Electrical safety basics

Key points

1. 1Plug tools and cords into GFCI protection. Test the GFCI with the test button before you use it each day.
2. 2Inspect every cord and tool before use. If you see cut insulation, exposed wire, a crushed cord, or a missing ground pin, tag it and take it out of service.
3. 3Never cut off the ground prong or use a cheater plug to make a cord fit.
4. 4Treat every wire and circuit as live until it has been shut off, locked out, and tested by a qualified person.
5. 5Keep cords out of water, off sharp edges, and out of doorways and traffic paths where they get pinched or run over.
6. 6Before you dig, drill, or cut into a wall, floor, or ground, find out where the buried and hidden lines are.
7. 7Look up before moving ladders, scaffolds, or long material. Stay well clear of overhead power lines, and use fiberglass ladders near electrical work.

Talk it over

• Where on this site are cords running through water, doorways, or traffic?
• Which overhead or buried lines do we need to watch out for here?
• If you find a damaged cord or tool, what do you do with it and who do you tell?

Also in the other language: Seguridad eléctrica básica

Official sources

• 29 CFR 1926.416 — Electrical — general requirementsecfr.gov
• 29 CFR 1926.404 — Wiring design and protectionecfr.gov

More toolbox talks

• Housekeeping keeps people safe
• Scaffold safety
• Hazard communication and SDS