Electrical generation, transmission, and distribution

Overview

Electricity is generated at power plants and moves through a grid of substations, power lines, and distribution transformers before it reaches consumers. In the United States, the entire grid consists of more than 7,300 power plants, nearly 160,000 miles of high-voltage power lines, and millions of low-voltage power lines and distribution transformers connecting about 145 million customers.

Oregon OSHA’s Division 2/RR rules – which apply to general industry and construction employers – cover the operation and maintenance of electric power generation, control, transformation, transmission, and distribution lines and equipment. Construction work includes the erection of new electric transmission and distribution lines and equipment.

All available content

Publications

Labels and stickers
- Warning! Unlawful to operate within 10' of high voltage lines
  Warning! It is unlawful to operate this equipment within 10' of high voltage lines.
  English Order printed copy 08/04/2006
References
- Rules with requirements
  We get many calls and emails from employers asking the same question. It begins: “Which of your rules have requirements for…” You can finish the sentence with words like “recordkeeping,” “employee training,” and “written documents.” To answer those questions, we’ve organized these rules requirements into a filterable, sortable, searchable table.
  English 05/10/2019

Education and training

Rules and rule-related

Advisory Committee

Electric power generation, transmission, and distribution

Final Rules
- Division 2, Subdivision RR, Electrical Power Generation, Transimssion, and Distribution
  2-2017 Word version
Interpretations
- Digger derricks and crane certifications
  04/07/2017
- Division 3, Subdivision R interpretations
  08/03/2016
- Installing protective rubber equipment on 12.5 kV lines using rubber gloves and sleeves
  12/14/2017
- Powerline tree trimmers wearing chaps
  03/19/2018
- Requirements for employees doing high voltage work
  03/19/2018
- Rubber goods use and testing
  03/19/2018
- Safety watcher
  03/19/2018
- Training requirements for electrical workers
  05/19/2016
Program Directives
- Electric Power Generation, Transmission and Distribution Facilities
  Purpose: This guide provides inspection assistance related to 1910.269 and a glossary of industry terms to assist OR-OSHA staff performing inspections and consultations at electric power generation, transmission, and distribution facilities.
  A-212 02/03/2017
- Local Emphasis Program (LEP): Falls In All Industries
  Purpose: This instruction describes state Local Emphasis Program (LEP) to reduce or eliminate serious injuries and fatalities associated with falls to a lower level while working at heights in all industries covered under Oregon OSHA’s jurisdiction.
  A-239 11/27/2023
Summary of comments and decisions
- Summary of comments and agency decisions regarding proposed changes to electric power generation, transmission, and distribution in Division 2 General industry and Division 3 Construction Administrative Rules
  3-2015

Video Resources

Borrow from the Resource Center

Watch Online

English
- NIOSH Arc Flash Awareness
  Arc Flash Awareness parts 1, 2, and 3 from NIOSH. An arc flash is the sudden release of electrical energy through the air when a high-voltage gap exists and there is a breakdown between conductors.
  Language: English Length: 8:13, 9:33, and 8:07 minutes