Extension Cord Safety

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Extension Cord Safety
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Why does extension cord safety matter?

• Extension cords are used on virtually all
  construction projects
• Improper use can result in serious injury or
  death to users and other parties
• OSHA regulations must be followed

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Statistics

• Approximately 4,000 emergency room level injuries
  related to extension cords occur each year in the
  United States (Consumer Product Safety Commission
  CPSC)
• Approximately 2,000 of those injuries are the
  result of trips and falls due to extension cords

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Statistics

• Approximately 3,300 residential fires begin with
  extension cords each year
• About 270 people are injured each year in
  residential fires due to extension cord misuse
• About 50 fatalities occur each year due to
  residential fires caused by improper extension
  cord use

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Statistics

• Between 1991 and 2004, there were at least 46
  extension cord related fatalities recorded by
  OSHA.
• Most fatalities were the result of electrocution.

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Related Accidents

• In every OSHA recorded fatality involving
  electrocution with extension cords
• GFCIs were not used
• Ungrounded cords were often used
• Damaged cords were often used
• Modified cords were often used
• Extension cords were often improperly used

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Related Accidents

• A worker was electrocuted while cutting holes in
  drywall with a metal-cased router. The power
  supply cable had been spliced from a
  three-conductor cord (grounded) to a
  two-conductor cord (ungrounded). The circuit did
  not have a GFCI.

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Related Accidents

• A roofer was electrocuted while using an electric
  drill. The drill was plugged into two 100
  extension cords. Both had missing grounding
  blades on their plugs. One cord had been
  improperly spliced and had no insulation.

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Related Accidents

• A worker using an electric hammer to chisel was
  electrocuted. The extension cord used was not
  rated for hard use and had a removed ground
  blade. The tools power cord did not provide
  strain relief. There was no GFCI in place.

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OSHA Regulations

• 1926.404
• Ground Fault Circuit Interrupters (GFCIs) shall
  be used on all receptacles that are not part of
  the permanent wiring of the construction project
• The employer shall implement an assured equipment
  grounding conductor program

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GFCI Receptacle
Grounded Extension Cords
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OSHA Regulations

• 1926.405
• Temporary wiring shall be removed immediately
  upon completion of construction
• Receptacles shall be grounded
• Cords and cables must be protected from damage
• Extension cords shall be designed for hard or
  extra-hard usage

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OSHA Regulations

• 1926.416
• Worn or frayed electric cords or cables shall
  not be used.
• Do not fasten extension cords with staples, hang
  extension cords by nails, or suspend extension
  cords by wire

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Proper Safety Procedures

• Only use extension cords when necessary
• Always use extension cords rated adequately for
  the job to be performed
• Inspect extension cords frequently
• Replace worn or damaged extension cords
  immediately

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Proper Safety Procedures

• Place extension cords such that they will not be
  damaged and do not pose a trip hazard. Use a
  guard if necessary.

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Proper Safety Procedures

• Only use grounded extension cords for
  construction purposes
• If an extension cord becomes hot or the plastic
  softens, stop use immediately and switch to a
  higher rated extension cord
• Use care when inserting or removing extension
  cord plugs

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Proper Safety Procedures

• If receptacles are not equipped with GFCIs, use a
  GFCI equipped extension cord if the circumstances
  call for a GFCI

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Proper Safety Procedures

• Extension cords should only be used for temporary
  purposes
• Do not affix extension cords with staples, nails,
  or wires that may damage the cord
• Never tamper with or modify extension cords

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For More Information

• http//www.bmillerengineering.com/extensio.htm