Electrical safety is a very important aspect of HSE because of the known hazards posed by electricity. Electrical current exposes workers to serious occupational hazards which includes electric burns, shock, fire and electrocution.
Many workers are ignorant of the potential electrical hazards present in their work environment. This ignorance makes them more vulnerable to electrical hazards.
“The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has provided requirements for electrical
safety in general industry within 29 CFR 1910.302 through 1910.399. NFPA 70, National Electrical
Code (NEC), 2014 Edition and NFPA 70E, Standard for Electrical Safety in the Workplace, 2015. Edition, published by the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), provide detailed requirements for electrical installations and safety when working around electrical equipment”.
Electrical Safety
This checklist can be used to help identify common electrical hazard concerns, but should not be used as a substitute for compliance with OSHA regulations or NFPA codes and standards. Any criteria not met has automatically disqualify the portable electrical equipment from use.
5 Minutes Portable Electrical Equipment Inspection Checklist
| Check criteria | Ok | Not Ok | Remark |
| 1. Check for cuts through outer covering in the cord | |||
| 2. Check for unauthorized repairs on the cord | |||
| 3. Check for complete double insulation throughout the cord. | |||
| 4. Check for heat, cut or crush damage on the cord | |||
| 5. Check cord seal to plug that it is not exposed | |||
| 6. Check cord seal to equipment body that it is not exposed. | |||
| 7. Check that the plug is not shaky | |||
| 8. Check for use of temporary wiring in place of permanent wiring | |||
| 9. Check for exposed wiring and cords with frayed or deteriorated insulation | |||
| 10. Check for frayed plug |
READ: 6 LOTO Procedure You Should Follow
The above portable electrical equipment checklist is design in its simplest form in which any worker can use.
This could safe as a routine checklist for every worker working with portable electrical equipment.
To ensure workers safety and that of all the people working around them, this routine check should never be neglected.
READ: 21 Safety Rules For Working With Electrical Equipment