Extension Cord Safety - PowerPoint - PowerPoint

							Extension Cord Safety
Why does extension cord safety matter?

                   • Extension cords are
                     used on virtually all
                     construction projects
                   • Improper use can
                     result in serious injury
                     or death to users and
                     other parties
                   • OSHA regulations
                     must be followed
                 Statistics
• Approximately 4,000 emergency room level
  injuries related to extension cords occur
  each year in the United States (Consumer
  Product Safety Commission – CPSC)
• Approximately 2,000 of those injuries are
  the result of trips and falls due to extension
  cords
                Statistics
• Approximately 3,300 residential fires begin
  with extension cords each year
• About 270 people are injured each year in
  residential fires due to extension cord
  misuse
• About 50 fatalities occur each year due to
  residential fires caused by improper
  extension cord use
                   Statistics
• Between 1991 and
  2004, there were at
  least 46 extension cord
  related fatalities
  recorded by OSHA.
• Most fatalities were
  the result of
  electrocution.
            Related Accidents
• In every OSHA recorded fatality involving
  electrocution with extension cords…
  –   GFCIs were not used
  –   Ungrounded cords were often used
  –   Damaged cords were often used
  –   Modified cords were often used
  –   Extension cords were often improperly used
Related Accidents
         • A worker was electrocuted
           while cutting holes in
           drywall with a metal-cased
           router. The power supply
           cable had been spliced
           from a three-conductor
           cord (grounded) to a two-
           conductor cord
           (ungrounded). The circuit
           did not have a GFCI.
Related Accidents
         • A roofer was electrocuted
           while using an electric
           drill. The drill was
           plugged into two 100’
           extension cords. Both had
           missing grounding blades
           on their plugs. One cord
           had been improperly
           spliced and had no
           insulation.
Related Accidents
         • A worker using an electric
           hammer to chisel was
           electrocuted. The
           extension cord used was
           not rated for hard use and
           had a removed ground
           blade. The tool’s power
           cord did not provide strain
           relief. There was no GFCI
           in place.
          OSHA Regulations
• 1926.404
  – Ground Fault Circuit Interrupters (GFCIs) shall
    be used on all receptacles that are not part of
    the permanent wiring of the construction
    project
  – The employer shall implement an assured
    equipment grounding conductor program
GFCI Receptacle

                  Grounded Extension Cords
          OSHA Regulations
• 1926.405
  – “Temporary wiring shall be removed
    immediately upon completion of
    construction…”
  – Receptacles shall be grounded
  – Cords and cables must be protected from
    damage
  – Extension cords shall be designed for hard or
    extra-hard usage
          OSHA Regulations
• 1926.416
  – “Worn or frayed electric cords or cables shall
    not be used.”
  – Do not fasten extension cords with staples,
    hang extension cords by nails, or suspend
    extension cords by wire
     Proper Safety Procedures
• Only use extension cords when necessary
• Always use extension cords rated
  adequately for the job to be performed
• Inspect extension cords frequently
• Replace worn or damaged extension cords
  immediately
      Proper Safety Procedures
• Place extension cords
  such that they will not
  be damaged and do
  not pose a trip hazard.
  Use a guard if
  necessary.
     Proper Safety Procedures
• Only use grounded extension cords for
  construction purposes
• If an extension cord becomes hot or the
  plastic softens, stop use immediately and
  switch to a higher rated extension cord
• Use care when inserting or removing
  extension cord plugs
      Proper Safety Procedures
• If receptacles are not
  equipped with GFCIs,
  use a GFCI equipped
  extension cord if the
  circumstances call for
  a GFCI
     Proper Safety Procedures
• Extension cords should only be used for
  temporary purposes
• Do not affix extension cords with staples,
  nails, or wires that may damage the cord
• Never tamper with or modify extension
  cords
      For More Information…



http://www.bmillerengineering.com/extensio.htm