Construction workers are about four times more likely to be electrocuted than workers in other industries. According to tdi.texas.gov, electrocution is a leading cause of death for construction workers, accounting for about 8% of deaths in 2021. In 2020, the construction industry had the second highest rate of fatal electrical injuries, at 0.6 per 100,000 workers, after the mining industry. It is proven that human lethality is most common with alternating current at 100–250 volts. A voltage as low as 50 volts applied between two parts of the human body causes a current to flow that can block the electrical signals between the brain and the muscles. This may have a number of effects including stopping the heart from beating properly.
Low voltage (600 volts and under) was involved in the electrocutions of at least one-third of electrical workers and one-quarter of non-electrical workers. At least 50% of all electrocutions involved 120/220 volts (household current).
OSHA REQUIREMENTS CRITERIA:
OSHA Standard Subpart E Electrical – 1926.404(b)(1)(iii)(C) – Each cord set, attachment cap, plug and receptacle of cord sets, and any equipment connected by cord and plug, except cord sets and receptacles which are fixed and not exposed to damage, shall be visually inspected before each day’s use for external defects, such as deformed or missing pins or insulation damage, and for indications of possible internal damage. Equipment found damaged or defective shall not be used until repaired.
OSHA Standard Subpart K – Electrical 1926.403(b)(2) – Installation and use. Listed, labeled, or certified equipment shall be installed and used in accordance with instructions included in the listing, labeling, or certification.
OSHA Standard Subpart K – Electrical 1926.405(a)(2)(ii)(F) – Temporary lights shall NOT BE suspended by their electric cords unless cords and lights are designed for this means of suspension.
OSHA Standard Subpart K – Electrical – 1926.405(j)(1)(i) – Live parts. Fixtures, lampholders, lamps, rosettes, and receptacles shall have no live parts normally exposed to employee contact. However, rosettes and cleat-type lampholders and receptacles located at least 8 feet (2.44 m) above the floor may have exposed parts.
OSHA Standard Subpart K – Electrical – 1926.417 (b) Equipment and circuits that are deenergized shall be rendered inoperative and shall have tags attached at all points where such equipment or circuits can be energized.
OSHA Standard Subpart K – Electrical – 1926.404(b)(1)(i) General – The employer shall use either ground fault circuit interrupters as specified in paragraph (b)(1)(ii) of this section or an assured equipment grounding conductor program as specified in paragraph (b)(1)(iii) of this section to protect employees on construction sites. These requirements are in addition to any other requirements for equipment grounding conductors.
OSHA Standard Subpart K – Electrical – 26.403(b)(1) – Examination the employer shall ensure that electrical equipment is free from recognized hazards that are likely to cause death or serious physical harm to employees.
OSHA Standard Subpart K – Electrical – 1926.405(a)(2)(ii) – General requirements for temporary wiring – 1926.405(a)(2)(ii)(A) Feeders shall originate in a distribution center. The conductors shall be run as multiconductor cord or cable assemblies or within raceways; or, where not subject to physical damage, they may be run as open conductors on insulators not more than 10 feet (3.05 m) apart.
OSHA Standard Subpart K – Electrical – 1926.405(a)(2)(ii)(I) – Flexible cords and cables shall be protected from damage. Sharp corners and projections shall be avoided. Flexible cords and cables may pass through doorways or other pinch points if protection is provided to avoid damage.
OSHA Standard Subpart K – Electrical – 1926.403(i)(2)(i) – Live parts of electric equipment operating at 50 volts or more shall be guarded against accidental contact by cabinets or other forms of enclosures.
APPLICATION SUMMARY OF OSHA ELECTRICAL REQUIREMENTS:
- Electric lines and equipment shall be considered and treated as energized unless they have been deenergized in accordance with § 1926.961.
- Make sure you are trained in electrical safety for the work you will be doing.
- Ensure machinery and power tools are properly grounded or double insulated.
- Check all extension and power cords for wear and tear before use.
- Test all GFCI protection daily. {Push the button}.
- Disconnect the plug on any power tool or machinery before inspecting or repairing.
- Keep at least 10 feet from live overhead power lines.
- Keep metal objects away from live electrical circuits/parts.
- De-energize and lock out or tag out electrical circuits/parts you will be working on or near.
- Never work live electrical circuits/parts unless in accordance with a permit system with specific procedures and if you are qualified to do so.
WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW:
- More than half the electrocutions of construction workers were caused by direct or indirect contact with live electrical equipment and wiring (including light fixtures, receptacles, circuit breakers, control panels, junction boxes, and transformers).
- Electrocutions are the fourth leading cause of death among construction workers in the United States. An average of 143 construction workers are killed each year by contact with electricity.
- In many of the electrocutions electrical workers and other construction workers touched metal objects that had become energized through contact with live electrical equipment and wiring or with overhead power lines.
- Standing in water or having equipment such as trouble lights and extension cords touching water was a contributing factor in at least 51 electrocutions of the 143 cited above.
- OSHA requires a minimum workspace of 30 inches wide, 36 inches deep, and 78 inches high for electrical equipment such as panels.
- Maintaining distance to overhead power lines; supplying GFCIs; isolating electrical parts; and ensuring proper grounding are all important safety measures you must perform 100% of the time.
- NFPA 70E is “enforced most often on construction sites and following its rules is not optional.
- Take electrical hazards seriously. The exposures are not always obvious.
