OSHA Electrical General Requirements
The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has developed electrical safety requirements to protect employees from electrical hazards. The Electrical General Requirements standard (29 CFR 1910.303) is one of OSHA’s most frequently cited standards. Among these standards, this course covers requirements for listed and labeled equipment, proper use of flexible cords and cables, working space requirements, and effective electrical safety programs.
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Learning Objectives
By the end of this course, you will be able to:
- Discuss the aspects of electric equipment inspected during an electric equipment examination
- Describe the listing process for electrical equipment, including the role of nationally recognized testing laboratories
- Discuss requirements for nonconforming, custom, and modified electric equipment
- Identify requirements for installation and working space
- Discuss the requirements for electrical disconnect switches and guarding electrical equipment
- Define “qualified person”
- List the elements of an OSHA-compliant electrical safety program
Specs
| Course Level | Intermediate |
| Languages | English |
| Compatibility | Audio, Video |
| Based on: | 29 CFR 1910.303 |
Key Questions
What is approved electrical equipment?
For a product to be considered approved electrical equipment, OSHA standards require that a nationally recognized testing laboratory (NRTL), such as Underwriters Laboratories (UL), certifies the product is safe.
What are the listing and labeling processes for electrical equipment?
Each NRTL maintains a listing of products that were tested and found safe for a specified use. All electrical equipment must have a unique label or other identifying mark of the testing laboratory to indicate the equipment complies with nationally recognized standards.
What is the working space requirement?
According to the working space requirement, All electrical equipment must have sufficient access and working space so that it can be safely operated and maintained. A clearance of at least 3 ft. (0.9 m) is required in front of the equipment. Additional space may be required for equipment operating over 150 volts if there are other electric parts in the vicinity. The width of the access area needs to be at least 2.5 ft. (0.7 m) or as wide as the equipment, whichever is greater. The work space needs to be clear from the floor to a height of at least 6.5 ft. (2 m).
What are the requirements for guarding electrical equipment?
Guarding is required to protect people from accidental contact with live equipment. For equipment operating at 50 volts or more, live parts must be guarded. Guards must be designed so live parts cannot be contacted by objects inserted through vents or other openings. Also, guards should be strong enough to prevent physical damage from vehicular traffic or other hazards.
What is a qualified person?
Only persons qualified to work on electrical equipment can be present when working on live equipment that is normally enclosed. A qualified person is someone that has received training and has demonstrated the skills and knowledge to safely work with the electrical equipment in question.
Sample Video Transcript
Equipment must be installed and used according to instructions on the labeling or listing. The manufacturer’s name, trademark or other identifiable marking is required on all electrical equipment. The voltage, current, wattage, or other ratings should also be included as necessary. Unless it is specifically identified for use in a certain environment, equipment cannot be located where it can deteriorate from exposure to moisture, gases, vapors, liquids, or excessive temperature. Completed wiring cannot have short circuits or grounds. And any splices must be done with appropriate splicing devices or by brazing, welding, or suturing them together. All splices and conductor ends must be insulated.
Additional Resources
- Occupational Safety and Health Administration – http://www.osha.gov
- National Fire Protection Association – http://www.nfpa.org
Course Applies To
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