Ezel / Labor Guidance / US
Back to Federal guidance

Portable and temporary lighting in explosive areas

Summary An industrial cleaning contractor asked about temporary versus portable lights in an explosive atmosphere. OSHA said portable battery-operated lighting was limited to 12 volts under the cited provision. Temporary wiring could be used if it met the applicable electrical code requirements, including explosion-proof protection and no plugs inside the designated confined space.
Document
Federal opinion letter
Agency
Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA)
Document number
1976-04-06-0
Date issued
April 6, 1976
Status
Active
Status last verified October 10, 2026
Topics
Workplace Safety OSHA 1926 Electrical Safety Confined Spaces
Source
View the official document

Apply this to your situation

This page explains the general guidance. Ask about your specific situation and see what current federal labor law says, with citations.

About this page: The full text below is the official document from Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA). Ezel adds the plain-English summary and tracks the document's status. The official source linked on this page is authoritative for any reliance.

April 6, 1976
Mr. John Hitchings
Industrial Oil Tank & Line
Cleaning Service
[Recipient address omitted]
Dear Mr. Hitchings:
This is in response to your letter requesting a clarification of the OSHA Standard [1926.405(a)(2)(ii)(G)] as temporary versus portable lighting.
Portable lighting is considered battery operated equipment and is limited to 12 volts as indicated in [1926.405(a)(2)(ii)(G)]. Temporary lighting may be used in explosive atmospheres as long as it meets all the requirements stated in the National Electrical Code NFPA 70 1971. This includes explosion proof, screened lighting sources with continuous wiring without male and female plugs inside the confined space designated.
Please feel free to contact us it there are further questions about OSHA.
Sincerely,
Alfred Barden
Regional Administrator
Occupational Safety and Health
[Corrected 05/28/2004]

Related guidance

Permanently labeled locks for electrical lockout Opinion Letter · August 17, 2026 Helmet selection for lateral head-impact hazards Opinion Letter · August 17, 2026 Asbestos precautions when restoring drywall after flood damage Opinion Letter · May 7, 2026 Enforcement policy for recording and reporting COVID-19 cases Guidance · March 31, 2026

What does federal law require in your situation?

Ezel checks current federal labor law against your facts and answers with citations.

Opens in Ezel Pro.

  • Checks the law as it stands today, not only this page
  • Cites every source it relies on, so you can verify it
  • Chat, drafting and research in one workspace