Section 10. General; approach distances

A. No employee shall be permitted to approach or take any conductive object closer to exposed energized parts than shown in subsection B (Table R-2) of this section unless:

1. The employee is insulated or guarded from the energized parts (insulating gloves or insulating gloves and sleeves worn in accordance with 16VAC25-90-1910.269(l)(3) are only considered insulation of that part of the employee's extremities covered by the insulating gloves or insulating gloves and sleeves);

2. The energized part is insulated or guarded from him and any other conductive object at a different potential; or

3. The power conductors and equipment are deenergized and grounded.

B. Approach distances to exposed energized overhead power lines and parts.

TABLE R-2. Approach Distances to Exposed Energized Overhead Power Lines and Parts.
Voltage range (phase to phase, RMS)	Approach distance (inches)
300 V and less	(1)
Over 300 V, not over 750V	12
Over 750 V not over 2 kV	18
Over 2 kV, not over 15 kV	24
Over 15 kV, not over 37 kV	36
Over 37 kV, not over 87.5 kV	42
Over 87.5 kV, not over 121 kV	48
Over 121 kV, not over 140kV	54

⁽¹⁾ Avoid contact.

Historical Notes

Derived from Volume 23, Issue 21, eff. July 26, 2007.

Statutory Authority

§ 40.1-22 of the Code of Virginia; Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970 (P.L. 91-596).