Don’t get burned on OSHA’s electrical safety standards

Although two electrical standards made OSHA’s list of Top 10 violations, they don’t get as much attention as more well-known standards like hazard communication, fall protection, or powered industrial trucks. OSHA’s electrical standards are designed to protect employees exposed to dangers such as electric shock, electrocution, fires, and explosions.

The agency found more than 2,500 violations of 1910.303 – Electrical - general, and 1910.305 – Wiring methods, components, and equipment for general use.

1910.303 – Electrical - general

This standard applies to the examination, installation, and use of electrical equipment, particularly the safety of equipment like appropriate markings, space around equipment, disconnecting, and guarding of live parts. In general, the standard requires employers to:

• Use electrical equipment that’s free from recognized hazards and is suitable for installation (listed and labeled, for example, with an Underwriter Laboratories (or UL) certification);
• Install and use electrical equipment according to the manufacturer’s instructions;
• Only use electrical equipment with the following durable markings:
  • Manufacturer’s name or trademark,
  • Voltage,
  • Current,
  • Wattage, and/or
  • Other necessary information;
• Provide and maintain sufficient access and working space around all electrical equipment;
• Provide appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE); and
• Train employees exposed to electric shock or who work on or near exposed energized parts (requirements are in 1910.332).

OSHA found the most violations in:

• 1910.303(b)(2) - Proper installation and use of equipment, and
• 1910.303(g)(1) - Space about electrical equipment.

There are certain red flags that an OSHA compliance officer looks for:

• Blocked electrical panels,
• Missing markings on electrical panels, and
• Improper use of PPE.

1910.305 – Wiring methods, components, and equipment for general use

This standard applies to grounding; temporary wiring; cable trays, boxes, and fittings; switches and panelboards; enclosures for damp or wet location; insulation; and flexible cords and cables. In general, the standard requires employers to:

• Understand temporary electrical power and lighting installations (600 volts or less) can only be used for a limited number of activities,
• Know that flexible cords and cables can only be used in limited circumstances,
• Understand the requirements for grounding, and
• Train employees exposed to electric shock or who work on or near exposed energized parts (requirements are in 1910.332).

OSHA found the most violations in:

• 1910.305(g)(1)(iv)(A) - Flexible cords used as fixed wiring,
• 1910.305(g)(2)(iii) - Flexible cord strain relief, and
• 1910.305(b)(3)(iii)- Provided covers for boxes shall be identified.

OSHA will look for things like:

• Burned or damaged electrical outlets,
• Extension and tool cords with nicks or missing ground pins,
• Tools not rated for electrical work, and
• Lack of training for employees doing electrical work.