When are two employees required to work together?

The two-person rule is addressed at 1926.960. Except as provided in paragraph (b)(3)(ii), at least two employees must be present while any employee performs the following types of work:

• Installation, removal, or repair of lines energized at more than 600 volts;
• Installation, removal, or repair of de-energized lines if an employee is exposed to contact with other parts energized at more than 600 volts;
• Installation, removal, or repair of equipment, such as transformers, capacitors, and regulators, if an employee is exposed to contact with parts energized at more than 600 volts;
• Work involving the use of mechanical equipment, other than insulated aerial lifts, near parts energized at more than 600 volts; and
• Other work that exposes an employee to electrical hazards greater than, or equal to, the electrical hazards posed by operations listed specifically in paragraphs (b)(3)(i)(A) through (b)(3)(i)(D).

The reason for the two-person rule is that the second person can begin to administer CPR within four minutes after an employee loses consciousness due to an electric shock.