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Insulated hand tools in general industry and construction

Summary OSHA said general-industry rule 29 CFR 1910.335(a)(2)(i) required insulated hand tools near exposed energized conductors or circuit parts, while the construction standard then had no equivalent tool requirement for similar exposure.
Document
Federal opinion letter
Agency
Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA)
Document number
1996-07-30-0
Date issued
July 30, 1996
Status
Active
Status last verified October 9, 2026
Topics
Workplace Safety OSHA 1910 OSHA 1926 Electrical Safety
Source
View the official document

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July 30, 1996

Mr. Jeff Griffin
Up-Front Communications
[Recipient address omitted]
Dear Mr. Griffin:

Thank you for your letter of February 12, to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) requesting information on insulated tools.

The General Industry Standard 29 CFR 1910.335(a)(2)(i) requires the use of insulated hand tools when working near exposed energized conductors or circuit parts. However the Construction Standard doesn't require the use of insulated hand tools when exposed to similar conditions.

If you require any further assistance, please do not hesitate to contact us again by writing to:

Directorate of Construction - OSHA
Office of Construction Standards and Compliance Assistance
Room N-3621
200 Constitution Avenue, N.W.
Washington, D.C. 20210

Sincerely,

Roy F, Gurnham, P.E., J.D.
Manager
Office of Construction Services
Directorate of Construction

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