Electrical
In the laboratory, there is the potential for workers to be exposed to electrical hazards including electric shock, electrocutions, fires and explosions.
Damaged electrical cords can lead to possible shocks or electrocutions. A flexible electrical cord may be damaged by door or window edges, by staples and fastenings, by equipment rolling over it, or simply by aging.
The potential for possible electrocution or electric shock or contact with electrical hazards can result from a number of factors, including the following:
- Faulty electrical equipment/instrumentation or wiring;
- Damaged receptacles and connectors; and
- Unsafe work practices.
Employers are responsible for complying with OSHA's electrical safety standard, 1910 Subpart S - Electrical. This standard is comprehensive and addresses electrical safety requirements for the practical safeguarding of workers in their workplaces, including:
- Electrical equipment must be free from recognized hazards.
- Listed or labeled equipment must be used or installed in accord with any instructions included in the listing or labeling.
- Sufficient access and working space must be provided and maintained around all electrical equipment operating at less than or equal to 600 volts to permit ready and safe operation and maintenance of such equipment;
- Ensure that all electrical service near sources of water is properly grounded.
- Repair all damaged receptacles and portable electrical equipment before placing them back into service.
- Ensure that workers do not plug or unplug equipment when their hands are wet.
- Follow requirements for Hazardous Classified Locations, 29 CFR 1910.307. This section covers the requirements for electric equipment and wiring in locations that are classified based on the properties of the flammable vapors, liquids or gases, or combustible dusts or fibers that may be present therein and the likelihood that a flammable or combustible concentration or quantity is present.
- Only "Qualified Persons," as defined by OSHA in 29 CFR 1910.399, are to work on electrical circuits/systems.
- Workers must be trained to know the locations of circuit breaker panels that serve their lab area.
Knowledge Check Choose the best answer for the question.
9-5. OSHA requires that employees who work on electrical circuits/systems must be _____.
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