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.

1926.953(j) - 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.

1926.953(k) - 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 (j) of this section demonstrate that there is sufficient oxygen to ensure the accuracy of the test for flammability.

1926.953(l) - 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 (l): See the definition of "hazardous atmosphere" for guidance in determining whether a specific concentration of a substance is hazardous.

1926.953(m) - 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.

1926.953(o) - 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 (o): See the definition of "hazardous atmosphere" for guidance in determining whether a specific concentration of a substance is hazardous.

Note to 1926.953: Entries into enclosed spaces conducted in accordance with the permit space entry requirements of subpart AA  - confined spaces in construction, of this part are considered as complying with this section.

Scope: This standard provides the requirements for personal protective equipment.

Special Requirements: Personal protective equipment (fall arrest systems, positioning devices), inspections, design, references other standards

1926.954(a) - General. Personal protective equipment shall meet the requirements of subpart E - personal protective and life saving equipment, of this part.

Note to paragraph (a): Paragraph (d) of 1926.95 - Criteria for personal protective equipment, payment for protective equipment, sets employer payment obligations for the personal protective equipment required by this subpart, including, but not limited to, the fall protection equipment required by paragraph (b) of this section, the electrical protective equipment required by 1926.960(c) - working on or near exposed energized parts, live work, and the flame-resistant and arc-rated clothing and other protective equipment required by 1926.960(g) - working on or near exposed energized parts, protection from flames and electric arcs.

1926.954(b)(1)(i) - Personal fall arrest systems shall meet the requirements of subpart M  - fall protection, of this part.

1926.954(b)(1)(ii) - Personal fall arrest equipment used by employees who are exposed to hazards from flames or electric arcs, as determined by the employer under 1926.960(g)(1) - working on or near exposed energized parts, protection from flames and electric arcs., shall be capable of passing a drop test equivalent to that required by paragraph (b)(2)(xii) of this section after exposure to an electric arc with a heat energy of 40±5 cal/cm².

1926.954(b)(2) - Work-positioning equipment. Body belts and positioning straps for work-positioning equipment shall meet the following requirements: [Reference paragraph (b)(2)(i) - (xii)].

1926.954(b)(3) - Care and use of personal fall protection equipment.

• 1926.954(b)(3)(i) - 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 (b)(3)(i): Appendix F to subpart V of Part 1926 - work-positioning equipment inspection guidelines, to this subpart contains guidelines for inspecting work-positioning equipment.
• 1926.954(b)(3)(ii) - Personal fall arrest systems shall be used in accordance with 1926.502(d) - fall protection systems criteria and practices, personal fall arrest systems.
  
  Note to paragraph (b)(3)(ii): 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.
• 1926.954(b)(3)(iii) - The employer shall ensure that employees use fall protection systems as follows: {Reference paragraph (b)(3)(iii)(A) - (C)].

Scope: This standard provides the requirements for ladders and platforms.

Special Requirements: Maximum load, employer demonstrates, references other standards

1926.955(a) - General. Requirements for portable ladders contained in subpart X - stairways and ladders, of this part apply in addition to the requirements of this section, except as specifically noted in paragraph (b) - special ladders and platforms, of this section.

1926.955(b) - Special ladders and platforms. Portable ladders used on structures or conductors in conjunction with overhead line work need not meet 1926.1053(b)(5)(i) and (b)(12) - ladders. Portable ladders and platforms used on structures or conductors in conjunction with overhead line work shall meet the following requirements:[Reference paragraph (b)(1) - (4)].

1926.955(c) - 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.

Scope: This standard provides the requirements for hand and portable power equipment.

Special Requirements: references other standards

1926.956(b) - Cord- and plug-connected equipment. Cord- and plug-connected equipment not covered by subpart K - electrical, of this part shall comply with one of the following instead of 1926.302(a)(1) - electric power-operated tools: [Reference paragraph (b)(1) - (3)]. 

1926.956(d) - Hydraulic and pneumatic tools -

• 1926.956(d)(1) - Hydraulic fluid in insulating tools. Paragraph (d)(1) of 1926.302 - hydraulic power tools, does not apply to hydraulic fluid used in insulating sections of hydraulic tools.

Scope: This standard provides the requirements for live-line tools.

Special Requirements: Tests, employer demonstrates, inspections, examined, references other standards

1926.957(a) - Design of tools. Live-line tool rods, tubes, and poles shall be designed and constructed to withstand the following minimum tests:

• 1926.957(a)(1) - Fiberglass-reinforced plastic. 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 (a)(1): 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 (a)(1) of this section.
• 1926.957(a)(3) - Equivalent tests. The tool shall withstand other tests that the employer can demonstrate are equivalent. 

1926.957(b)(1) - Daily inspection. Each live-line tool shall be wiped clean and visually inspected for defects before use each day.

1926.957(b)(2) - Defects. 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 (b)(3) of this section before being returned to service

1926.957(b)(3) - Biennial inspection and testing. Live-line tools used for primary employee protection shall be removed from service every 2 years, and whenever required under paragraph (b)(2) of this section, for examination, cleaning, repair, and testing as follows: [Reference paragraph (b)(3)(i) - (v)].   

Scope: This standard provides the requirements for materials handling and storage.

Special Requirements: Qualified persons, restricted areas, references other standards

1926.958(a) - General. Materials handling and storage shall comply with applicable material-handling and material-storage requirements in this part, including those in subpart N - helicopters, hoists, elevators, and conveyors and subpart CC - cranes and derricks in construction, of this part.

1926.958(b)(1) - Unrestricted areas. 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: 

1926.958(b)(2) - Restricted areas. In areas restricted to qualified employees, materials may not be stored within the working space about energized lines or equipment.

Note to paragraph (b)(2): Paragraph (b) - access and working space, of 1926.966 - substations, specifies the size of the working space.

Scope: This standard provides the requirements for mechanical equipment. 

Special Requirements: Inspections, operator, employer demonstrates, warnings, techniques, observer, qualified employee, load rating, measures, methods, designated employee, minimum approach distances, references other standards

1926.959(a)(1) - Other applicable requirements. Mechanical equipment shall be operated in accordance with applicable requirements in this part, including subpart N - helicopters, hoists, elevators, subpart O - motor vehicles, mechanized equipment, and marine operations, and subpart CC - cranes and derricks in construction, of this part, except that 1926.600(a)(6) - motor vehicles, mechanized equipment, and marine operations, general requirements, does not apply to operations performed by qualified employees.

1926.959(a)(2) - Inspection before use. The critical safety components of mechanical elevating and rotating equipment shall receive a thorough visual inspection before use on each shift.

Note to paragraph (a)(2): 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.

1926.959(a)(3) - Operator. 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.

1926.959(b)(3) - Operation without outriggers. 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.

1926.959(c) - 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. 

1926.959(d)(1) - Minimum approach distance. Mechanical equipment shall be operated so that the minimum approach distances, established by the employer under 1926.960(c)(1)(i), are maintained from exposed energized lines and equipment. However, the insulated portion of an aerial lift operated by a qualified employee in the lift is exempt from this requirement if the applicable minimum approach distance is maintained between the uninsulated portions of the aerial lift and exposed objects having a different electrical potential.

1926.959(d)(2) - Observer. 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 (d)(1) of this section is reached, unless the employer can demonstrate that the operator can accurately determine that the minimum approach distance is being maintained.

1926.959(d)(3)(ii) - The mechanical equipment shall be insulated for the voltage involved. The mechanical equipment shall be positioned so that its uninsulated portions cannot approach the energized lines or equipment any closer than the minimum approach distances, established by the employer under 1926.960(c)(1)(i).

1926.959(d)(3)(iii) - Each employee shall be protected from hazards that could arise from mechanical equipment contact with energized lines or equipment. The measures used shall ensure that employees will not be exposed to hazardous differences in electric potential. Unless the employer can demonstrate that the methods in use protect each employee from the hazards that could arise if the mechanical equipment contacts the energized line or equipment, the measures used shall include all of the following techniques: [Reference paragraph (d)(3)(iii)(A) - (D)]. 

Scope: This standard provides the requirements for working on or near exposed energized parts.

Special Requirements: Qualified employees, two employees, designed, determine, calculate, inspects, designs, engineering analysis, estimate, hazard assessment, minimum approach distances, employer demonstrates, assess, PPE, references other standards

1926.960(b)(1) - Qualified employees only.

• 1926.960(b)(1)(i) - Only qualified employees may work on or with exposed energized lines or parts of equipment.
• 1926.960(b)(1)(ii) - Only qualified employees may work in areas containing unguarded, uninsulated energized lines or parts of equipment operating at 50 volts or more.

1926.960(b)(2) - Treat as energized. Electric lines and equipment shall be considered and treated as energized unless they have been deenergized in accordance with 1926.961 - deenergizing lines and equipment for employee protection.

1926.960(b)(3) - At least two employees.

• 1926.960(b)(3)(i) - Except as provided in paragraph (b)(3)(ii) of this section, at least two employees shall be present while any employees perform the following types of work:
• 1926.960(b)(3)(ii) - Paragraph (b)(3)(i) of this section does not apply to the following operations:
  • 1926.960(b)(3)(ii)(A) - Routine circuit switching, when the employer can demonstrate that conditions at the site allow safe performance of this work,

1926.960(c)(1)(i) - The employer shall establish minimum approach distances no less than the distances computed by Table V-2 for ac systems or Table V-7 for dc systems.

1926.960(c)(1)(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 V-8. 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 (c)(1)(ii): See appendix B - Appendix B to subpart V of Part 1926 - working on exposed energized parts, to this subpart 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.

1926.960(c)(1)(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: [Reference paragraph (c)(1)(iii)(A) - (C)].

1926.960(c)(2)(ii) - When an employee uses rubber insulating gloves or rubber insulating gloves and sleeves as insulation from energized parts (under paragraph (c)(1)(iii)(A) of this section), the employer shall ensure that the employee:

• 1926.960(c)(2)(ii)(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 (c)(1) of this section; and
• 1926.960(c)(2)(ii)(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 (c)(1) of this section.

1926.960(d)(2) - Requirements for working without electrical protective equipment. 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 1926.964(c) - overhead lines and live-line barehand work, live-line barehand work, the employee shall work from a position where he or she cannot reach into the minimum approach distance, established by the employer under paragraph (c)(1) of this section.

1926.960(g)(1) - Hazard assessment. The employer shall assess the workplace to identify employees exposed to hazards from flames or from electric arcs.

1926.960(g)(2) - Estimate of available heat energy. 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 (g)(2): Appendix E - Appendix E to subpart V of Part 1926 - protection from flames and electric arcs, to this subpart provides guidance on estimating available heat energy. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration will deem employers following the guidance in appendix E to this subpart to be in compliance with paragraph (g)(2) of this section. An employer may choose a method of calculating incident heat energy not included in appendix E to this subpart if the chosen method reasonably predicts the incident energy to which the employee would be exposed.

Note 2 to paragraph (g)(2): 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.

1926.960(g)(3) - Prohibited clothing. 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 (g)(2) of this section.

Note to paragraph (g)(3): 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.

1926.960(g)(5) - Arc rating. 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 (g)(2) of this section whenever that estimate exceeds 2.0 cal/cm². This protective equipment shall cover the employee's entire body, except as follows: [Reference paragraph (g)(5)(i) - (v)].

1926.960(j) - 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.

1926.960(k) - Opening and closing circuits under load.

• 1926.960(k)(1) - The employer shall ensure that devices used by employees to open circuits under load conditions are designed to interrupt the current involved.
• 1926.960(k)(2) -  The employer shall ensure that devices used by employees to close circuits under load conditions are designed to safely carry the current involved.

Scope: This standard provides the requirements for deenergizing lines and equipment for employee protection.

Special Requirements: System operator, procedures, demonstrate, designated employee, inform, clearances, notify, employee in charge, tags, testing, references other standards

1926.961(a) - Application. This section applies to the deenergizing of transmission and distribution lines and equipment for the purpose of protecting employees. Conductors and parts of electric equipment that have been deenergized under procedures other than those required by this section shall be treated as energized.

1926.961(b)(1) - System operator. 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 (c) of this section in the order specified.

1926.961(b)(2) - No system operator. 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 this section. All of the requirements of paragraph (c) of this section apply, in the order specified, except as provided in paragraph (b)(3) of this section.

1926.961(b)(3) - Single crews working with the means of disconnection under the control of the employee in charge of the clearance. 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 (c)(1), (c)(3), and (c)(5) of this section do not apply. Additionally, the employer does not need to use the tags required by the remaining provisions of paragraph (c) of this section.

1926.961(b)(4)(i) - The crews shall coordinate their activities under this section with a single employee in charge of the clearance for all of the crews and follow the requirements of this section as if all of the employees formed a single crew, or

1926.961(b)(4)(ii) - Each crew shall independently comply with 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.

1926.961(c)(1) - Request to deenergize. The employee that the employer designates pursuant to paragraph (b) 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 (c) of this section) and is responsible for the clearance.

1926.961(c)(2) - Open disconnecting means. 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.

1926.961(c)(3) - Automatically and remotely controlled switches. 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.

1926.961(c)(4) - Network protectors. The employer need not use the tags mentioned in paragraphs (c)(2) and (c)(3) 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: [Reference paragraph (c)(4)(i) - (iii)].

1926.961(c)(5) - Tags. Tags shall prohibit operation of the disconnecting means and shall indicate that employees are at work.

1926.961(c)(6) - Test for energized condition. After the applicable requirements in paragraphs (c)(1) through (c)(5) 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.

1926.961(c)(7) - Install grounds. The employer shall ensure the installation of protective grounds as required by 1926.962 - grounding for the protection of employees.

1926.961(c)(9) - Transferring clearances. 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.

1926.961(c)(10) - Releasing clearances. To release a clearance, the employee in charge shall: [Reference paragraph (c)(10)(i) - (iv)]. 

1926.961(c)(11) - Person releasing clearance. Only the employee in charge who requested the clearance may release the clearance, unless the employer transfers responsibility under paragraph (c)(9) of this section.

1926.961(c)(12) - Removal of tags. No one may remove tags without the release of the associated clearance as specified under paragraphs (c)(10) and (c)(11) of this section.

1926.961(c)(13) - Reenergizing lines and equipment. 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.

Scope: This standard provides the requirements for grounding for the protection of employees.

Special Requirements: Employer demonstrates, employer establishes, testing, test procedure, measures, references other standards

1926.962(b) - 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 1926.961 - deenergizing lines and equipment for employee protection, and shall ensure proper grounding of the lines or equipment as specified in paragraphs (c) through (h) 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: [Reference paragraph (b)(1) - (5)].

1926.962(b)(1) - Deenergized. The employer ensures that the lines and equipment are deenergized under the provisions of 1926.961 - deenergizing lines and equipment for employee protection.

1926.962(c) - 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 (c): Appendix C - Appendix C to subpart V of Part 1926 - protection from hazardous differences in electric potential, to this subpart 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 (c) of this section.

1926.962(d)(2) - Impedance. 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 (d): 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.

1926.962(e) - 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.

1926.962(f)(1) - Order of connection. 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.

1926.962(f)(2) - Order of removal. 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.

1926.962(h) - 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.

Scope: This standard provides the requirements for testing and test facilities. 

Special Requirements: Safe work practices, safe grounding practices, safety check, test facility, test trailer, test vehicle, tests, training, special precautions, safety signs, colored safety tape, test observers, test areas, qualified person, inspections, maintenance, work procedures, safety checks, marked, test observers, monitor, PPE, references other standards

1926.963(a) - Application. 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 (a): OSHA considers routine inspection and maintenance measurements made by qualified employees to be routine line work not included in the scope 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 subpart. Two typical examples of such excluded test work procedures are “phasing-out” testing and testing for a “no-voltage” condition.

1926.963(b)(1) - Safe work practices. 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.

1926.963(b)(2) - Training. 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 1926.950(b) - general, training.

1926.963(c)(1) - Safeguarding. 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.

1926.963(c)(2) - Permanent test areas. The employer shall guard permanent test areas with walls, fences, or other barriers designed to keep employees out of the test areas.

1926.963(c)(3) - Temporary test areas. 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:

• 1926.963(c)(3)(i) - Distinctively colored safety tape supported approximately waist high with safety signs attached to it,
• 1926.963(c)(3)(ii) - A barrier or barricade that limits access to the test area to a degree equivalent, physically and visually, to the barricade specified in paragraph (c)(3)(i) of this section, or
• 1926.963(c)(3)(iii) - One or more test observers stationed so that they can monitor the entire area.

1926.963(d)(1) - Establish and implement practices. The employer shall establish and implement safe grounding practices for the test facility.

1926.963(d)(4) - Equipment grounding conductors. 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.

1926.963(d)(5) - Grounding after tests. 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.

1926.963(d)(6) - Grounding test vehicles. 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.

1926.963(e)(1) - Control wiring. 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.

1926.963(e)(4) - Test observer. 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. 

1926.963(f)(1) - Before each test. 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.

1926.963(f)(2) - Conditions to be checked. The test operator in charge shall conduct these routine safety checks before each series of tests and shall verify at least the following conditions: [Reference paragraph (f)(2)(i) - (vi)].

Scope: This standard provides the requirements for overhead lines and live-line barehand work.

Special Requirements: Test methods, checking, checks, PPE (electrical protective equipment), technique, training, communications, measures, work practices, demonstrate, load ratings, tension-stringing method, tag lines, minimum approach distances, procedures, references other standards

1926.964(a)(2) - Checking structure before climbing. 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 (a)(2): Appendix D - Appendix D to Subpart V of Part 1926 - methods of inspecting and testing wood poles, to this subpart 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.

1926.964(a)(3)(ii) - 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.

1926.964(b)(1) - Tension stringing method. 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.

1926.964(b)(2) - Conductors, cables, and pulling and tensioning equipment. For conductors, cables, and pulling and tensioning equipment, the employer shall provide the protective measures required by 1926.959(d)(3) - mechanical equipment, 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: [Reference paragraph (b)(2)(i) - iii)].

1926.964(b)(4)(ii) - 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 to paragraph (b)(4)(ii): Appendix C - Appendix C to Subpart V of Part 1926 - protection from hazardous differences in electric potential, to this subpart contains guidelines for protecting employees from hazardous differences in electric potential as required by this paragraph.

Note to paragraph (b)(4): 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.

1926.964(b)(6) - Load ratings. 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.

1926.964(b)(9) - Communications. 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.

1926.964(c)(1) - Training. 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 1926.950(b) - general, training, in the technique and in the safety requirements of paragraph (c) of this section.

1926.964(c)(2) - Existing conditions. 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 1926.950(d) - general, existing characteristics and conditions: [Reference paragraph (c)(2)(i) - (iii)].

1926.964(c)(3)(i) - 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.

1926.964(c)(5) - Adverse weather conditions. 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 subpart. 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 (c)(13) of this section, unless insulating guards cover the grounded objects and other lines and equipment.

Note to paragraph (c)(5): 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 subpart.

1926.964(c)(10) - Check controls. 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.

1926.964(c)(12) - Boom-current test. 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.

• 1926.964(c)(12)(i) - 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.

1926.964(c)(13) - Minimum approach distance. The employer shall ensure that employees maintain the minimum approach distances, established by the employer under 1926.960(c)(1)(i), 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.

1926.964(c)(14) - Approaching, leaving, and bonding to energized part. 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 1926.960(c)(1)(i) - Working on or near exposed energized parts, 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.

1926.964(c)(15) - Positioning bucket near energized bushing or insulator string. 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 1926.960(c)(1)(i) - Working on or near exposed energized parts, between all parts of the bucket and the grounded end of the bushing or insulator string or any other grounded surface.

1926.964(c)(18) - Nonconductive measuring device. 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.

1926.964(d)(2) - Tag lines. 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.

1926.964(d)(4) - Adverse weather conditions. 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 subpart.

Note to paragraph (d)(4): 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 subpart.

Scope: This standard provides the requirements for underground electrical installations.

Special Requirements: Checks, first aid training, attendants, qualified employees, identification, inspection, communications, demonstrate, references other standards

1926.965(c)(1) - Hoisting equipment. Equipment used to lower materials and tools into manholes or vaults shall be capable of supporting the weight to be lowered and shall be checked for defects before use.

1926.965(d) - Attendants for manholes and vaults -

• 1926.965(d)(1) - When required. While work is being performed in a manhole or vault containing energized electric equipment, an employee with first-aid training shall be available on the surface in the immediate vicinity of the manhole or vault entrance to render emergency assistance.
• 1926.965(d)(2) - Brief entries allowed. Occasionally, the employee on the surface may briefly enter a manhole or vault to provide nonemergency assistance.

Note 1 to paragraph (d)(2): Paragraph (h) of 1926.953 - enclosed spaces, may also require an attendant and does not permit this attendant to enter the manhole or vault.

Note 2 to paragraph (d)(2):  Paragraph (b)(1)(ii) of 1926.960 - working on or near exposed energized parts, requires employees entering manholes or vaults containing unguarded, uninsulated energized lines or parts of electric equipment operating at 50 volts or more to be qualified.

1926.965(d)(3) - Entry without attendant. For the purpose of inspection, housekeeping, taking readings, or similar work, an employee working alone may enter, for brief periods of time, a manhole or vault where energized cables or equipment are in service if the employer can demonstrate that the employee will be protected from all electrical hazards.

1926.965(d)(4) - Communications. The employer shall ensure that employees maintain reliable communications, through two-way radios or other equivalent means, among all employees involved in the job.

1926.965(f) - Multiple cables. When multiple cables are present in a work area, the employer shall identify the cable to be worked by electrical means, unless its identity is obvious by reason of distinctive appearance or location or by other readily apparent means of identification. The employer shall protect cables other than the one being worked from damage.

1926.965(g) - Moving cables. Except when paragraph (h)(2) of this section permits employees to perform work that could cause a fault in an energized cable in a manhole or vault, the employer shall ensure that employees inspect energized cables to be moved for abnormalities.

1926.965(h)(1) - Cables with abnormalities. Where a cable in a manhole or vault has one or more abnormalities that could lead to a fault or be an indication of an impending fault, the employer shall deenergize the cable with the abnormality before any employee may work in the manhole or vault, except when service-load conditions and a lack of feasible alternatives require that the cable remain energized. In that case, employees may enter the manhole or vault provided the employer protects them from the possible effects of a failure using shields or other devices that are capable of containing the adverse effects of a fault. The employer shall treat the following abnormalities as indications of impending faults unless the employer can demonstrate that the conditions could not lead to a fault: Oil or compound leaking from cable or joints, broken cable sheaths or joint sleeves, hot localized surface temperatures of cables or joints, or joints swollen beyond normal tolerance.

Scope: This standard provides the requirements for substations.

Special Requirements: Signs, unqualified persons, locked, job briefing, qualified person, information, report, references other standards

1926.966(b) - Access and working space. The employer shall provide and maintain sufficient access and working space about electric equipment to permit ready and safe operation and maintenance of such equipment by employees.

Note to paragraph (b): American National Standard National Electrical Safety Code, ANSI/IEEE C2-2012 contains guidelines for the dimensions of access and working space about electric equipment in substations. Installations meeting the ANSI provisions comply with paragraph (b) of this section. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration will determine whether an installation that does not conform to this ANSI standard complies with paragraph (b) of this section based on the following criteria: [Reference paragraph (b)(1) - (3)].

1926.966(d) - Substation fences. Conductive fences around substations shall be grounded. When a substation fence is expanded or a section is removed, fence sections shall be isolated, grounded, or bonded as necessary to protect employees from hazardous differences in electric potential.

Note to paragraph (d): IEEE Std 80-2000, IEEE Guide for Safety in AC Substation Grounding, contains guidelines for protection against hazardous differences in electric potential.

1926.966(e)(2) - Prevent access by unqualified persons. Fences, screens, partitions, or walls shall enclose the rooms and other spaces so as to minimize the possibility that unqualified persons will enter.

1926.966(e)(3) - Restricted entry. Unqualified persons may not enter the rooms or other spaces while the electric supply lines or equipment are energized.

1926.966(e)(4) - Warning signs. The employer shall display signs at entrances to the rooms and other spaces warning unqualified persons to keep out.

1926.966(e)(5) - Entrances to rooms and other. The employer shall keep each entrance to a room or other space locked, unless the entrance is under the observation of a person who is attending the room or other space for the purpose of preventing unqualified employees from entering.

1926.966(f)(1) - Type of guarding. The employer shall provide guards around all live parts operating at more than 150 volts to ground without an insulating covering unless the location of the live parts gives sufficient clearance (horizontal, vertical, or both) to minimize the possibility of accidental employee contact.

Note to paragraph (f)(1): American National Standard National Electrical Safety Code, ANSI/IEEE C2-2002 contains guidelines for the dimensions of clearance distances about electric equipment in substations. Installations meeting the ANSI provisions comply with paragraph (f)(1) of this section. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration will determine whether an installation that does not conform to this ANSI standard complies with paragraph (f)(1) of this section based on the following criteria: [Reference paragraph (f)(1) -(3)].

1926.966(f)(2) - Maintaining guards during operation. Except for fuse replacement and other necessary access by qualified persons, the employer shall maintain guarding of energized parts within a compartment during operation and maintenance functions to prevent accidental contact with energized parts and to prevent dropped tools or other equipment from contacting energized parts.

1926.966(g)(1) - Report upon entering. Upon entering an attended substation, each employee, other than employees regularly working in the station, shall report his or her presence to the employee in charge of substation activities to receive information on special system conditions affecting employee safety.

1926.966(g)(2) - Job briefing. The job briefing required by 1926.952 - job briefing, shall cover information on special system conditions affecting employee safety, including the location of energized equipment in or adjacent to the work area and the limits of any deenergized work area.

Scope: This standard provides the requirements for special conditions.

Special Requirements: Illumination, inspect, communication facilities, flotations devices, specific instruction, engineering controls, administrative controls, PPE, traffic control devices, warning lights, radiation protection guide, (post) warning signs, flags, measures, warning symbol, statement, references other standards

1926.967(c)(1) - Applicable requirements. If the open-circuit voltage exceeds 600 volts, the employer shall ensure that employees work on series streetlighting circuits in accordance with 1926.964 - overhead lines and live-line barehand work or 1926.965 - underground electrical installations, as appropriate.

1926.967(d) - Illumination. The employer shall provide sufficient illumination to enable the employee to perform the work safely.

Note to paragraph (d): See 1926.56 - illumination, which requires specific levels of illumination.

1926.967(e)(1) - Personal flotation devices. Whenever an employee may be pulled or pushed, or might fall, into water where the danger of drowning exists, the employer shall provide the employee with, and shall ensure that the employee uses, a personal flotation device meeting 1926.106 - working over or near water.

1926.967(e)(2) - Maintaining flotation devices in safe condition. The employer shall maintain each personal flotation device in safe condition and shall inspect each personal flotation device frequently enough to ensure that it does not have rot, mildew, water saturation, or any other condition that could render the device unsuitable for use.

1926.967(f) - Excavations. Excavation operations shall comply with subpart P  - excavations, of this part.

1926.967(g)(1) - Traffic control devices. Traffic-control signs and traffic-control devices used for the protection of employees shall meet 1926.200(g)(2) - accident prevention signs and tags.

1926.967(g)(2) - Controlling traffic. Before employees begin work in the vicinity of vehicular or pedestrian traffic that may endanger them, the employer shall place warning signs or flags and other traffic-control devices in conspicuous locations to alert and channel approaching traffic. 

1926.967(g)(5) - Warning lights. The employer shall display warning lights prominently at night.

1926.967(h) - Backfeed. When there is a possibility of voltage backfeed from sources of cogeneration or from the secondary system (for example, backfeed from more than one energized phase feeding a common load), the requirements of 1926.960 - Working on or near exposed energized parts, apply if employees will work the lines or equipment as energized, and the requirements of 1926.961 - deenergizing lines and equipment for employee protection, and 1926.962 - Grounding for the protection of employees, apply if employees will work the lines or equipment as deenergized.

1926.967(i) - Lasers. The employer shall install, adjust, and operate laser equipment in accordance with 1926.54 - nonionizing radiation.

1926.967(k)(1)(ii) - If the electromagnetic-radiation level within an accessible area associated with microwave communications systems exceeds the radiation-protection guide specified by 1910.97(a)(2) - nonionizing radiation, of this chapter, the employer shall post the area with warning signs containing the warning symbol described in 1910.97(a)(3) of this chapter. The lower half of the warning symbol shall include the following statements, or ones that the employer can demonstrate are equivalent: "Radiation in this area may exceed hazard limitations and special precautions are required. Obtain specific instruction before entering."

1926.967(k)(1)(iii) - When an employee works in an area where the electromagnetic radiation could exceed the radiation-protection guide, the employer shall institute measures that ensure that the employee's exposure is not greater than that permitted by that guide. Such measures may include administrative and engineering controls and personal protective equipment.