Cords

Source excerpt

# Occupational Safety and Health Administration (cont.) ## 1926.416(a)(1) (cont.) maintain proper warning signs where such a circuit exists. The employer shall advise employees of the location of such lines, the hazards involved, and the protective measures to be taken. - 1926.416(b) - Passageways and open spaces - - 1926.416(b)(1) Barriers or other means of guarding shall be provided to ensure that workspace for electrical equipment will not be used as a passageway during periods when energized parts of electrical equipment are exposed. - 1926.416(b)(2) Working spaces, walkways, and similar locations shall be kept clear of cords so as not to create a hazard to employees. - 1926.416(c) Load ratings. In existing installations, no changes in circuit protection shall be made to increase the load in excess of the load rating of the circuit wiring. - 1926.416(d) Fuses. When fuses are installed or removed with one or both terminals energized, special tools insulated for the voltage shall be used. - 1926.416(e) - Cords and cables. - 1926.416(e)(1) Worn or frayed electric cords or cables shall not be used. 1926.416(e)(2) Extension cords shall not be fastened with staples, hung from nails, or suspended by wire. [58 FR [redacted postal code], June 30, 1993; 61 FR 9227, March 7, 1996; 61 FR [redacted postal code], August 12, 1996] Scroll to Top + Submit Feedback

Source excerpt

# 1910.334 USE OF EQUIPMENT - 1910.334(a) Portable electric equipment. This paragraph applies to the use of cord and plug connected equipment, including flexible cord sets (extension cords). - 1910.334(a)(1) Handling. Portable equipment shall be handled in a manner which will not cause damage. Flexible electric cords connected to equipment may not be used for raising or lowering the equipment. Flexible cords may not be fastened with staples or otherwise hung in such a fashion as could damage the outer jacket or insulation. - 1910.334(a)(2) Visual inspection. - 1910.334(a)(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 be visually inspected until they are relocated. 1910.334(a)(2)(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. 1910.334(a)(2)(iii) When an attachment plug is to be connected to a receptacle (including an 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. ## 1910.334(a)(3) Grounding type equipment. 1910.334(a)(3)(i) A flexible cord used with grounding type equipment shall contain an equipment grounding conductor. - 1910.334(a)(3)(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 …

Source excerpt

# What should I do if I think I am too close to overhead power lines? (cont.) ## What are some tips for working with power cords and extension cords? (cont.) A Class A Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter (GFCI) works by detecting any loss of electrical current in a circuit (e.g., it will trip at a maximum of 6mA). When a loss is detected, the GFCI turns the electricity off before severe injuries or electrocution can occur. A painful non-fatal shock may occur during the time that it takes for the GFCI to cut off the electricity so it is important to use the GFCI as an extra protective measure rather than a replacement for safe work practices. GFCI wall outlets can be installed in place of standard outlets to protect against electrocution for just that outlet, or a series of outlets in the same branch circuit. A GFCI Circuit Breaker can be installed on some circuit breaker electrical panels to protect an entire branch circuit. Portable in-line plug-in GFCIs can be plugged into wall outlets where appliances will be used. ## When and how do I test the Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter (GFCI)? It is important that you follow the manufacturer's instructions with respect to the use of a GFCI. Test permanently wired GFCIs monthly, and portable devices before each use. Use a GFCI tester. You may also test by pressing the "test" and "reset" buttons. Plug a "night light" or lamp into the GFCI-protected wall outlet (the light should turn on), then press the "TEST" button on the GFCI. If the GFCI is working properly, the light should go out. If not, have the GFCI repaired or replaced. Press the "RESET" button on the GFCI to restore power. Contact a qualified electrician if you are unsure or to correct any wiring errors. ## What is a sample checklist for basic electrical safety? ## Inspect Cords and Plugs - Check extension cords and plugs daily. Do not use, and discard cords and plugs if they are worn or damaged. - Have any extension cord that feels more than comfortably w…

Source excerpt

Electrical Safety: Construction Toolbox Talk Extension Cords NIOSH CPWR [● On construction sites, flexible extension cords for powering tools and equipment are everywhere. These cords are often loose and uncovered. They can cause tripping hazards. They also can be damaged easily and can create electrical hazards. An electric shock can result in an electrical burn or even heart failure and death. A shock that is strong enough to throw you away from the electrical source can result in other types of physical injuries. ## Bernard's Story Bernard was using a coring machine to make holes in a concrete floor. The 120-volt machine was powered by two extension cords connected together. One cord was missing its grounding prong. The cords were plugged into a permanent electrical outlet. Bernard placed the coring machine where he wanted to make the hole. When he turned on the power, Bernard received a shock and suffered an electrical burn to his hand. *What caused this incident? *How could this have been prevented? * Have you ever been injured due to an extension cord, or do you know someone who has? If so, what happened? ## Remember This • Inspect all extension cords before using for damage and missing grounding prongs. • Use a Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter to protect against any electrical fault. • Keep extension cords away from foot traffic to prevent tripping hazards and damage to the cords. The insulation in cords and electrical tools can become damaged. If a live wire touches exposed metal parts inside a tool, it can become energized. • Do not use extension cords/flexible wiring - Where frequent inspection would be difficult. - Where damage would be likely. - Where long-term electrical supply is necessary. An extension cord is not a substitute for fixed wiring. • Do not use a metal outlet box, Romex, or nonmetallic cable as an extension cord. • Do not use staples or nails to hold cords in place. • Do not use multiple cords connected together (use o…

Source excerpt

# HAZARDS: SAFE WORK ENVIRONMENT Flexible wiring can be used for extension cords or power supply cords. Power supply cords can be removable or permanently attached to the appliance. ■flexible wiring-cables with insulated and stranded wire that bends easily A 29-year-old male welder was assigned to work on an outdoor concrete platform attached to the main factory building. He wheeled a portable arc welder onto the platform. Since there was not an had four prongs, and the female end was spring-loaded. The worker plugged the male end of the cord into the outlet. He then plugged the portable welder's power cord into the female end of the extension cord. At that instant, the metal case around the power cord plug became energized, electrocuting the worker. An investigation showed that the female end of the extension cord was broken. The spring, cover plate, and part of the casing were missing from the face of the female connector. Also, the grounding prong on the welder's power cord plug was so severely bent that it slipped outside of the connection. Therefore, the arc welder was not grounded. Normally, it would have been impossible to insert the plug incorrectly. But, since the cord's female end was damaged, the "bad" connection was able to occur. Do not let this happen to you. Use these safe practices: • Thoroughly inspect all electrical equipment before beginning work. • Do not use extension cords as a substitute for fixed wiring. In this case, a weatherproof receptacle should have been installed on the platform. • Use connectors that are designed to stand up to the abuse of the job. Connectors designed for light-duty use should not be used in an industrial environment. DO NOT use flexible wiring in situations where frequent inspection would be difficult, where damage would be likely, or where long- term electrical supply is needed. Flexible cords cannot be used as a substitute for the fixed wiring of a structure. Flexible cords must not be... - run thr…

Source excerpt

# HAZARDS: SAFE WORK PRACTICES cords with insulation marked “S” (hard service) rather than cords marked "SJ" (junior hard service). Make sure the grounding prong is intact. In damp locations, make sure wires and connec- tors are waterproof and approved for such locations. Do not create a tripping hazard. - Check power cords and extensions-Electrical cords should be inspected regularly using the following procedure: 1. Remove the cord from the electrical power source before inspecting. 2. Make sure the grounding prong is present in the plug. 3. Make sure the plug and receptacle are not damaged. 4. Wipe the cord clean with a diluted detergent and examine for cuts, breaks, abrasions, and defects in the insulation. 5. Coil or hang the cord for storage. Do not use any other methods. Coiling or hanging is the best way to avoid tight kinks, cuts, and scrapes that can damage insulation or conductors. - You should also test electrical cords regularly for ground continuity using a continuity tester as follows: 1. Connect one lead of the tester to the ground prong at one end of the cord. 2. Connect the second lead to the ground wire hole at the other end of the cord. 3. If the tester lights up or beeps (depending on design), the cord's ground wire is okay. If not, the cord is damaged and should not be used. - Do not pull on cords-Always disconnect a cord by the plug. - Use correct connectors-Use electrical plugs and receptacles that are right for your current and voltage needs. Connectors are designed for specific currents and voltages so that only matching plugs and receptacles will fit together. This safeguard prevents a piece of equipment, a cord, and a power source with different voltage and current requirements from being plugged together. Standard configurations for plugs and receptacles have been established by the National Electric Manufacturers Association (NEMA). Section 8 Page 63

Source excerpt

# What should I do if I think I am too close to overhead power lines? Do not work close to power lines. Recommended distances vary by jurisdiction and/or utility companies. Check with both your jurisdiction and electrical utility company when working, driving, parking, or storing materials closer than 15 m (49 feet) to overhead power lines. - If you must be close to power lines, you must first call your electrical utility company which will assist you. - If your vehicle comes into contact with a power line: - DO NOT get out of your vehicle. - Call 911 and your local utility service for help. - Wait for the electrical utility to come and they will tell you when it is safe to get out of your vehicle. - Never try to rescue another person if you are not trained to do so. - If you must leave the vehicle (e.g., your vehicle catches on fire), open the car door and prepare to jump by placing your feet on the door frame. Keep your arms close to your body. Jump with your feet together. Never touch the vehicle or equipment and the ground at the same time. - Move away by shuffling your feet. - Shuffle at least 10 metres away from your vehicle before you take a normal step. - Do not enter an electrical power substation or other marked areas. ## What are some general safety tips for working with or near electricity? - Inspect portable cord-and-plug connected equipment, extension cords, power bars, charging stations, and electrical fittings for damage or wear before each use. Repair or replace damaged equipment immediately. - Always tape extension cords to walls or floors when necessary. Do not use nails and staples as they can damage the cords and cause fire and shocks. - Use extension cords or equipment that is rated for the level of amperage or wattage that you are using. - Always use the correct size fuse. Replacing a fuse with one of a larger size can cause excessive currents in the wiring and possibly start a fire. Electrical Safety - Basic I…

Source excerpt

# What should I do if I think I am too close to overhead power lines? (cont.) ## What are some general safety tips for working with or near electricity? (cont.) - Be aware that unusually warm or hot outlets or cords may be a sign that unsafe wiring conditions exist. Unplug any cords or extension cords from these outlets and do not use them until a qualified electrician has checked the wiring. - Always use ladders made with non-conductive side rails (e.g., fibreglass) when working with or near electricity or power lines. - Place halogen lights away from combustible materials such as cloths or curtains. Halogen lamps can become very hot and may be a fire hazard. - The risk of electric shock is greater in areas that are wet or damp. Install Ground Fault Circuit Interrupters (GFCIs) as they will interrupt the electrical circuit before a current sufficient to cause death or serious injury occurs. - Use a portable in-line Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter (GFCI) if you are not certain that the receptacle you are plugging your extension cord into is GFCI protected. - Make sure that exposed receptacle boxes are made of non-conductive materials. - Know where the panel and circuit breakers are located in case of an emergency. - Label all circuit breakers and fuse boxes clearly. Each switch should be positively identified as to which outlet or appliance it is for. - Do not use outlets or cords that have exposed wiring. - Do not use portable cord-and-plug connected power tools if the guards are removed. - Do not block access to panels and circuit breakers, or fuse boxes. - Do not touch a person or electrical apparatus in the event of an electrical incident. Always disconnect the power source first. - Make sure electrical tools and equipment have a certification marking from an accredited agency accepted by your jurisdiction (e.g., UL, ULC, CSA, ETL). Be careful when purchasing equipment from another country or online, as they may not be approved. - Make sure…