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Electrical Safety Program

Document Type: Program
Version: 1.0
Last Updated: February 2026
Distribute To: All Employees, Electrical Trades

Purpose​

Establish procedures to protect workers from electrical hazards including shock, electrocution, arc flash, and burns.

⚠️ CRITICAL INFORMATION​

Electricity Kills​

  • Electrocution is among top 4 causes of construction deaths
  • As little as 50mA can cause death
  • Contact with power lines is often fatal
  • Water greatly increases hazard

Electrical Hazards​

HazardDescriptionPrevention
ShockCurrent through bodyInsulation, GFCI, proper tools
ElectrocutionFatal shockAll prevention methods
BurnsFrom arcing or flashDistance, PPE, de-energize
Arc FlashExplosive releaseDe-energize, arc-rated PPE
FireOverloading, sparksProper sizing, good connections

General Electrical Safety​

All Workers Must:​

  • Consider all electrical equipment "live" until verified
  • Never work on energized circuits (unless qualified)
  • Report damaged cords, equipment, outlets
  • Keep water away from electrical
  • Know location of disconnects

Qualified Persons Only:​

  • Work on or near exposed energized parts
  • Test for voltage
  • Perform lockout/tagout
  • Work within arc flash boundary

Extension Cords and Tools​

Extension Cord Requirements:​

  • Three-wire (grounded)
  • Appropriate gauge for load
  • Cord rated for intended use
  • No spliced or taped cords
  • Protected from damage

Inspection Before Use:​

  • No damaged insulation
  • Ground pin intact
  • No exposed conductors
  • Strain relief intact
  • Not overheated

Do NOT:​

  • Use cords as permanent wiring
  • Run through doors/windows (crush hazard)
  • Daisy-chain multiple cords
  • Overload cord capacity
  • Use indoor cords outdoors

Ground Fault Circuit Interrupters (GFCI)​

GFCI Required For:​

  • All 120V, 15 and 20 amp receptacles
  • Used by workers on construction sites
  • Outdoor/wet locations

GFCI Types:​

  • Receptacle type (built-in)
  • Portable/cord type
  • Panel-mounted breakers

GFCI Testing:​

  • Test before each use
  • Press TEST button
  • Should trip immediately
  • Press RESET to restore
  • Do not use if fails test

Temporary Wiring​

Requirements:​

  • Protect from damage
  • Proper clearances
  • Labeled as temporary
  • GFCI protection
  • Regular inspection

Temporary Panel:​

  • Weatherproof (outdoor)
  • Properly grounded
  • Breakers appropriately sized
  • Access clear (3 feet)

Lockout/Tagout (LOTO)​

When Required:​

  • Maintenance or repair work
  • When unexpected startup could cause injury
  • Working on electrical systems

LOTO Steps:​

  1. Notify affected employees
  2. Identify energy sources
  3. Isolate equipment from energy
  4. Lock energy isolating device
  5. Tag with name and date
  6. Verify zero energy state

LOTO Rules:​

  • Each worker applies own lock
  • Locks removed only by person who applied
  • Test before working to verify de-energized
  • Never remove another's lock

Working Near Power Lines​

Minimum Approach Distances:​

VoltageDistance
Up to 50kV10 feet
Over 50kV10 feet + 0.4"/kV over 50
UnknownAssume high voltage, 20+ feet

Equipment Near Power Lines:​

  • Maintain safe distances
  • Use spotter when operating near lines
  • Lower booms when traveling
  • Consider de-energization request

Contact with Power Lines:​

IF EQUIPMENT CONTACTS LINES:

  1. Stay in equipment if possible
  2. Warn others to stay away
  3. Call for help
  4. If must exit: Jump clear, don't step out
  5. Shuffle/hop away (don't run)

Overhead Power Lines​

Before Work Near Lines:​

  • Identify all overhead lines
  • Determine voltage (or assume high)
  • Calculate safe distance
  • Install barriers/warning lines
  • Use spotters
  • Consider de-energization

Protection Methods:​

  • Physical barriers
  • Warning lines and signs
  • Insulated link sticks
  • Equipment proximity alarms

Underground Utilities​

Before Excavating:​

  • Call 811 (utility locate)
  • Wait for marks
  • Hand dig within tolerance zone
  • Expose utilities carefully
  • Maintain safe distances

Arc Flash Protection​

Arc Flash Hazards:​

  • Explosive energy release
  • Extreme heat (35,000°F)
  • Molten metal spray
  • Pressure wave
  • Bright flash

Protection:​

  • De-energize when possible
  • Arc-rated PPE for energized work
  • Maintain safe boundaries
  • Only qualified workers

Arc Flash PPE:​

  • Arc-rated face shield
  • Arc-rated clothing
  • Leather gloves
  • Safety glasses under shield

Electrical Safety Training​

All Workers:​

  • Electrical hazard recognition
  • GFCI use and testing
  • Damaged equipment reporting
  • Emergency procedures

Qualified Electrical Workers:​

  • NFPA 70E requirements
  • Arc flash hazards
  • Lockout/tagout procedures
  • Testing and verification
  • PPE selection and use

Electrical Inspection Checklist​

================================================================
         ELECTRICAL SAFETY INSPECTION
================================================================

Date: ____________  Project: _______________________________

Inspector: ________________________________________________

================================================================

TEMPORARY POWER:
☐ Pass  ☐ Fail  Panel properly grounded
☐ Pass  ☐ Fail  Breakers appropriately sized
☐ Pass  ☐ Fail  3-foot clearance maintained
☐ Pass  ☐ Fail  GFCI protection in use
☐ Pass  ☐ Fail  Weatherproof (if outdoor)

EXTENSION CORDS:
☐ Pass  ☐ Fail  Three-wire cords
☐ Pass  ☐ Fail  No damaged cords
☐ Pass  ☐ Fail  Ground pins intact
☐ Pass  ☐ Fail  Protected from damage
☐ Pass  ☐ Fail  Not overloaded

TOOLS AND EQUIPMENT:
☐ Pass  ☐ Fail  Properly grounded
☐ Pass  ☐ Fail  Guards in place
☐ Pass  ☐ Fail  Cords in good condition
☐ Pass  ☐ Fail  GFCI in use

OVERHEAD LINES:
☐ Pass  ☐ Fail  ☐ N/A  Safe distances maintained
☐ Pass  ☐ Fail  ☐ N/A  Warning signs posted
☐ Pass  ☐ Fail  ☐ N/A  Spotters used (equipment)

GENERAL:
☐ Pass  ☐ Fail  No exposed wiring
☐ Pass  ☐ Fail  Covers on all boxes/panels
☐ Pass  ☐ Fail  No unauthorized electrical work
☐ Pass  ☐ Fail  Proper clearances maintained

================================================================

Issues Found:
___________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________

Corrective Actions:
___________________________________________________________

Signature: __________________________  Date: _______________

================================================================

Emergency Response​

Electrical Emergency:​

  1. Do NOT touch victim if still in contact
  2. De-energize if possible
  3. Call 911
  4. Use non-conductive object to separate
  5. Begin CPR if needed and trained
  6. Treat for shock

Electrical Fire:​

  • Use CO2 or dry chemical extinguisher
  • Never use water on electrical fire
  • De-energize if possible
  • Lockout/Tagout Procedure
  • Emergency Action Plan
  • PPE Requirements
  • JHA Procedure

OSHA References​

  • 29 CFR 1926.400-449 (Electrical)
  • 29 CFR 1926.405 (Wiring Methods)
  • 29 CFR 1926.416 (General Requirements)
  • 29 CFR 1926.417 (Lockout/Tagout)
  • NFPA 70E (Electrical Safety)

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