U.S. Labor Dept statistics indicate that an average of over 4,000 non-disabling and 3,000 disabling electrical contact work-related injuries are recorded annually in the United States. Additionally, OSHA records state that one person is electrocuted at the workplace every day. Obviously, it is of fundamental importance to determine the root of these staggering statistics. Whether it be the result of working conditions, human error, or the non-application of safety standards, identifying the cause of this problem will surely help prevent further incidences.

Records indicate that electrocutions are approximately fourth in the leading causes of traumatic occupational fatalities. A large number of these deaths, as well as the aforementioned injuries, are due to electrical shock from misused or faulty electrical equipment.

Frequently, questions arise as to whether manufacturers, employers, employees, and users of electrical apparatuses (in particular handheld appliances), are either not fully conversant with OSHA, NFPA 70E, and NEC standards for the safety of electrical equipment. Additionally, it is widely debated whether they do not have the knowledge and the means to ensure that the electrical equipment remains safe and in a condition that will not prove hazardous to the user.

Section 5(a)(1) of the OSHA Act states: "each employer shall furnish a place of employment that is free from recognized hazards that are causing or likely to cause death or serious physical harm to employees."

An electrical "general duty clause" similar to the above OSHA statement says that "Electrical equipment shall be free from recognized hazards that are likely to cause death or serious physical harm to employees."

Meeting the OSHA Prime Requirement for Safety

OSHA states that to be fully assured of meeting its electrical general duty clause an employer using electrical apparatus, in particular portable electrical appliances and electrical equipment on construction sites, must establish safety programs that require rigorous inspection and meaningful electrical testing of the equipment.

Tests in this context are intended not only to realistically predict how an item will function when conditions are not normal, but to determine that the equipment will remain safe and in a condition that will not pose a hazard to the user.

In order for tests to meet these requirements, it is important, first, to clearly define the type of tests being taken and the safe or acceptable pass levels of tests.

Guidance on Test Types

Nationally, the general guidance on electrical equipment tests can be summarized as follows:

OSHA states that the tests must check the integrity of the insulation, the effectiveness and continuity of grounding conductors, and the operation of personal protective devices (i.e. Ground Fault Circuit Interrupters and levels of leakage current).

Additionally, NFPA 70E directs employers to ensure that:

• All equipment grounding conductors be tested for continuity and for continuous electrical paths on all cord sets and receptacles not part of the permanent wiring of a building and on cord and plug connected equipment required to be grounded.


• Each receptacle and attachment plug be tested for correct attachment to the equipment grounding conductor, which in turn must be connected to its proper terminal.


• "Safety grounds" be tested after repair or modification.


• The insulation of defined protective tools and equipment be verified.

The NEC Code requires that, where applicable, there must be an intentionally constructed electrical path designed and intended to carry current, under ground fault conditions, from the point of a ground fault in a wiring system to the electrical supply source.

Requirements of a Safety Program

To meet the requirements of any established safety program, it is essential that a record is maintained of the tests and checks on every piece of equipment.

It is recommended that employers implement a tagging system that defines the state of the equipment at any time and displays the details of the inspection and results of tests and a determination as to whether the equipment should be withdrawn for rental purposes.

A truly professional solution not only ensures the electrical safety of power tools and appliances, but also records the information to prove precautions have been taken to produce a safe working environment.

Conclusion

As electrocutions continue to threaten the welfare of laborers, employers are urged to take the proper precautions to ensure the safety and productivity of their workforce. Despite clear and extensive standards from the Occupational Safety and Health Administration, electrocutions remain a leading cause of traumatic work-related fatalities. It is primarily the responsibility of each company's management to maintain commitment and employee participation in comprehensive workplace safety and health programs.

Continued dedication to limiting electrical accidents at the workplace includes awareness on the part of the employee, as well as the repeated utilization of effective tools to ensure the safety of electrical equipment and tools. One device that can help is the Electrical Safety Checker, available from The Seaward Group. The Group is dedicated to using innovation to help customers meet legal obligations for electrical safety in a way that enhances productivity and adds value to their businesses.