Construction

Electricity has long been recognized as a serious workplace hazard. OSHA's electrical standards are designed to protect employees exposed to dangers such as electric shock, electrocution, fires, and explosions. Electrical hazards are addressed in specific standards for the construction industry.

OSHA Standards

This section highlights OSHA standards, frequently cited standards, directives (instructions for compliance officers), and standard interpretations (official letters of interpretation of the standards) related to electrical hazards.

Note: Twenty-five states, Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands have OSHA-approved State Plans and have adopted their own standards and enforcement policies. For the most part, these States adopt standards that are identical to Federal OSHA. However, some States have adopted different standards applicable to this topic or may have different enforcement policies.

Frequently Cited Standards

The following standards, in order, were the most frequently cited by Federal OSHA from October 2010 through September 2011, in Building Construction General Contractors And Operative Builders Industry Group (SIC code 1500).

• 1926.501, Duty to have fall protection [related topic page]
  
  
• 1926.451, General requirements (Scaffolds) [related topic page]
  
  
• 1926.1053, Ladders
  
  
• 1926.405, Wiring methods, components, and equipment for general use
  
  
• 1926.404, Wiring design and protection
  
  
• 1910.1200, Hazard communication [related topic page]
  
  
• 1926.20, General safety and health provisions
  
  
• 1926.1052, Stairways
  
  
• 1926.503, Training requirements (Fall protection)
  
  
• 1926.100, Head protection [related topic page]
  

The following standards, in order, were the most frequently cited by Federal OSHA from October 2010 through September 2011, in Heavy Construction Other Than Building Construction Contractors Industry Group (SIC code 1600).

• 1926.651, Specific excavation requirements [related topic page]
  
  
• 1926.652, Requirements for protective systems
  
  
• 1926.21, Safety training and education
  
  
• 1926.1053, Ladders
  
  
• 1926.501, Duty to have fall protection [related topic page]
  
  
• Section 5(a)(1), The General Duty Clause
  
  
• 1910.134, Respiratory protection [related topic page]
  
  
• 1910.1200, Hazard communication [related topic page]
  
  
• 1904.29, Recordkeeping forms and recording criteria [related topic page]
  
  
• 1926.251, Rigging equipment for material handling

The following standards, in order, were the most frequently cited by Federal OSHA from October 2010 through September 2011, in Construction Special Trade Contractors Industry Group (SIC code 1700).

• 1926.451, General requirements (Scaffolds) [related topic page]
  
  
• 1926.501, Duty to have fall protection [related topic page]
  
  
• 1926.1053, Ladders
  
  
• 1926.503, Training requirements (Fall protection)
  
  
• 1926.100, Head protection [related topic page]
  
  
• 1926.20, General safety and health provisions
  
  
• 1910.1200, Hazard communication [related topic page]
  
  
• 1926.453, Aerial lifts
  
  
• 1926.102, Eye and face protection
  
  
• 1926.405, Wiring methods, components, and equipment for general use
  

Other Highlighted Standards

Construction Industry (29 CFR 1926)

• 1926.400, Introduction
  
  
• 1926.402, Applicability
  
  
• 1926.406, Specific purpose equipment and installations
  
  
• 1926.407, Hazardous (classified) locations
  
  
• 1926.408, Special systems
  
  
• 1926.416, General requirements
  
  
• 1926.417, Lockout and tagging of circuits
  
  
• 1926.431, Maintenance of equipment
  
  
• 1926.432, Environmental deterioration of equipment
  
  
• 1926.441, Batteries and battery charging
  
  
• 1926.449, Definitions applicable to this subpart
  
  
• 1926.950, General requirements (Power transmission and distribution)
  
  
• 1926.951, Tools and protective equipment
  
  
• 1926.952, Mechanical equipment
  
  
• 1926.953, Material handling
  
  
• 1926.954, Grounding for protection of employees
  
  
• 1926.955, Overhead lines
  
  
• 1926.956, Underground lines
  
  
• 1926.957, Construction in energized substations
  
  
• 1926.958, External load helicopters
  
  
• 1926.959, Lineman's body belts, safety straps, and lanyards
  
  
• 1926.960, Definitions applicable to this subpart

For additional information on specific state plans or other general standards, see the general industry Standards section.

Federal Registers

• Confined Spaces in Construction; Proposed Rule. OSHA Federal Register Proposed Rules 72:67351-67425, (2007, November 28). OSHA is proposing a rule to protect employees from the hazards resulting from exposure to confined spaces in the construction industry and proposing four classifications: Isolated-Hazard Confined Space, Controlled-Atmosphere Confined Space, Permit-Required Confined Space, and Continuous System-Permit-Required Confined Space. The proposed requirements for each type of confined space are tailored to control the different types of hazards.

Directives

• 29 CFR 1926.550(a)(15)(i) Clearance Between Electrical Power Lines and Cranes. STD 03-12-001 [STD 3-12.1A], (1980, May 9). Provides clarification of 29 CFR 1926.1501(a)(15)(i) [1926.550, [Reserved], Redesignated 1926.1501 by new standard issued August 9, 2010, [Federal Register*] as related to the "forbidden zone" for clearance between electrical power lines and any part of equipment or machines.
  
  
• Search all available directives.

Standard Interpretations

• Use of compressed air above 30 p.s.i. for cleaning purposes; nonmetallic-sheathed cable for temporary wiring. (2000, October 4).
  
  
• Search all available standard interpretations.

Hazard Recognition

Many workers are unaware of the potential electrical hazards present in their work environment, which makes them more vulnerable to the danger of electrocution. According to 29 CFR 1926.21(b)(2), "The employer shall instruct each employee in the recognition and avoidance of unsafe conditions and the regulations applicable to his work environment to control or eliminate any hazards or other exposure to illness or injury." The following references aid in recognizing hazards associated with electrical work.

• Construction - Pocket Guide. OSHA Publication 3252-05N, (2005). Also available as a 285 KB PDF, 36 pages.
  
  
• Ground-Fault Protection on Construction Sites. OSHA Publication 3007, (Revised 1998). Also available as a 2 MB PDF, 31 pages. Helps employers and employees who are responsible for electrical equipment provide protection against 120-volt electrical hazards on construction sites.
  
  
• OSHA Outreach Training Program - Construction Industry. OSHA. Provides training for workers and employers on the recognition, avoidance, abatement, and prevention of safety and health hazards in workplaces in the construction industry. Also available is OSHA Outreach Training Program - Construction Industry Procedures [250 KB PDF^*, 14 pages].
  
  There are three sections pertaining to electrical standards for construction:
  • Electrical Standards for Construction
  • Ground-Fault Protection on Construction Sites
  • Hazardous (Classified) Locations
• Why Are So Many Construction Workers Being Electrocuted?  Electronic Library of Construction Occupational Safety and Health (eLCOSH).
  
  
• Proceedings of a Meeting to Explore the Use of Ergonomics Interventions for the Mechanical and Electrical Trades. US Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS), National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) Publication No. 2006-119, (2006, July). Describes work-related musculoskeletal disorder (WMSD) risk factors and injury or illness data for the mechanical and electrical trades, as well as ergonomics "best-practices" provided by stakeholders in the construction industry.
  
  
• NIOSH Numbered Publications - Alerts. US Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS), National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH). Presents information about occupational illnesses, injuries, and deaths. Requests assistance in preventing, solving, and controlling newly identified occupational hazards. The following alerts are associated with electrical injuries:
  • Preventing Worker Deaths and Injuries from Contacting Overhead Power Lines with Metal Ladders [1 MB PDF, 4 pages]. US Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS), National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) Publication No. 2007-155, (2007, September). Provides recommendations to prevent injuries and deaths while working with metal ladders.
  • Preventing Electrocutions of Crane Operators and Crew Members Working Near Overhead Power Lines. Publication No. 95-108, (1995, May). Describes five cases (six electrocutions) that resulted from such hazards and makes recommendations for preventing similar incidents.
  • Preventing Injuries and Deaths From Metal-Reinforced Hydraulic Hoses. Publication No. 93-105, (1993, May). Warns that workers may be burned or electrocuted when using metal-reinforced hoses on aerial bucket trucks near energized power lines.
  • Preventing Electrocutions During Work with Scaffolds Near Overhead Power Lines. Publication No. 91-110, (1991, August). Describes 13 deaths that occurred in six separate incidents when workers erected or moved scaffolds that came into contact with energized, overhead power lines, or when they contacted overhead power lines while using conductive tools or materials from scaffolds.
  • Preventing Electrocutions from Contact Between Cranes and Power Lines. Publication No. 85-111, (1985, July). This publication has been superceded by Publication 95-108.

Possible Solutions

A variety of possible solutions may be implemented to reduce or eliminate the risk of injury associated with electrical work. Examples of solutions include the use of insulation, guarding, grounding, electrical protective devices, and safe work practices. The following references aid in controlling electrical hazards in the workplace.

• Proceedings of a Meeting to Explore the Use of Ergonomics Interventions for the Mechanical and Electrical Trades. US Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS), National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) Publication No. 2006-119, (2006, July). Describes work-related musculoskeletal disorder (WMSD) risk factors and injury or illness data for the mechanical and electrical trades, as well as ergonomics "best-practices" provided by stakeholders in the construction industry.
  
  
• Ground-Fault Protection on Construction Sites. OSHA Publication 3007, (Revised 1998). Also available as a 2 MB PDF, 31 pages. Helps employers and employees who are responsible for electrical equipment provide protection against 120-volt electrical hazards on construction sites.
  
  
• OSHA Outreach Training Program - Construction Industry. OSHA. Provides training for workers and employers on the recognition, avoidance, abatement, and prevention of safety and health hazards in workplaces in the construction industry. Also available is OSHA Outreach Training Program - Construction Industry Procedures [250 KB PDF^*, 14 pages].
  
  There are three sections pertaining to electrical standards for construction:
  
  • Electrical Standards for Construction
  • Ground-Fault Protection on Construction Sites
  • Hazardous (Classified) Locations
    
    
• Overhead Power Lines-Don't Get Zapped! OSHA, (2003, February 3). Provides an "Employer Information Kit" developed for use by construction employers or trainers to voluntarily comply with OSHA's regulations related to electrocution hazards.

Additional Information

Related Safety and Health Topics Pages

• Construction Industry
• Young Workers in Construction

Training

• Electrical [4 MB ZIP^*, 27 slides]. OSHA Slide Presentation. Assists trainers conducting OSHA outreach training for workers emphasizing hazard identification, avoidance, and control.

Accessibility Assistance: Contact the OSHA Directorate of Technical Support and Emergency Management at (202) 693-2300 for assistance accessing PDF and ZIP materials.

^*These files are provided for downloading.