Write a toolbox talk on EXENTSION CORDS

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# EXTENSION CORD SAFETY Date Posted: 02/16/2024 Flexible extension cords, powering tools, lighting, and equipment are everywhere on construction sites. These cords are often loose and uncovered, exposing them to opportunities for damage. They can cause tripping hazards. They also can be damaged easily and can create electrical hazards to personnel on the site. 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 also result in other physical injuries. ## NOTE: EXTENSION CORDS (FLEXIBLE CORDS) ARE TYPICALLY USED TO CONNECT ELECTRICAL EQUIPMENT TO A POWER SOURCE. THE TERMS FLEXIBLE CORDS, EXTENSION CORDS, CABLES, AND ELECTRICAL CORDS ALL REFER TO A TYPE OF FLEXIBLE CORD. ## CONSIDERATIONS THAT AFFECT EXTENSION CORD SAFETY According to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), because extension cords are "flexible and unsecured, they are susceptible to damage." Below are some considerations that OSHA presents to increase extension cord safety on construction sites. Cord Damage: An extension cord may be damaged by a door or window edges, by staples and fastenings, by abrasion from adjacent materials, or simply by aging. If the electrical conductors become exposed, there is a danger of shocks, burns, or fire. Grounding: Extension cords must be 3-wire type so they may be grounded and permit the grounding of any tools or equipment connected to them. Use in Wet Conditions: When a cord connector is wet, electric current can leak to the equipment grounding conductor and to humans who pick up that connector if they provide a path to the ground. Electrical current leakage can occur not just on the face of the connector but at any wetted portion. Limit exposure of connectors and tools to excessive moisture by using watertight or sealable connectors. Strain Relief: To reduce hazards, flexible cords must connect to devices and fittings to prevent…

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# Electrical safety ## Explain dangers Using electricity on site can be hazardous, especially when it comes to tools, cords, and panels or generators. Consider all electrical wires and equipment energized until they are tested and proven otherwise. ## Identify controls Section 182 of the Construction Projects regulation states that "No worker shall connect, maintain or modify electrical equipment or installations unless, a. the worker holds a certificate of qualification issued under the Ontario College of Trades and Apprenticeship Act, 2009, that is not suspended, in the trade of, i. electrician-construction and maintenance, or ii. electrician-domestic and rural, if the worker is performing work that is limited to the scope of practice for that trade; OR b. the worker is otherwise permitted to connect, maintain or modify electrical equipment or installations under the Ontario College of Trades and Apprenticeship Act, 2009, or the Technical Standards and Safety Act, 2000." - A worker who does not meet the requirements of (a) or (b) may only insert or remove an electrical attachment plug of electrical equipment to or from a power receptacle. ## TOOLS • Use only electric tools that have a CSA logo or equivalent. • Make sure the casings of double-insulated tools are not cracked or broken. . Any shock or tingle, no matter how small, means that the tool or equipment needs to be checked and repaired. - Before drilling, nailing, cutting, or sawing into walls, ceilings, and floors, check for electrical wires or equipment. - Take defective tools out of service. • When operating portable electric tools outdoors or in wet locations, take the following precautions: - Plug the tool into a receptacle protected by a Class A ground fault circuit interrupter (GFCI). A GFCI detects current that is leaking to the ground from a tool or cord and shuts off the power before damage or injury can occur. - If the power source being used is an ungrounded generato…

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WORK SAFE KENTUCKY Free safety resources provided by KEMI HOME SAFETY RESOURCES SAFETY TRAINING SAFETY BLOG ABOUT KEMI CONTACT US O # Extension Cord Safety ## Print a Sign-In Sheet | Spanish Version It is important to inspect your electrical equipment daily and follow safety procedures. This applies to the use of flexible extension cords as well. Whether it is at home, work, office, or construction site, most of us use extension cords on a daily basis. Thus, it is easy to overlook their potential hazards. Remember, electricity can be dangerous. By following the safety steps listed below when working with extension cords, electrical shocks and injuries may be prevented. ## Extension Cord Don'ts • Do not plug in flexible extension cords with wet hands. • Do not remove cords by pulling on the cord, pull on the plug. • Do not daisy chain power strips. • Do not use extension cords as a substitute for fixed wiring. • Do not run cords through windows and doorways or through holes in walls, ceilings, or floors. • Do not use the cord to raise or lower equipment. • Do not fasten cords with staples. • Do not modify plugs or cords in any way. ## Extension Cord Dos • Do visually inspect cords and plugs for damage, such as missing ground prongs or cuts to the rubber installation, before using them. • Do remove all damaged cords from service. • Do plug cords into properly grounded outlets. • Do use extension cords that are 3-wire type. • Do use cords that are rated for hard or extra hard use in construction areas. • Do use the proper gauge of extension cord by choosing one that matches the amount of electrical current it will carry. ## American Wire Gauge (AWG) <table><tr><th>Wire size</th><th>Handles up to</th></tr><tr><td>#10 AWG</td><td>30 amps</td></tr><tr><td>#12 AWG</td><td>20 amps</td></tr><tr><td>#14 AWG</td><td>15 amps</td></tr><tr><td># 16 AWG</td><td>13 amps</td></tr></table> Remember: The larger the gauge number, the smaller the wire. KEMI doe…

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# POWER TOOLS AND CORDS HILTI Date Posted: 09/01/2016 All power tools can be dangerous. Safety instructions must be followed carefully. NOTE: The danger is increased if the wrong power cord is used. The wrong power cord can reduce the life of a tool or cause a fire by overheating a circuit. ## SAFE WORK PROCEDURES • Inspect tools, power cords, and electrical fittings for damage prior to each use. Repair or replace damaged equipment. • Switch tools off before connecting to a power supply or making adjustments. • Make sure tools are either properly grounded or double-insulated. • Do not break off the third (ground) prong on a plug. • Do not bypass the tool's ON/OFF switch by connecting and disconnecting the power cord. • Suspend power cords over walkways or working areas wherever possible to eliminate tripping hazards. Do not suspend with nails. • Do not use extension cords as permanent wiring. They must only be used to temporarily supply power to an area that does not have a power outlet. • Do not allow vehicles or equipment to pass over unprotected power cords. Cords should be put into electrical conduits or protected by placing them between two pieces of lumber of suitable strength. • Keep power cords away from heat, water, and oil. • Do not use light-duty power cords for heavy load applications. • Do not carry electrical tools by the power cord. • - Do not disconnect the power supply by pulling or jerking the cord from the outlet. • - Do not tie knots in power cords. Knots can cause short circuits and electric shocks. • Do not overload the circuit by plugging several power cords into one outlet. - Ground fault circuit interrupters (GFCI) are the best choice when working outside or in wet or damp conditions. ## QUESTIONS FOR DISCUSSION • How can you identify a damaged power tool or cord? • How can you prevent yourself from shocks? ## PRESENTER TIPS • Pre-read - the Toolbox Talk. Your comfort level and confidence will be higher if you …

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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…

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# EXTENSION CORD SAFETY (cont.) ## Marking Description (cont.) Discard cords that are cut, frayed, damaged, missing ground plugs or exposed wires, or wrapped with any tape (duct tape, electrical tape, etc.). Use extension cords only for temporary power needs. Use cords with three prongs. Use ground fault circuit interrupter (GFCI) protectors. Disconnect cords at the plug rather than by pulling on the cord. Prevent cord damage by putting cable protectors over any cord that crosses a walkway. To prevent pinching, coil cords properly and not by wrapping them around your arm. Don't: Run cords through doorways, ceilings, walls, windows, or any other opening. Do not conceal cords in walls or floors. Run cords around sharp or abrasive corners. Use extension cords in place of permanent wiring. Put carpeting, cardboard, or anything other than a cable protector over an extension cord. Connect two extension cords. Use cords longer than 100 feet. Remove the grounding prong on the plug. Wrap duct tape or electrical tape on a damaged cord. Use staples or nails to secure an extension cord. Roll carts or vehicles over unprotected cords. Resources WAC [redacted identifier] - Wiring Methods, Components, and Equipment for General Use Electrical - Flexible Cords | Occupational Safety and Health Administration (osha.gov) 1926.416 - General requirements. | Occupational Safety and Health Administration (osha.gov) NFPA 70Ⓡ: National Electrical CodeⓇ

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# ELECTRICAL POWERTOOLS AND CORDS DEWALT Date Posted: 09/16/2016 Use only electrical equipment that is approved for use in the workplace and for the type of work to be performed. The use of approved equipment does not eliminate all dangers if the equipment is damaged or is used in adverse conditions, such as in rain or wet areas. Electrical hazards are doubly hazardous in that there is not only the chance of electrocution but also; there is the probability that an electric shock will cause an indirect injury such as a fall. Cord-connected portable equipment and supply cords must be maintained in good condition and be suitable for the task to be performed. fault circuit interrupters (GFCI) must be used for portable electrical equipment when working outside or in wet or damp conditions. Ground ## YOU MAY RECEIVE AN ELECTRICAL SHOCK • From a damaged or defective power tool. • From a damaged or defective extension cords. • From overloading a switch or over-riding a by-pass. - By not grounding electrical equipment. ## SAFE WORK PROCEDURES • Inspect tools, switches, power cords, and electrical fittings for damage prior to each use. Repair or replace damaged equipment. • Switch tools off before connecting/disconnecting from the power supply. Disconnect the power supply before making adjustments. • Make sure tools are both properly grounded and double-insulated. Grounded tools must have a three-wire cord with a three-prong plug and plugged into a properly grounded three-pole outlet. • Do not use a tool where the third (ground) prong is broken off. • Do not bypass the tool's ON/OFF switch by connecting and disconnecting the power cord. Suspend power cords over walkways or working areas wherever possible to eliminate tripping hazards. • Do not use extension cords as permanent wiring. They must only be used to temporarily supply power to an area that does not have a power outlet. • Do not allow vehicles or equipment to pass over unprotected power cords.…