# Electrical safety basics

URL: https://hardhatbinder.com/en/toolbox-talks/electrical-safety-basics
Last updated: 2026-10-23

Electricity gives no warning. One damaged cord, one missing ground, or one wrong guess about a live circuit can kill a worker in a second. This week we have temporary power, extension cords, and tools running all over the site, so let's check them before we start.

## Key points

1. Plug tools and cords into GFCI protection. Test the GFCI with the test button before you use it each day.
2. Inspect 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. Never cut off the ground prong or use a cheater plug to make a cord fit.
4. Treat every wire and circuit as live until it has been shut off, locked out, and tested by a qualified person.
5. Keep cords out of water, off sharp edges, and out of doorways and traffic paths where they get pinched or run over.
6. Before you dig, drill, or cut into a wall, floor, or ground, find out where the buried and hidden lines are.
7. Look 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?

> **Remember:** If it's damaged, tag it out. If you're not sure it's dead, treat it as live.

## Official sources

- [29 CFR 1926.416](https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-29/section-1926.416) — Electrical — general requirements
- [29 CFR 1926.404](https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-29/section-1926.404) — Wiring design and protection

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Source: HardHat Binder, operated by Leadspire LLC. Templates to be reviewed by a competent person before use; not legal advice; not affiliated with OSHA.