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OSHA's electrical standards address the government's concern that electricity has long been recognized as a serious workplace hazard, exposing employees to such dangers as electric shock, electrocution, fires and explosions.
The objective of the standards is to
minimize such potential hazards by specifying design characteristics of safety in use of
electrical equipment and systems.
OSHA's electrical standards were carefully developed to cover only those parts of any electrical system that an employee would normally use or
contact. The exposed and/or operating elements of an electrical installation - lighting equipment, motors, machines,
appliances, switches, controls, enclosures, etc. - must be so constructed and installed as to minimize electrical dangers to people in any workplace.
Electrical equipment shall be free from recognized hazards that are likely to cause death
or serious physical harm to employees. Safety of equipment shall be determined using
considerations:
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Suitability for installation and use
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Mechanical strength and durability, including, for parts designed to enclose and
protect other equipment, the adequacy of protection
provided.
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Electrical insulation.
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Heating effects under conditions of use.
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Arcing effects.
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Classification by type, size, voltage, current capacity, and specific
use.
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Other factors which contribute to the practical safeguarding of employees using or likely to come in contact with the equipment.
Circuit
breakers, main switches and disconnects should be
marked to show what machine or circuit it controls.
Electrical
boxes and disconnects should have at least 36 inches
of clearance.
Energized
parts should be covered or guarded to prevent accident
contact.
Only
qualified persons should be allowed to install or
repair electrical systems or powered equipment.
Entrances to rooms and other guarded locations containing exposed live parts
should be marked with conspicuous warning signs forbidding unqualified persons to enter.
Electrical circuits and electrical equipment should be
grounded to protect employees against electrical shock, safeguard against fire, and protect against damage to electrical
equipment.
Extension
and electrical cords should be checked regularly to
ensure that they do not have cut or damaged insulation
or taped repairs.
Three-prong
plugs should have the grounding prong intact and no
separation where cord insulation goes into the
plug.
___________________________________
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Written
Electrical Safety Program
Construction
Safety Videos
Safety
for Janitors and Custodians
Electrical
Safety Video Training
Written
Master Safety Plan on CD-ROM
.
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