SECTION 24. ELECTRICAL SAFETY

24.1 BACKGROUND

The principal hazards of electricity are electrical shock, burns, and fires. Although these hazards are widely recognized and easily avoided, electrical accidents still occur.

24.2 APPLICABLE CODE AND STANDARDS

The requirements contained in the current National Electrical Code and NFPA Standard for Electrical Requirements for Employee Workplaces apply to all electrical equipment, installations, and usage's at APO. However, particular attention must be given to some common electrical violations listed below:

- all electrical equipment should bear the label of a nationally recognized testing laboratory, such as Underwriter’s Laboratories (UL) or Factory Mutual Engineering Corporation (FM);
- purchase of new equipment should specify three-wire power or double insulation;
- do not use defective electrical equipment. Check frequently for defective wiring, frayed cords, plugs, switches, cracked or loose outlets, or loose plugs in outlets. Mark defective equipment by attaching a warning tag to prevent its use until it can be repaired;
- never alter or try to force a plug into an outlet;
- electrical equipment must be accessible for maintenance and emergency purposes at all times. Do not block the access to this equipment. A minimum space 30 inches wide by 36 inches deep must be maintained directly in front of the equipment;
- the Site Safety Officer is to be notified of overloaded circuits in order to replace fuses and reset circuit breakers. Redistribution or reduction of the electrical load or circuit breaker replacement on that circuit may then be required;
- report all cases of electrical shock, however minor, to the Site Safety Officer. The equipment then needs to be temporarily tagged “DO NOT START”, indicating problems and name of person in charge. If there will be a delay in repair of the equipment, the switch in the system must be locked out;
- the only multiple outlet adapter, other than extension cords, allowed are those have internal circuit breakers. Rearranging equipment or installing additional outlets is always preferred over these devices.

24.3 GROUNDING

All existing electrical equipment should be modified to three-wire power with a grounding-type plug or have a designation of double insulation.

All electric extension cords to portable power tools must be standard heavy-duty three-wire cords with grounding-type plugs.

If a two-prong adapter plug is used in a two-cavity receptacle, the group pigtail must be connected to the outlet screw.

24.4 ELECTRICAL CORDS

Extension cords must not be used except in the most temporary situation.

Do not roll/wheel equipment over electrical cords.

Do not run cords under carpet or mats, or across areas including doors or openings in walls where there is a possibility they may be stepped on or tripped over.

Extension cords shall be inspected prior to each use and destroyed if outer sheath is cut or damaged.

24.5 IDENTIFICATION AND MARKING

All electric equipment and circuits must be clearly identified. Equipment must be identified with the manufacturer’s tag, including the voltage, current, and any other identification as may be required; circuits must be appropriately identified.

24.6 LOCKOUT-TAGOUT

Do not attempt to operate any switch or other energy-isolating device bearing a lock and/or warning tag. See Section 25, titled “Lockout - Tagout/Energy Control.”

24.7 MISCELLANEOUS

Do not handle electrical equipment while standing on a wet surface.

Metal or wet wooden ladders will never be used around electrical circuits or in places where they might come in contact with electricity.

All power machines must have electrical control switches in such a location as to make it possible for the operator to cut off the power without leaving his or her position or reaching across the point of operation.