Electrical safety in construction - California

The California Division of Occupational Safety and Health (Cal/OSHA) operates a state plan with provisions that are at least as protective as federal OSHA. Construction employers in California must comply with the following state regulations related to electrical safety:

• 8 CCR 1760 – Electrical Requirements for Construction Work
• 8 CCR 1518 – Protection from Electric Shock

The regulation at 1760 also incorporates by reference Cal/OSHA’s more general Electrical Safety Orders at 8 CCR 2299 to 2989.

The Cal/OSHA regulations are sufficiently different from federal OSHA that a brief summary here is not possible. Construction employers in California are encouraged to become familiar with the Cal/OSHA regulations before starting any construction project. A helpful guide may be found at https://www.dir.ca.gov/dosh/construction-guide-summary.html.

Federal OSHA has the right to exercise concurrent authority to perform inspections and take enforcement action in many circumstances, so it is important to ensure compliance with both the state and federal laws.

Related information

• Electrical safety for construction activities

Citations

• 8 CCR 1760 – Electrical Requirements for Construction Work
• 8 CCR 1518 – Protection from Electric Shock
• 8 CCR 2299 to 2989 – Electrical Safety Orders
• 29 CFR 1926 Subpart K — Electrical