Electrical Safety - TBT

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Electricity is one of the 4 leading causes of death on construction sites, don’t take it for granted. The following information is being provided to highlight the requirements for the use of extension cords, electrical tools, & temporary power

EXTENSION CORDS

Extension cords shall be of the three-wire type and construction grade. Construction grade cords will be marked with one of the following: SJ, SJO, SJT, STO, S, SO, ST or STO.
• All extension cords shall be visually inspected daily. Check the cords as you roll them out and roll them up. Damaged cords are not to be used until repaired properly
• All extension cords and electrical tools shall be included in the quarterly Assured Grounding Program. Cords and tools need to be checked for missing ground pins, cracked insulation, and other damaged. Each cord will be tested for continuity. Cords will be marked with colored electrical tape at the male end of the cord to indicate that the cord has been tested and is good to use. Personal cords and tools need to be included in this program. 1st Qtr.- White; 2nd Qtr. – Green,; 3rd Qtr. – Red; 4th Qtr. – Orange.
• All extension cords shall be on good condition. Cords with damage such as missing ground pins, cuts to the outer insulation, or pulled out strain relief shall not be used (even when a GFCI is used). Repair or replace damaged cords as needed.
• Plastic and metal multi-outlet strips (computer type multi outlets) are not in accordance with electrical regulations and are prohibited from use. "Homemade" metal outlet box extension cords are not in accordance with electrical regulations and are prohibited from use.
• Flat and two wire extension cords are prohibited from use.
• Cords can not be repaired if there are more than 3 repairs per 25 feet of cord or the inner insulation is damaged.

ELECTRICAL TOOLS
• All electrical tools must be equipped with a third wire ground prong electrical cord or be double insulated.
• All electrical tools, including double insulated, shall be visually inspected daily.
• Damaged tools must be taken out of service immediately and tagged or otherwise identified as damaged and in need of repair.

Provided by: Assurance Agency