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Using extension cords outside environment

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Pre-Task Plan: Using Extension Cords in an Outside Environment

Date: [DATE] Work Area: [WORK AREA] Task Supervisor: [SUPERVISOR NAME]

1. Task Description

Safely utilizing extension cords to provide power to electrical equipment in an outdoor setting.

2. Task Duration

Estimated Start: [START TIME] Estimated Completion: [END TIME]

3. Personnel Involved

  • [ROLE 1]
  • [ROLE 2]
  • [ROLE 3]

4. Task-Specific Hazards and Controls

HazardRiskControl Measures
Wet or damp conditions [1]Electrical shockUse extension cords and equipment approved for wet locations 1, 3. Ensure GFCI protection is used [2].
Damaged extension cords 1, 3Electrical shock, fireVisually inspect extension cords for external defects such as damage to the outer jacket or insulation before each use 1, 3, 4. Remove damaged cords from service 1, 3.
Physical damage to cords [3]Electrical shock, equipment failureProtect cords from sharp corners, projections, and pinch points 5, 10. Use cord protectors where cords may be run over by equipment or are in traffic areas 2, 5.
Improper grounding 1, 3Electrical shockUse only three-wire extension cords with a grounding conductor 1, 3. Do not use adapters that interrupt the grounding continuity 1, 3.
Overloading circuitsOverheating, fireEnsure that the extension cord and connected equipment do not exceed the circuit's rated capacity [4].
Tripping hazardsSlips, trips, and fallsArrange cords to avoid creating tripping hazards; use approved nonconductive mats to cover cords in public access areas 7, 11.

5. Required PPE for Today's Task

  • [PPE item 1]
  • [PPE item 2]
  • [PPE item 3]

6. Tools and Equipment Needed

  • Extension cords (rated for outdoor use) 1, 3
  • GFCI-protected outlets or adapters [2]
  • Cord protectors [3]
  • [Tool/Equipment 3]

7. Pre-Start Checklist

Area Preparation

  • [ ] Ensure the work area is free of standing water or excessive moisture 1, 3.
  • [ ] Use portable distribution boxes that are weatherproof and elevated at least 6 inches above the ground when outdoors 6, 12.
  • [ ] Check that all connections are secure and protected from the elements 1, 3.

Equipment Checks

  • [ ] Visually inspect all extension cords and equipment for damage before use 1, 3, 4.
  • [ ] Confirm that extension cords are rated for outdoor use and are of the appropriate gauge for the intended load 1, 2.
  • [ ] Test GFCI devices to ensure they are functioning correctly [2].

Communication

  • [ ] Discuss potential hazards and controls with all team members before starting work.
  • [ ] Establish clear communication signals for stopping work in case of emergencies.

8. Task Steps Overview

  1. Inspect extension cords and equipment for damage 1, 3, 4.
  2. Ensure GFCI protection is in place [2].
  3. Position cords to avoid damage and tripping hazards 5, 10.
  4. Connect equipment and verify proper operation 1, 3.
  5. Monitor cords and connections throughout the task for any signs of wear or damage 1, 3.

9. Emergency Response for This Task

  • Electrical shock → Immediately shut off power, if safe to do so. Call for medical assistance.
  • Fire → Use a Class C fire extinguisher. Evacuate the area and call emergency services [5].

10. Task-Specific Precautions

  • Never use damaged extension cords 1, 3, 4.
  • Avoid overloading circuits [4].
  • Keep cords away from standing water and sharp objects 1, 3, 5, 10.

Pre-Task Briefing Confirmation

All workers understand the task, associated hazards, and required controls.

Team Lead Initials: [___] Date: [DATE] Time: [TIME]

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5 source record(s)

Sources used for this answer

[1] Rules for the Administration of the Oregon Safe Employment Act (Construction, Division 3, OSHA Oregon)

Page 467

Open source document

Source excerpt

## WIRING METHODS, COMPONENTS, & EQUIPMENT FOR GENERAL USE - (C) Receptacles shall be of the grounding type. Unless installed in a complete metallic raceway, each branch circuit shall contain a separate equipment grounding conductor, and all receptacles shall be electrically connected to the grounding conductor. Receptacles for uses other than temporary lighting shall not be installed on branch circuits which supply temporary lighting. Receptacles shall not be connected to the same ungrounded conductor of multiwire circuits which supply temporary lighting. - (D) Disconnecting switches or plug connectors shall be installed to permit the disconnection of all ungrounded conductors of each temporary circuit. - (E) All lamps for general illumination shall be protected from accidental contact or breakage. Metal-case sockets shall be grounded. - (F) Temporary lights shall not be suspended by their electric cords unless cords and lights are designed for this means of suspension. - (G) Portable electric lighting used in wet and/or other conductive locations, as for example, drums, tanks, and vessels, shall be operated at 12 volts or less. However, 120-volt lights may be used if protected by a ground-fault circuit interrupter. - (H) A box shall be used wherever a change is made to a raceway system or a cable system which is metal clad or metal sheathed. - (I) Flexible cords and cables shall be protected from damage. Sharp corners and projections shall be avoided. Flexible cords and cables may pass through doorways or other pinch points, if protection is provided to avoid damage. - (J) Extension cord sets used with portable electric tools and appliances shall be of three-wire type and shall be designed for hard or extra-hard usage. Flexible cords used with temporary and portable lights shall be designed for hard or extrahard usage. - Note: The National Electrical Code, ANSI/NFPA 70, in Article 400, Table 400-4, lists various types of flexible cords, some of which

[2] Safety Standards for General Safety and Health Standards (Chaper 296-24 WAC)

Page 433

Open source document

Source excerpt

\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_ - (A) A single receptacle installed on an individual branch circuit must have an ampere rating of not less than that of the branch circuit; - (B) Where connected to a branch circuit supplying two or more receptacles or outlets, a receptacle may not supply a total cord and plug-connected load in excess of the maximum specified in Table S-4; and - (C) Where connected to a branch circuit supplying two or more receptacles or outlets, receptacle ratings must conform to the values listed in Table S-5; or, where larger than 50 amperes, the receptacle rating may not be less than the branch-circuit rating. However, receptacles of cord- and plugconnected arc welders may have ampere ratings not less than the minimum branch-circuit conductor ampacity. - (e) Cord connections . You must install a receptacle outlet wherever flexible cords with attachment plugs are used. Where flexible cords are permitted to be permanently connected, receptacles may be omitted. ## Table S-4--Maximum Cord- and Plug-Connected Load to Receptacle ## Table S-5--Receptacle Ratings for Various Size Circuits - Outside conductors, 600 volts, nominal, or less . The following requirements apply to branch-circuit, feeder, and service conductors rated 600 volts, nominal, or less and run outdoors as open conductors. - (a) Conductors on poles . Conductors on poles must have a separation of not less than 1 foot where not placed on racks or brackets. Conductors supported on poles must provide a horizontal climbing space not less than the following: - (i) Power conductors below communication conductors--30 inches; - (ii) Power conductors alone or above communication conductors: - (A) 300 volts or less--24 inches; - (B) Over 300 volts--30 inches. - (iii) Communication conductors below power conducto

[3] Rules for the Administration of the Oregon Safe Employment Act (General Occupational Safety and Health, Division 2, OSHA Oregon)

Page 2079

Open source document

Source excerpt

Oregon Occupational Safety and Health Division Division 2 - (i) Portable cord- and plug-connected equipment and flexible cord sets (extension cords) shall be visually inspected before use on any shift for external defects (such as loose parts, deformed and missing pins, or damage to outer jacket or insulation) and for evidence of possible internal damage (such as pinched or crushed outer jacket). Cord- and plug-connected equipment and flexible cord sets (extension cords) which remain connected once they are put in place and are not exposed to damage need not by visually inspected until they are relocated. - (ii) If there is a defect or evidence of damage that might expose an employee to injury, the defective or damaged item shall be removed from service, and no employee may use it until repairs and tests necessary to render the equipment safe have been made. - (iii) When an attachment plug is to be connected to a receptacle (including any on a cord set), the relationship of the plug and receptacle contacts shall first be checked to ensure that they are of proper mating configurations. - (3) Grounding-type equipment. - (i) A flexible cord used with grounding-type equipment shall contain an equipment grounding conductor. - (ii) Attachment plugs and receptacles may not be connected or altered in a manner which would prevent proper continuity of the equipment grounding conductor at the point where plugs are attached to receptacles. Additionally, these devices may not be altered to allow the grounding pole of a plug to be inserted into slots intended for connection to the current-carrying conductors. - (iii) Adapters which interrupt the continuity of the equipment grounding connection may not be used. - (4) Conductive work locations. Portable electric equipment and flexible cords used in highly conductive work locations (such as those inundated with water or other conductive liquids), or in job locations where employees are likely to contact water or conductive liquids

[4] Occupational Health and Safety Regulations, 2020 (Sask. Reg. 10/2020)

Page 232

Open source document

Source excerpt

## S-15.1 REG 10 ## OCCUPATIONAL HEALTH AND SAFETY, 2020 ## Electrical panels - 30-12 An employer or contractor shall ensure that every electrical panel is: - (a) approved for the intended use and location of the electrical panel; - (b) protected from physical or mechanical damage; - (c) readily accessible; and - (d) fitted with an approved cover that has an approved filler in any unused opening. 31 Dec 2020 c S-15.1 Reg 10 s30-12. ## High voltage switchgear and transformers 30-13 (1) An employer or contractor shall ensure that a place where electrical switchgear or transformers operating at high voltage are housed is: - (a) guarded; - (b) kept free of extraneous material; and - (c) adequately ventilated. - (2) If high voltage switchgear or transformers are housed, an employer or contractor shall post a warning sign that: - (a) indicates the highest voltage in use; and - (b) states that access is restricted to authorized persons only. 31 Dec 2020 c S-15.1 Reg 10 s30-13. ## Fire extinguishers 30-14 An employer or contractor shall ensure that a fire extinguisher approved for Class C fires is readily available to workers working on or near energized high voltage electrical equipment. 31 Dec 2020 c S-15.1 Reg 10 s30-14. ## Grounding of equipment before work begins 30-15 Before any work, other than work to which subsection 30-16(4) applies, begins on an electrical conductor or electrical equipment and during the progress of that work, an employer or contractor shall ensure that: - (a) the electrical conductor or electrical equipment is isolated, locked out and connected to ground; or - (b) other effective procedures are taken to ensure the safety of the workers. 31 Dec 2020 c S-15.1 Reg 10 s30-15. ## Proximity to exposed energized high voltage electrical conductors 30-16 (1) In this section: 'applied science technologist' means an applied science technologist who is registered pursuant to The Saskatchewan Applied Science Technologists and Technicians

[5] Occupational Health and Safety Regulations, 2020 (Sask. Reg. 10/2020)

Page 230

Open source document

Source excerpt

S-15.1 REG 10 ## OCCUPATIONAL HEALTH AND SAFETY, 2020 ## Luminaires 30-6 An employer or contractor shall ensure that a luminaire that is located at a height of less than 2.1 metres above a working or walking surface is protected against physical or mechanical damage by installation of a safeguard or the location of the luminaire. 31 Dec 2020 c S-15.1 Reg 10 s30-6. ## Extension and power supply cords - 30-7 An employer or contractor shall ensure that an electrical extension or power supply cord used for supplying energy to any electrical equipment: - (a) is approved for the intended use and location of the electrical extension or power supply cord; - (b) is fitted with approved cord end attachment devices that are installed in an approved manner; - (c) is provided with a grounding conductor; and - (d) is maintained and protected from physical or mechanical damage. 31 Dec 2020 c S-15.1 Reg 10 s30-7. ## Portable power cables and cable couplers - 30-8 (1) An employer or contractor shall ensure that every portable power cable and cable coupler is: - (a) protected from physical or mechanical damage; and - (b) inspected by a competent person at intervals that are sufficient to protect the health and safety of workers. - (2) An employer or contractor shall ensure that: - (a) if any unsafe condition is identified in a portable power cable or cable coupler, the portable power cable or the cable coupler is repaired or taken out of service; and - (b) every splice in a portable power cable is sufficiently strong and adequately insulated to retain the mechanical and dielectric strength of the original cable. - (3) A worker shall take all reasonably practicable steps not to drive equipment over, or otherwise damage, a portable power cable or cable coupler. 31 Dec 2020 c S-15.1 Reg 10 s30-8. ## Portable luminaires - 30-9 (1) If a portable luminaire is used, an employer or contractor shall ensure that: - (a) the electrical extension cord and fittings are approved for the

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