Arc Flash Reference

Live line tool

Updated 2026-11-02

Data records

  • Under 29 CFR 1910.269, each live-line tool is wiped clean and visually inspected for defects before use each day; a tool showing a defect or contamination that could affect its insulating qualities or mechanical integrity comes out of service for examination and testing before it returns; and a tool used for primary employee protection is removed from service at the interval given in the datum value, and whenever such a defect is found, for examination, cleaning, repair and testing along its whole working length (under wet conditions for fiberglass-reinforced plastic) at the test voltages the paragraph sets per unit of length. The duties are paragraphs (j)(2)(i) to (j)(2)(iii); the regulation's note points to IEEE 516 for maintenance guidance. Value: 2 years. Source: 29 CFR 1910.269, current edition, clause (j)(2). Verified 2026-11-02. Record gloss.live-line-tool.osha1910-269.condition-and-testing
  • Under 29 CFR 1910.269, live-line tool rods, tubes and poles are designed and built to withstand a minimum test stated per unit of length, given in the datum value for fiberglass-reinforced plastic and for wood, or other tests the employer can demonstrate are equivalent; the regulation's note deems rod and tube that meet ASTM F711 to comply. The requirement is paragraph (j)(1). Value: fiberglass-reinforced plastic: 100,000 volts per foot (328,100 volts per meter) of length for 5 minutes; wood: 75,000 volts per foot (246,100 volts per meter) of length for 3 minutes. Source: 29 CFR 1910.269, current edition, clause (j)(1). Verified 2026-11-02. Record gloss.live-line-tool.osha1910-269.design-withstand

Sources

  • 29 CFR 1910.269, 1910.269 - Electric power generation, transmission, and distribution (with Appendices A to G; Appendix B, Working on Exposed Energized Parts), current edition, OSHA. Cited: clause (j)(2); clause (j)(1). Regulation text. Held as: Government work. Agency copy of 29 CFR 1910.269

Also stated in

  • The current standard states removal from service for examination, cleaning, repair and testing every 2 years for live-line tools used for primary employee protection, and whenever a defect or contamination is found (29 CFR 1910.269(j)(2)(iii)) (29 CFR 1910.269 (79 FR 20633, April 11, 2014; current eCFR text)). TM 5-684 / NAVFAC MO-200 / AFJMAN 32-1082 (29 November 1996) stated shop or laboratory electrical test of live-line tools at intervals of not more than 6 months for tools in frequent use and not more than one year for tools stored for long periods; the current standard governs.
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    15-18.a. Records

    "Records will be maintained for all live-line tools and will indicate their shop or laboratory inspection and testing dates. Electrical shop and laboratory testing will be provided at intervals of not more than 6 months for tools in frequent use, and at intervals of not more than one year for tools stored for long periods of time."

    TM 5-684 / NAVFAC MO-200 / AFJMAN 32-1082, section 15-18.a, PDF page 170, printed 15-6, 29 November 1996. Agency copy of TM 5-684 / NAVFAC MO-200 / AFJMAN 32-1082

    The current standard governs; this passage is a public-domain description of the practice dated 29 November 1996.

  • TM 5-684 / NAVFAC MO-200 / AFJMAN 32-1082, section 15-18.b, PDF page 170, printed 15-6, item (1) of four (29 November 1996).
    Read the reference passage

    15-18.b. Tool inspection

    "OSHA requires that live-line tools be visually inspected daily before use. Tools to be used will be wiped clean. If any hazardous defects are indicated, tools will be removed from service. The following field observations warrant their removal from service. (1) A tingling or fuzzy sensation when the tool is in contact with energized conductor or hardware."

    TM 5-684 / NAVFAC MO-200 / AFJMAN 32-1082, section 15-18.b, PDF page 170, printed 15-6, item (1) of four, 29 November 1996. Agency copy of TM 5-684 / NAVFAC MO-200 / AFJMAN 32-1082

    The current standard governs; this passage is a public-domain description of the practice dated 29 November 1996.

  • Stated independently by TM 5-684 / NAVFAC MO-200 / AFJMAN 32-1082, section 15-18.c, PDF page 170, printed 15-6 (29 November 1996).
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    15-18.c. Tool cleaning

    "Clean live-line tools before each use with a clean absorbent paper towel or cloth and then wipe with a silicone-treated cloth. Waxing is not necessary after every use, but only as needed. Use cleaning and waxing kits manufactured for live-line tools and follow directions for their use. Never use cloths that have been washed in harsh solvents, soap, or detergents. Residues left on the tools will be conductive."

    TM 5-684 / NAVFAC MO-200 / AFJMAN 32-1082, section 15-18.c, PDF page 170, printed 15-6, 29 November 1996. Agency copy of TM 5-684 / NAVFAC MO-200 / AFJMAN 32-1082

    The current standard governs; this passage is a public-domain description of the practice dated 29 November 1996.

  • TM 5-684 / NAVFAC MO-200 / AFJMAN 32-1082, section 15-17.a, PDF page 170, printed 15-6, the lead sentences of section 15-17 name the ASTM F18 series and are not excerpted (29 November 1996).
    Read the reference passage

    15-17.a. Fiberglass

    "A fiberglass tool must have withstood 100,000 volts ac per foot (300 millimeters) of length for 5 minutes."

    TM 5-684 / NAVFAC MO-200 / AFJMAN 32-1082, section 15-17.a, PDF page 170, printed 15-6, the lead sentences of section 15-17 name the ASTM F18 series and are not excerpted, 29 November 1996. Agency copy of TM 5-684 / NAVFAC MO-200 / AFJMAN 32-1082

    The current standard governs; this passage is a public-domain description of the practice dated 29 November 1996.

Changelog (2 entries)
DateRevisionChange
2026-11-02created (gloss.live-line-tool.osha1910-269.condition-and-testing)
2026-11-02created (gloss.live-line-tool.osha1910-269.design-withstand)

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Cite the governing standard for the fact itself; cite this page as the finding aid.

"Live line tool." Arc Flash Reference. 2026-11-02. https://www.arcflashreference.com/glossary/live-line-tool/.