| Publisher | US Department of Labor, OSHA |
|---|---|
| Type | Regulation (US federal) |
| Scope | Safety requirements for the operation and maintenance of electric power generation, transmission and distribution installations and related equipment. |
| Who uses it | Electric utilities, power plant operators, line and substation contractors, industrial facilities with utility-type systems, and their workers and safety staff. |
| Edition note | Codified in Title 29 of the Code of Federal Regulations; OSHA published a major revision in 2014. Refer to OSHA or the electronic CFR for the current text. |
What It Is
Section 1910.269 is the OSHA general industry standard for work on electric power generation, transmission and distribution systems. It sits in Subpart R, Special Industries, and covers the people who operate and maintain power plants, substations, overhead lines and underground distribution systems. Construction work on the same kinds of systems is covered by a closely aligned standard, 29 CFR 1926 Subpart V; OSHA's 2014 revision brought the two into much closer agreement.
The rule addresses the hazards that dominate utility work: contact with high-voltage lines and equipment, arc flash, falls from structures, enclosed and confined spaces such as vaults and manholes, mechanical equipment near energized lines and the coordination of work between host employers and contractors. It sets requirements for training, job planning, approach distances, protective equipment, de-energizing and grounding for employee protection, and the inspection and testing of protective equipment and tools.
Why It Matters
As an OSHA standard, 1910.269 is federal law for covered employers, enforced by federal OSHA or by approved State Plans. Utility and line work is among the most hazardous electrical work performed, and many of the rule's provisions reflect lessons learned from fatal incidents.
The rule also applies outside traditional utilities. Industrial plants, campuses and other facilities that own and operate generation, transmission or distribution-type installations, and the contractors who work on them, can fall within its scope. Understanding where 1910.269 applies, versus Subpart S, is a recurring practical question for facility owners.
Key Concepts
- Qualified employee — a worker trained and competent to work on or near exposed energized parts of power systems, including recognizing hazards and determining approach distances.
- Minimum approach distances — distances that qualified employees must maintain from exposed energized parts, determined by the employer using methods the rule specifies, unless insulated or otherwise protected.
- Job briefing — a pre-job discussion covering hazards, work procedures, special precautions, energy source controls and PPE, held before each job.
- Host and contract employer duties — requirements for exchanging information about known hazards and installation characteristics between the owner of the system and contractors.
- Arc flash assessment and protection — employers must assess whether employees are exposed to arc hazards, make reasonable estimates of incident energy and provide protective clothing accordingly.
- Deenergizing and protective grounding — procedures for isolating lines and equipment, and for installing grounds to limit voltage on the work area if the line is accidentally reenergized.
- Enclosed spaces — rules for safe entry into manholes, vaults and similar spaces, including atmospheric testing and attendants.
Who Should Know It
- Line workers and substation electricians
- Power plant operators and maintenance technicians
- Utility safety and training managers
- Contractors performing transmission, distribution or substation work
- Industrial facility engineers who own medium- or high-voltage systems
Related Standards
- OSHA 29 CFR 1910 Subpart S — the general industry electrical rule that applies where 1910.269 does not.
- IEEE 1584 — one of the methods engineers use to estimate incident energy for arc protection.
- IEEE 80 — the substation grounding guide relevant to step and touch hazards in utility installations.
- NFPA 70E — the consensus electrical safety standard; its scope excludes most utility work, which is addressed by 1910.269 and industry practice.
How ASEEE Uses It
ASEEE power systems, cable jointing and electrical safety programs map learning outcomes and assessments to the core concepts of 1910.269, including job briefings, approach distances, protective grounding and arc protection. See related ASEEE programs.
ASEEE Programs Referencing This Standard
- 3M HV Cold Shrink Cable Accessories: Train the Trainer
- 3M Medium & High Voltage Cold Shrink Cable Accessories
- Authorized Electrical Person
- High Voltage Cable Jointing and Termination
- Raychem LV/HV Cable Accessories Installation
- Senior Authorized Electrical Person
Educational summary only. ASEEE is not the publisher of this document and this page does not reproduce or replace it. Always consult the current official edition from OSHA (US Department of Labor) for requirements.