Electrical · United States

JHA for residential rewiring

By SiteSortedBuilt from OSHA standards and guidance · How we write and check theseUpdated November 9, 2026

OSHA expects employers to find and control hazards on every job, and many general contractors require a written JHA for residential rewiring before you start.

A JHA breaks the job into steps, lists the hazards in each step and the controls that protect the crew, and the crew signs it. The main hazards are silica dust from concrete, brick, stone and tiles, disturbing asbestos, electric shock from live wiring and falling through a floor opening or void.

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JHA example: residential rewiring

This is a complete JHA for residential rewiring, with 9 job steps. Open it in the builder to add your site, crew and signatures, change anything, and download a PDF. Or download the free Word template below and fill it in by hand.

Job Hazard Analysis (JHA)

Rewire a house · Electrical · Example

Document JHA-001 · Rev 1

Job steps, hazards and controls

#	Job step	Hazards	Risk before	Controls	Risk after
1	Agree a room by room plan with the occupants and protect floors and furniture	Working in an occupied home or building Slips and trips	Medium	Plan noisy, dusty or risky work for when the building is empty. Elimination Close off the work area with barriers, plastic sheeting or locked doors, and put up signs. Engineering (guarding) Keep fire exits and paths clear at all times. Administrative Tell occupants before you turn off power, water or gas, and before noisy or dusty work. Administrative Lock away tools, chemicals and materials each day, out of reach of children. Administrative Clean up dust and debris at the end of each day. Administrative Plan walkways and keep them clear of materials, hoses and leads. Elimination Run cords and hoses overhead on hooks or stands, or along walls, not across walkways. Engineering Slips and trips: see step 7 for the full controls Administrative	Low
2	Check the asbestos survey and look for old lead paint before cutting into walls and ceilings	Disturbing asbestos Lead paint dust and fumes	Critical	Treat insulation, surfacing and resilient flooring in buildings built before 1981 as asbestos unless testing shows otherwise, and get the owner's asbestos survey before you start. Elimination Seal off the work area and keep everyone else out. Engineering (guarding) If asbestos must be disturbed, keep it wet, use hand tools not power tools, and clean up with a HEPA vacuum. Engineering Follow 29 CFR 1926.1101: competent person, work class, regulated area and exposure monitoring. Administrative Commercial renovation and any demolition need a NESHAP asbestos inspection first, and demolition needs written notice to the state or EPA 10 working days before work starts (40 CFR 61 Subpart M). Administrative Roofing felts, cement shingles and siding, roof coatings and old panel backboards can also contain asbestos. Test them or treat them as asbestos; asbestos roofing is removed intact with hand tools by trained workers (29 CFR 1926.1101(g)(8)). Administrative Stop work straight away if you find suspect asbestos. Do not touch it and tell your supervisor. Administrative Wear a fit-tested NIOSH-approved respirator suited to the work class, and disposable coveralls. PPE Test old paint for lead before you sand, scrape, cut or heat it. Elimination Use wet scraping, chemical strippers or shrouded tools with extraction instead of dry sanding. Never burn off lead paint with an open flame. Substitution Seal off the work area with plastic sheeting and keep residents, children and pets out. Engineering (guarding) Clean up with a HEPA vacuum and wet wipes. Never dry sweep. Engineering In homes and child-occupied facilities built before 1978 (such as child care centers, preschools and kindergarten classrooms), work that disturbs more than 6 sq ft inside or 20 sq ft outside is done by an EPA Lead-Safe Certified firm with a certified renovator (RRP rule). Administrative Do an initial lead exposure assessment and protect workers as if over the limit until results are in. Over 50 micrograms per cubic meter, follow a written lead compliance program (29 CFR 1926.62(d), (e)). Administrative Never torch painted surfaces, keep heat guns below 1,100 degrees F, and use sanders, grinders or planers only with a shroud and HEPA vacuum attachment (40 CFR 745.85(a)(3)). Administrative Provide a clean change area and handwashing, and keep food, drink and tobacco out of the work area (29 CFR 1926.62(i)). Administrative Wash hands and face before eating, drinking or smoking. Change out of dusty clothes before going home. Administrative Wear a NIOSH-approved respirator with N100 or P100 filters, disposable coveralls and gloves. PPE	Medium
3	Isolate the circuits being worked on, apply lockout/tagout and test to prove dead; run any temporary supply through GFCI protection	Electric shock from live wiring Stored energy Electric shock from cords and power tools	Critical	Isolate the power before any work. Do not work live. Elimination Lock out and tag the disconnecting means with your own personal lock and tag so the circuit cannot be energized (29 CFR 1926.417). Engineering (guarding) Test before you touch: prove dead at the point of work with a tested voltage tester. Engineering Only qualified persons work on or near exposed energized parts. Administrative Check for back feeds from solar, batteries and generators that can keep a circuit live after the main switch is off. Administrative Release or block all stored energy before work: release the pressure in pipes, tanks and hoses, bleed hydraulics, release springs, lower loads. Elimination Lock out and tag all energy sources with personal locks. Engineering (guarding) Put mechanical blocks or props under raised parts like buckets, tipper bodies and doors. Engineering Test that the system is dead and nothing can move before you start. Administrative Follow the maker's procedure, for example for garage door and roller door springs. Administrative Use battery-powered tools where you can. Substitution Use GFCIs on all 120-volt, 15, 20 and 30 amp temporary receptacles, or a written assured equipment grounding conductor program run by a competent person with recorded tests (29 CFR 1926.404(b)(1)). Engineering Keep cords off the ground and out of water, using stands or hooks. Engineering Check cords, plugs and tools before every use. Tag out and remove anything damaged. Administrative Do not use tools in rain or wet areas unless they are rated for it. Administrative	Medium
4	Work in the ceiling space only on joists, with lighting and short breaks in hot weather	Falling through a floor opening or void Heat stress Poor lighting and night work Bites and stings	Critical	Cover every hole with a secured cover marked "HOLE" or "COVER" that can hold twice the weight it may carry. Engineering (guarding) Put guardrails with toe boards around stairwells, elevator shafts, floor holes and open edges. Engineering (guarding) Install stairs early and fit temporary handrails as soon as they go in. Engineering Never remove a cover or guardrail without approval. Put it back straight away. Administrative Schedule heavy work for the cooler part of the day. Elimination Provide shade over work and rest areas, and fans or cooling in attics. Engineering Supply cool drinking water close by and drink a cup every 15 to 20 minutes. Administrative Take regular rest breaks in the shade, more often as it gets hotter. Administrative In California, Washington, Oregon and Maryland, follow the state heat illness rule: written plan, shade, water, rest and high-heat procedures. Administrative Plan work for daylight hours where you can. Elimination Set up enough temporary lighting for the task, walkways, stairs and access points. Engineering Aim lights so they do not dazzle plant operators or drivers. Engineering Check lighting before work starts and carry a flashlight or head lamp. Administrative Check work areas before starting, and get pest control to remove nests. Elimination Look before you reach into dark spaces. Administrative Ask owners to keep pets away from the work area. Administrative Know who has allergies and keep their medication, such as an epinephrine auto-injector, close by. Administrative	Medium
5	Scan for pipes, then chase walls and drill holes using dust extraction	Silica dust from concrete, brick, stone and tiles General dust Injury from power tools Gas and fuel lines	Critical	Order materials cut to size, or use low-dust methods such as score and snap or a block splitter. Substitution Cut outdoors or in a separate area, with other people well away and upwind. Engineering (guarding) Use wet cutting or on-tool dust collection with a HEPA vacuum, as set out in Table 1 of 29 CFR 1926.1153. Engineering Clean up with a vacuum or wet methods. Never dry sweep or use compressed air. Administrative Have a written exposure control plan and a competent person for silica (29 CFR 1926.1153). Administrative Workers who must wear a respirator 30 or more days a year get a free medical exam every 3 years (29 CFR 1926.1153(h)). Administrative Use low-dust products, such as dust-reduced or pre-mixed compounds. Substitution Seal off the work area with plastic sheeting in occupied buildings. Engineering (guarding) Use tools with dust extraction and a vacuum for clean up. Engineering Lightly mist the area with water to keep dust down, away from anything electrical. Engineering Keep all guards fitted and working. Never tie back or remove a guard. Engineering Clamp or secure the work piece. Do not hold it by hand. Engineering Only trained, competent people use power tools, following the maker's instructions. Administrative Check tools before use. Unplug or remove the battery before changing blades or bits. Administrative Isolate and purge the line before work, with the owner's approval. Elimination Lock off and tag the isolation valve. Engineering (guarding) Check for leaks with a gas detector before and during work, and ventilate the area. Engineering Only licensed gas fitters work on gas lines. Administrative	Medium
6	Strip out old wiring, treating every cable as live until it is proven dead	Electric shock from live wiring Cuts from sharp edges	Critical	If energized work cannot be avoided, use an energized work permit, a safety observer and insulated tools, following NFPA 70E. Administrative Wear insulated gloves, arc-rated clothing and a face shield when testing or working near live parts. PPE Electric shock from live wiring: see step 3 for the full controls Administrative Deburr or cover sharp edges, and fit edge protectors on exposed sheet metal. Engineering Use knives with retractable or self-retracting blades. Engineering Cut away from your body and keep your other hand clear. Administrative Put used blades in a blade bin or sharps container. Administrative Use two people to handle large sheets of metal or glass. Administrative Wear cut-resistant gloves and long sleeves. PPE	Medium
7	Pull in new cables, keeping walkways and stairs clear	Slips and trips Lifting and carrying heavy loads	High	Plan walkways and keep them clear of materials, hoses and leads. Elimination Run cords and hoses overhead on hooks or stands, or along walls, not across walkways. Engineering Fill or cover holes, and lay boards or mats on muddy access paths. Engineering Clean up offcuts, packaging and spills as you go, not at the end of the day. Administrative Keep work areas, stairs and access paths well lit. Administrative Wear safety boots with good grip, laced up. PPE Plan to avoid carrying: have materials delivered, and old items picked up, as close as possible to where they are used. Elimination Use lighter or smaller loads: order smaller bags and shorter lengths, and drain or break down old items before moving them. Substitution Use trolleys, pallet jacks, hoists, vacuum lifters or plant instead of carrying by hand. Engineering Use a two-person lift for anything heavy, long or awkward. Plan the route first and clear it. Administrative Keep the load close, back straight and no twisting. Turn with your feet. Administrative Rotate tasks and take breaks on long lifting jobs. Administrative Wear gloves for grip and safety boots to protect your feet. PPE	Medium
8	Fit off outlets, switches and lights from a stable step or platform	Electric shock from cords and power tools Falling from a ladder Repetitive work and awkward postures	High	Wear safety boots and dry gloves. PPE Electric shock from cords and power tools: see step 3 for the full controls Administrative Use a platform ladder, mobile scaffold or aerial lift for longer jobs instead of a straight ladder. Substitution Use Type I, IA or IAA ladders in good condition. Tag and remove any damaged ladder. Engineering Set extension ladders at a 4 to 1 angle on firm, level ground, secured, and reaching 3 feet above the landing. Engineering Use ladders only for short, light work. Do not carry heavy or awkward loads up a ladder. Administrative Keep three points of contact and your belt buckle between the stiles. Do not overreach. Administrative Use tools that cut the effort: powered screwdrivers, long-handled tools and extension poles for overhead work. Substitution Set work up at waist height on benches or trestles where you can. Engineering Use light tools with good grips, and keep blades and bits sharp. Engineering Rotate tasks and take short breaks every hour on repetitive work. Administrative Warm up before heavy physical work and report aches and pains early. Administrative	Medium
9	Test every circuit, re-energise, make good and hand over the certificate	Electric shock from live wiring Poor housekeeping and waste	Critical	Electric shock from live wiring: see step 3 for the full controls Administrative Order materials to size and send packaging back where you can. Elimination Put dumpsters and waste chutes close to the work. Engineering Clean as you go, and do a full clean up at the end of each day. Administrative Keep exits, stairs and walkways clear at all times. Administrative Stack materials neatly on level ground, away from edges. Administrative Wear gloves when handling waste. PPE	Medium

PPE

Safety-toe boots (ASTM F2413)Safety glasses (ANSI Z87.1)N95 respiratorWork glovesKnee padsHalf-face respirator (P100 cartridges)CoverallsRubber insulating glovesArc flash PPE (NFPA 70E)Sun protection (sunscreen, hat, long sleeves)High-visibility safety apparel, ANSI/ISEA 107 Class 2 or 3 (Type R near roadways)Hearing protection (earmuffs or plugs)Cut-resistant glovesHard hat (ANSI Z89.1)

Plant and equipment

Electrical test meterPower drillHand toolsStep ladderRotary hammer

Permits and plans

Lockout/tagout (1926.417)

Emergency

Call 911. Add the nearest hospital, the assembly point and the first aid / cpr person for your site.

Sign-off

Supervisor and every worker sign to confirm they have read and understood this JHA.

Free JHA template for residential rewiring

Word (.docx) and PDF, Letter landscape, no email needed. Fill in your site details, then print or send it.

Word template (.docx)PDF template

Make yours in 2 minutes

Same document, filled in for your job. Answer a few yes or no questions, the crew signs on the phone, and you send the PDF.

Start this JHA

Pre-start checklist for residential rewiring

Tick these off before work starts. They come from the hazards, permits and equipment in this job.

JHA read, explained and signed by everyone on the job
Openings, voids and penetrations covered and marked
Ladder inspected, secured and extending 3 ft above the landing
Lockout, tagout and test before touch done before work starts
Asbestos register or survey checked for the work area
Water suppression or on-tool extraction fitted; respirators fit tested
Weather checked: water, shade and rest breaks planned
First aid / CPR person, first aid kit and emergency number (911) confirmed
PPE checked and worn: safety-toe boots (ASTM F2413), safety glasses (ANSI Z87.1), N95 respirator, work gloves

The safe sequence of work

Agree a room by room plan with the occupants and protect floors and furniture
Check the asbestos survey and look for old lead paint before cutting into walls and ceilings
Isolate the circuits being worked on, apply lockout/tagout and test to prove dead; run any temporary supply through GFCI protection
Work in the ceiling space only on joists, with lighting and short breaks in hot weather
Scan for pipes, then chase walls and drill holes using dust extraction
Strip out old wiring, treating every cable as live until it is proven dead
Pull in new cables, keeping walkways and stairs clear
Fit off outlets, switches and lights from a stable step or platform
Test every circuit, re-energise, make good and hand over the certificate

Hazards to watch on residential rewiring

The hazards most specific to this job, and the step where each one comes up.

Step 4Poor lighting and night workDim or dark work areas hide trip hazards, edges and moving plant, and make workers hard to see.

Step 4Bites and stingsSnakes, spiders, wasps, ticks and dogs bite or sting workers in attics, crawl spaces and yards.

Step 2Lead paint dust and fumesHomes and child-occupied facilities built before 1978 may have lead paint. Sanding, scraping or heating it releases dust that poisons workers and children.

Step 3, 8Electric shock from cords and power toolsDamaged cords, plugs or tools, or water near power, give the user an electric shock.

Step 3Stored energyEnergy left in springs, hydraulics, compressed gas, raised loads or capacitors releases suddenly and crushes or injures workers.

Step 5Gas and fuel linesDamaging or opening a gas or fuel line causes a leak, fire or explosion.

Highest risk on residential rewiring: Critical before controls (B), down to Medium after controls (A), on the United States 5 by 5 risk matrix (likely and fatality becomes unlikely and serious injury).

What changes on your site

This example covers the job itself. Your site may add more. Add controls for any of these that apply (the builder asks you these as yes or no questions):

Will anyone work 6 feet or more above a lower level?
Will anyone work on a roof?
Is there a skylight, fiberglass panel or other fragile roofing?
Will you use a scaffold or rolling tower?
Will you use an aerial lift (scissor lift or boom lift)?

Why JHAs get rejected

General contractors send documents back for these reasons. This example avoids them, but check yours too.

Generic steps such as "work safely" or "use PPE" with no task-specific hazards or controls.
No OSHA standards referenced for the hazards that have them, such as fall protection, ladders, scaffolds or silica.
No competent person named for fall protection, excavation, scaffolds or silica where those hazards exist.
Equipment listed without inspection requirements, and no training listed for the people using it.
Respirators listed with no respiratory protection program, medical clearance or fit test.
Controls rely only on PPE when engineering controls such as guardrails, wet cutting or extraction are feasible.
No crew sign-off, or no date and revision when the job has changed.

Questions

Do I need a JHA for residential rewiring?

OSHA expects employers to find and control hazards on every job, and many general contractors require a written JHA for residential rewiring before you start.

Who signs the JHA?

The supervisor or competent person who prepared it signs, and every crew member signs to show they were trained on the hazards and controls before the job starts. Many general contractors also sign to accept it.

How long do I keep it?

Keep this JHA on site during the job, and keep it with the training and inspection records for at least 1 year after the job (longer if your state plan or general contractor requires it). OSHA does not set a retention period for JHAs themselves.

What PPE is needed for residential rewiring?

Usually Safety-toe boots (ASTM F2413), Safety glasses (ANSI Z87.1), N95 respirator, Work gloves, Knee pads, Half-face respirator (P100 cartridges), Coveralls, Rubber insulating gloves, Arc flash PPE (NFPA 70E), Sun protection (sunscreen, hat, long sleeves), High-visibility safety apparel, ANSI/ISEA 107 Class 2 or 3 (Type R near roadways), Hearing protection (earmuffs or plugs), Cut-resistant gloves, Hard hat (ANSI Z89.1). The site rules may add more, so check with the general contractor.

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Blank JHA template: free JHA templates. Also for other countries: Australia (SWMS) · United Kingdom (RAMS) · Canada (FLHA)