[Code of Federal Regulations]
[Title 29, Volume 8]
[Revised as of July 1, 2007]
From the U.S. Government Printing Office via GPO Access
[CITE: 29CFR1926.416]

[Page 264]
 
                             TITLE 29--LABOR
 
CHAPTER XVII--OCCUPATIONAL SAFETY AND HEALTH ADMINISTRATION, DEPARTMENT 
                                OF LABOR
 
PART 1926_SAFETY AND HEALTH REGULATIONS FOR CONSTRUCTION--Table of Contents
 
                          Subpart K_Electrical
 
Sec. 1926.416  General requirements.

    (a) Protection of employees--(1) No employer shall permit an 
employee to work in such proximity to any part of an electric power 
circuit that the employee could contact the electric power circuit in 
the course of work, unless the employee is protected against electric 
shock by deenergizing the circuit and grounding it or by guarding it 
effectively by insulation or other means.
    (2) In work areas where the exact location of underground electric 
powerlines is unknown, employees using jack-hammers, bars, or other hand 
tools which may contact a line shall be provided with insulated 
protective gloves.
    (3) Before work is begun the employer shall ascertain by inquiry or 
direct observation, or by instruments, whether any part of an energized 
electric power circuit, exposed or concealed, is so located that the 
performance of the work may bring any person, tool, or machine into 
physical or electrical contact with the electric power circuit. The 
employer shall post and maintain proper warning signs where such a 
circuit exists. The employer shall advise employees of the location of 
such lines, the hazards involved, and the protective measures to be 
taken.
    (b) Passageways and open spaces---(1) Barriers or other means of 
guarding shall be provided to ensure that workspace for electrical 
equipment will not be used as a passageway during periods when energized 
parts of electrical equipment are exposed.
    (2) Working spaces, walkways, and similar locations shall be kept 
clear of cords so as not to create a hazard to employees.
    (c) Load ratings. In existing installations, no changes in circuit 
protection shall be made to increase the load in excess of the load 
rating of the circuit wiring.
    (d) Fuses. When fuses are installed or removed with one or both 
terminals energized, special tools insulated for the voltage shall be 
used.
    (e) Cords and cables. (1) Worn or frayed electric cords or cables 
shall not be used.
    (2) Extension cords shall not be fastened with staples, hung from 
nails, or suspended by wire.

[44 FR 8577, Feb. 9, 1979; 44 FR 20940, Apr. 6, 1979, as amended at 55 
FR 42328, Oct. 18, 1990; 58 FR 35179, June 30, 1993; 61 FR 9251, Mar. 7, 
1996; 61 FR 41738, Aug. 12, 1996]