SESKStuff Everyone Should Know
SESK: Stuff Everyone Should Know · sesk.info/osha-work-near-power-circuits

Before working close to an electric power circuit, what protection is required?

Deenergize and ground the circuit or guard it.

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  1. Wear leather work gloves
  2. Have a coworker watch you
  3. Deenergize and ground the circuit or guard it ✔

Why: 1926.416(a)(1) says employees must be protected from electric shock by deenergizing and grounding the circuit or guarding it effectively.

Huh, didn't know that: Guarding means using insulation or other effective protection from contact.

The dad joke
Why do electricians ground circuits first? To keep the work current-free.
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References

Answer: Deenergize and ground the circuit or guard it. 1926.416(a)(1) says employees must be protected from electric shock by deenergizing and grounding the circuit or guarding it effectively.

  1. 29 CFR 1926.416(a)(1) www.law.cornell.edu/cfr/text/29/1926.416
    No employer shall permit an employee to work in such proximity to any part of an electric power circuit ... unless the employee is protected ... by deenergizing the circuit and grounding it or by guarding it effectively.
    Checked 2026-10-10.

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