3/10/2015 UPDATE: The Edison Electric Institute (EEI), the Utility Line Clearance Coalition (ULCC), and the Tree Care Industry Association (TCIA) have negotiated a settlement with OSHA on the compliance dates for this new standard. CLICK HERE for the official agreement.
OSHA has revised the construction standard for electric power line work to make it more consistent with the corresponding general industry standard and is also making some revisions to both the construction and general industry requirements. The final rule includes new or revised requirements for fall protection, minimum approach distances, and arc-flash protection, and for host employers and contract employers to exchange safety-related information. The final rule also includes requirements for electrical protective equipment. The final rule was to become effective on July 10, 2014. However, OSHA adopted delayed compliance deadlines for certain requirements and established this temporary enforcement policy that is in effect through February 17, 2015. OSHA posted the regulatory text from the final rule on July 10, 2014. Employers can access the regulatory text from the prior version of 29 CFR 1910.269 here.