GFCIs On the Job Tool Box Talks

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When working with electricity, accidents and injuries are caused by one or a combination of the following factors:
•     Unsafe equipment and/or installation.
•     Unsafe workplaces caused by environmental factors.
•     Unsafe work practices.

Preventing electrical accidents 
Protection from electrical hazards is one way to prevent accidents caused by electric current. Protective methods to control electrical hazards include insulation, electrical protective devices, guarding, grounding, personal protective equipment (PPE), and safe work practices. 

At construction sites, the most common electrical hazard is the ground fault electrical shock. 

Ground fault circuit interrupters (GFCIs) or an assured equipment grounding conductor program can eliminate the hazards associated with ground fault electric shock. 

The OSHA electrical standard requires your employer to provide either:
•     GFCIs for receptacle outlets in use and not part of the permanent wiring of the structure; or
•     an assured equipment grounding conductor program covering all cord sets, receptacles that are not part of the permanent wiring of the structure, and equipment connected by cord and plug that are for use by employees.

Ground fault circuit interrupters
Although most portable electric tools have an equipment grounding conductor and many are double insulated, these methods are  not foolproof. A grounding wire could break or a cord could become defective. Using a GFCI overcomes these insulation problems.

A GFCI is a fast-acting circuit breaker that senses small imbalances in a circuit caused by current leakage to ground. In a fraction of  a second the GFCI shuts off the electricity.

Assured equipment grounding conductor program
The assured equipment grounding conductor program is an inspection program covering: (1) all cord sets (extension cords), (2) receptacles that are not a part of the permanent wiring of the structure, and (3) equipment connected by cord and plug that is available for use or is used by employees.

This inspection program includes electrical equipment that must be visually inspected for damage or defects before each day’s use. Any damaged or defective equipment must not be used until repaired.

Under this program, OSHA requires the following two tests to be performed before the first use of new equipment, after suspected damage to equipment, and at three month intervals:
•     A continuity test to ensure that the equipment grounding conductor is electrically
continuous.
•     A test to ensure that the equipment grounding conductor is connected to its proper
terminal.

This information is provided by: Assurance Agency