According to the
National Institute of Safety and Health, the most frequently cited Occupational
Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) electrical violation is improper
grounding of equipment or circuits. This is especially troubling for
construction managers in light of the fact that construction workers suffer
more electrical burns and fatal electrical injuries than workers in all other
industries combined. Each incident carries significant costs in terms of lost
time and resources and increases the employer’s risk of costly lawsuits. The
most tragic aspect is that many of these accidents could have been prevented
with the implementation of proper ground-fault protection practices.
OSHA
Regulations
OSHA requires
employers to provide either: (a) ground fault circuit interrupters (GFCIs) on
construction sites for receptacle outlets in use and not part of the permanent
wiring of the building or structure; or (b) a scheduled and recorded Assured
Equipment Grounding Conductor Program (AEGCP), covering all cord sets,
receptacles not part of the permanent wiring of the building, and equipment
connected by cord and plug.
About
GFCIs
Grounding a tool
or electrical system involves creating a low-resistance electrical path that
connects to the earth. A ground-fault occurs in a tool or electrical system
when there is a break in this low-resistance grounding path. The electrical
current may then take an alternative path to the ground through the user,
resulting in serious injuries or death. GFCIs automatically limit or stop the
flow of current in the event of a ground fault, overload or short circuit in
the wiring system. They operate by monitoring the amount of current going into
electric equipment and the amount of current flowing out along the circuit
conductors. If the difference exceeds 5 milliamperes, the device automatically
shuts off the power to prevent injury.
About
AEGCPs
The
OSHA-approved alternative to using GFCIs on a construction site is an AEGCP,
which is a regimented system for testing electrical tools and extension cords
to assure their proper grounding. If an AEGCP is used in place of GFCIs for
ground-fault protection, the following minimum requirements apply:
- Keep a written description of the program at the jobsite. Outline specific procedures for the required equipment inspections, tests and test schedule, and make them available to OSHA and to affected persons upon demand.
- Designate one or more competent persons to implement the program. OSHA defines a competent person as someone who is a) qualified to identify hazards and b) authorized to take prompt corrective measures.
- Visually inspect all cord sets, attachment caps, plugs and receptacles, and any equipment connected by cord and plug, before use each day. If you see any external damage, such as deformed or missing pins, damaged insulation, etc., or discover internal damage, take the equipment out of use until it is repaired.
- Perform two OSHA-required tests on all electrical equipment: a continuity test, and a terminal connection test.
- Before first use
- After any repairs, and before placing back in service
- After suspected damage, and before returning to use
- Every 3 months
Maintain a written record of the required tests, identifying all
equipment that passed the test and the last date it was tested (or the testing
interval). Like the program description, make it available to OSHA inspectors
and affected persons upon demand.
Using
GFCIs in Conjunction with AEGCPs
Although OSHA
permits the use of an AEGCP in lieu of GFCIs, it would be a mistake to view the
choice as strictly an either/or proposition. The best course of action is to
use GFCIs in conjunction with an Assured Equipment Grounding Conductor Program.
Taking this step will not eliminate the possibility of a costly electrical
accident on the worksite, but it will significantly reduce the risk of injury
or death due to ground faults.
For more risk
management tips, contact Naught-Naught Agency at 573-634-2727.
Source: OSHA
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