Electric utilities — Power generation, transmission, and distribution

Scope

OSHA’s electrical power, transmission, and distribution requirements generally apply to the operation and maintenance of electric power generation, control, transformation, transmission, and distribution lines and equipment. This includes the generation, transmission, and distribution installations of electric utilities, as well as equivalent installations of industrial establishments, and also line-clearance tree trimming performed for the purpose of clearing space around electric power generation, transmission, or distribution lines or equipment. Note that another regulation, 1910 Subpart S, covers supplementary electric generating equipment that is used to supply a workplace for emergency, standby, or similar purposes only. In addition, construction activities are covered by a separate standard.

Regulatory citations

• 29 CFR 1910.269 — Electric power generation, transmission, and distribution

Key definitions

• Contract employer: An employer, other than a host employer, that performs work covered by this section under contract.
• Energized (alive, live): Electrically connected to a source of potential difference, or electrically charged so as to have a potential significantly different from that of earth in the vicinity.
• First-aid training: Training in the initial care, including cardiopulmonary resuscitation (which includes chest compressions, rescue breathing, and, as appropriate, other heart and lung resuscitation techniques), performed by a person who is not a medical practitioner, of a sick or injured person until definitive medical treatment can be administered.
• Host employer: An employer that operates, or that controls the operating procedures for, an electric power generation, transmission, or distribution installation on which a contract employer is performing work covered by this section. Note to the definition of “host employer”: The Occupational Safety and Health Administration will treat the electric utility or the owner of the installation as the host employer if it operates or controls operating procedures for the installation. If the electric utility or installation owner neither operates nor controls operating procedures for the installation, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration will treat the employer that the utility or owner has contracted with to operate or control the operating procedures for the installation as the host employer. In no case will there be more than one host employer.
• Line-clearance tree trimmer: An employee who, through related training or on-the-job experience or both, is familiar with the special techniques and hazards involved in line-clearance tree trimming. Note 1 to the definition of “line-clearance tree trimmer”: An employee who is regularly assigned to a line-clearance tree-trimming crew and who is undergoing on-the-job training and who, in the course of such training, has demonstrated an ability to perform duties safely at his or her level of training and who is under the direct supervision of a line-clearance tree trimmer is considered to be a line-clearance tree trimmer for the performance of those duties. Note 2 to the definition of “line-clearance tree trimmer”: A line-clearance tree trimmer is not considered to be a “qualified employee” under this section unless he or she has the training required for a qualified employee under paragraph (a)(2)(ii) of this section. However, under the electrical safety related work practices standard in Subpart S of this part, a line-clearance tree trimmer is considered to be a “qualified employee.” Tree trimming performed by such “qualified employees” is not subject to the electrical safety-related work practice requirements contained in 1910.331 through 1910.335 when it is directly associated with electric power generation, transmission, or distribution lines or equipment. (See 1910.331 for requirements on the applicability of the electrical safety-related work practice requirements contained in 1910.335 through 1910.335 to line clearance tree trimming performed by such “qualified employees,” and see the note following 1910.332(b)(3) for information regarding the training an employee must have to be considered a qualified employee under 1910.335 through 1910.335.)
• Line-clearance tree trimming: The pruning, trimming, repairing, maintaining, removing, or clearing of trees, or the cutting of brush, that is within the following distance of electric supply lines and equipment: Note to the definition of “line-clearance tree trimming”:This section applies only to 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. See paragraph (a)(1) of this section. Tree trimming performed on behalf of a homeowner or commercial entity other than an organization that operates, or that controls the operating procedures for, electric power generation, transmission, or distribution lines or equipment is not directly associated with an electric power generation, transmission, or distribution installation and is outside the scope of this section. In addition, tree trimming that is not for the purpose of clearing space around electric power generation, transmission, or distribution lines or equipment is not directly associated with an electric power generation, transmission, or distribution installation and is outside the scope of this section. Such tree trimming may be covered by other applicable standards. See, for example, 1910.268 and 1910.331 through 1910.335. (1) For voltages to ground of 50 kilovolts or less-3.05 meters (10 feet); (2) For voltages to ground of more than 50 kilovolts-3.05 meters (10 feet) plus 0.10 meters (4 inches) for every 10 kilovolts over 50 kilovolts.
• Lines. (1) Communication lines. The conductors and their supporting or containing structures which are used for public or private signal or communication service, and which operate at potentials not exceeding 400 volts to ground or 750 volts between any two points of the circuit, and the transmitted power of which does not exceed 150 watts. If the lines are operating at less than 150 volts, no limit is placed on the transmitted power of the system. Under certain conditions, communication cables may include communication circuits exceeding these limitations where such circuits are also used to supply power solely to communication equipment. Note to the definition of “communication lines”: Telephone, telegraph, railroad signal, data, clock, fire, police alarm, cable television, and other systems conforming to this definition are included. Lines used for signaling purposes, but not included under this definition, are considered as electric supply lines of the same voltage. (2) Electric supply lines. Conductors used to transmit electric energy and their necessary supporting or containing structures. Signal lines of more than 400 volts are always supply lines within this section, and those of less than 400 volts are considered as supply lines, if so run and operated throughout.
• Qualified employee (qualified person): An employee (person) knowledgeable in the construction and operation of the electric power generation, transmission, and distribution equipment involved, along with the associated hazards. Note 1 to the definition of “qualified employee (qualified person)”: An employee must have the training required by (a)(2)(ii) of this section to be a qualified employee. Note 2 to the definition of “qualified employee (qualified person)”: Except under (g)(2)(iv)(C)(2) and (g)(2)(iv)(C)(3) of this section, an employee who is undergoing on-the-job training and who has demonstrated, in the course of such training, an ability to perform duties safely at his or her level of training and who is under the direct supervision of a qualified person is a qualified person for the performance of those duties.
• System operator: A qualified person designated to operate the system or its parts.

Summary of requirements

Employers covered by 1910.269 must:

• Ensure only trained employees perform work as specified in the standard. Note that there are various level of training that is commiserate to allowable duties.
• Provide necessary PPE. Ensure the PPE is maintained and tested properly.
• Ensure workers observe minimum approach distances.
• Implement safe procedures for work in enclosed spaces.
• Provide and ensure proper fall protection is used and appropriate for the various types of surfaces being worked on.
• Develop procedures for working with contractors.
• Provide emergency and medical services. Note: For field work involving two or more employees at a work location, at least two trained persons shall be available. However, for line-clearance tree trimming operations performed by line-clearance tree trimmers who are not qualified employees, only one trained person need be available if all new employees are trained in first aid within 3 months of their hiring dates.
• Protect line-clearance tree trimmers as specified in the standard.
• Comply with the 1926 Construction requirements, if engaged in that work.