Electrical Safety
Improper Grounding Hazards
If an electrical system is not grounded properly, a hazard exists. The most common OSHA electrical violation is the improper grounding of equipment and circuitry.
The metal parts of an electrical wiring system we touch (switch plates, ceiling light fixtures, conduit, etc.) should be grounded and at 0 volts. If the system is not grounded properly, these parts may become energized. Metal parts of motors, appliances, or electronics that are plugged into improperly grounded circuits may be energized.
When a circuit is not grounded properly, a hazard exists because unwanted voltage cannot be safely eliminated. If there is no safe path to ground for fault currents, exposed metal parts in damaged appliances can become energized.
Extension cords may not provide a continuous path to ground because of a broken ground wire or plug. If you contact a defective electrical device that is not grounded (or grounded improperly), you will be shocked. You need to recognize that an improperly grounded electrical system is a hazard.
Knowledge Check Choose the best answer for the question.
2-12. What is the most common OSHA electrical violation?
You forgot to answer the question!