Subpart S - Electrical

(1910.301 - 399)
Live parts

*
515
303(g)(2)(i)

Conductors entering cabinets/boxes/fittings

457 protected from abrasion
Standard: 1910.

305(b)(1)
*
304(f)(4) Grounding path 396

347
*
305(b)(2)
Electrical box covers

305(g)(1)(iii)
290 *
Use of flexible cords and cables
*

*Average number of Federal OSHA citations issued

between 2000 and 2003 2
DEFINITION

A physical agency caused by the

motion of electrons, protons, and
other charged particles,
manifesting itself as an attraction,
repulsion, magnetic, luminous, and
heating effects, etc.
ELEMENTS & ATOMS
Every known substance – solid, liquid or
gas is composed of elements

An atom is the smallest particle of an

element that retains all the properties of
that element

Each element has it’s own kind of atom

ATOMS

Inner part composed of protons & neutrons

Outer part composed of electrons

Protons = positive charge

Neutrons = no charge

Electrons = negative charge

ATOMS
Each element has a definite
number of electrons ----and the
same number of protons

They are oppositely charged and

therefore attract each other. This
tends to hold the electrons in orbit
around the atom.
ELECTRICALLY BALANCED
ATOM
FREE ELECTRONS
Some atoms are easily moved out of orbit

The ability to move or flow is the basis of

current electricity

If channeled in a given direction, a flow of

electrons occurs --- when flowed through a
conductor it is dynamic electricity
ELECTICAL MATERIALS

CONDUCTOR – contains many free

electrons --- gold, copper, silver,
aluminum

INSULATOR – contains few free

electrons-Usually non-metallic such
as wood, rubber, glass, etc
GENERATING ELECTRICITY

Friction, pressure, heat, light, chemical

reaction, and magnetism

Magnetism is most practical &

inexpensive method

Electricity is produced when a magnet

is moved past a piece of wire, or wire is
moved through a magnetic field
 VOLTAGE, CURRENT, &
RESISTANCE

VOLTAGE – unit of measurement of electromotive

force (EMF)

CURRENT - Continuous movement of electrons

past a given point. (measured in amperes)

RESISTANCE – Opposition to movement of

electrons. Makes it possible to generate heat,
control current flow, & supply correct voltage to
devices
OHM’S LAW
George Simon Ohm
 Formulated a mathematical relationship
between:
 Current
 Voltage
 Resistance
 Resistance = Impedance
 Resistance = DC
 Impedance = AC
 Interchangeable – Most Branch circuits
DIRECT CURRENT
Always flows in one direction

Used to charge batteries, run some

motors, operate magnetic lifting
devices and welding equipment.
ALTERNATING CURRRENT

More common in electrical work

Changes rapidly in both direction

and value

Power companies produce power

cheaper with alternating current
ELECTRICAL HAZARDS
SHOCK. Electric shock occurs
when the human body becomes
part of the path through which
current flows.
The direct result can be
electrocution.
The indirect result can be injury
resulting from a fall or movement
into machinery because of a
shock
ELECTRICAL HAZARDS
BURNS. Burns can result when a
person touches electrical wiring or
equipment that is energized.

ARC-BLAST. Arc-blasts occur from

high- amperage currents arcing
through the air. This can be
caused by accidental contact with
energized components or
equipment failure.
Arc Flash and Arc Blasts
Arc Flash: Arc Blast:
 80%-Burns due to  Pressure Wave
ignition of clothing  Heat
 Temperature-  Molten metal
35,000 F  Destruction of
 Fatal Burns-10 ft. structures and life
 2000 people
hospitalized with
burns
 Molten metal
Arc Blast
Cause
 Short Circuit caused by working on
energized equipment
 Dropped Tool
 Occurs in milliseconds
 Temp: 30,000 degrees
 Air expands very violently
 15 tons of pressure
ELECTRICAL HAZARDS
ARC-BLAST. The three primary
hazards associated with an
arc-blast are:
Thermal radiation.
Pressure Wave.
Projectiles.
ELECTRICAL HAZARDS
EXPLOSIONS. Explosions occur
when electricity provides a
source of ignition for an
explosive mixture in the
atmosphere.
ELECTRICAL HAZARDS
FIRES. Electricity is one of the
most common causes of fires
both in the home and in the
workplace. Defective or
misused electrical equipment
is a major cause.
EFFECTS ON THE
HUMAN BODY
Depends on:
Current and Voltage
Resistance
Path through body
Duration of shock
Effects of AC Electricity
More than 3 mA- Painful shock- cause
indirect accident
More than 10 mA- Muscle contraction
– “No Let Go” danger
More than 30 mA- Lung paralysis,
usually temporary
Effects of AC Electricity
More than 50 mA- Ventricular
fibrillation, usually fatal
100 mA to 4 A- Certain ventricular
fibrillation, fatal
Over 4 A- Heart paralysis, severe
burns
Effects
Protection
 Circuit Breakers
 Fuses
 15 or 20 amps
 Property/equipment protection
Conductors
American Wire Gauge
 12 gauge – 20 amps (Safely)
 14 gauge – 15 amps
 10 gauge – 30 amps
What determines amount of amps
through a circuit?
 How much the equipment draws
 How much “stuff” plugged in
Protective Devices
Fuses
Circuit Breakers
 Trip or break circuit breakers if
conductors exceed their ampacity
Summary
Current (I)
Voltage (E or v)
Resistance (R) (Ohms)
Electrocution Triangle
Electricity (levels)
Time
Path
Wires
Black = hot = Ungrounded
Conductor
White = neutral = Grounded
Conductor (connected to
grounding electrode/Grounding
rod)
How to check
Wiring Checks
 Testers
 Different types
Instruments
Normal 3 light Tester
 Won’t check resistance to ground
Others - Check what the 3 light
tester will
 Also checks resistance for ground
Double Insulated
Indicators
 No ground pin
 Plastic tool case
 Listed by NTL
 Marked as double insulated
 Square in a square
 Marked “double insulated”
 1910.302 Electrical
Utilization Systems
Scope:
 (a) Covers electrical installations and
utilization equipment installed or used within
or on buildings, structures, and other
premises
 1910.303 General
Requirements
(a) Approval. The conductors and equipment

required or permitted by this subpart shall be

acceptable only if approved

1910.303 (b) Examination,
installation and use
Employer Obligation:
 (1) Electrical equipment shall be free from
recognized hazards that are likely to cause
death or serious physical harm to employees
 1910.303 (b)
Examination,
installation, and use
(1) Examination. Safety of equipment shall
determined using the following
considerations:
 (i) Suitability of equipment for an identified
purpose may be evidenced by listing or labeling for
that identified purpose
• 1910.303(a) Ap pro val
– A ll electrical con ductors and equipm ent
shall be a pproved.

U N D E R W R IT E R S
L AB O R AT O R IE S
L IST E D

EN C LO S E D S W ITC H
Iss ue AK 32 25

1910.30 3(a)
N E C A rticle 11-20
5

6
Identification of
Disconnecting
Means and Circuits
Each disconnecting means legibly
marked to indicate its purpose
 (Unless so arranged so the purpose is
evident)

Disconnect switch for

motor number 3
 1910.303 (f) ID of
Disconnecting Means
Each service, feeder, and branch circuit, at its
overcurrent device, legibly and durably marked
to indicate its purpose
Switches and circuit breakers must be clearly
labeled to indicate its circuit’s function

Circuit breaker for motors

1,2,3, and 4
 1910.303(g) Working
Space
(1) Sufficient access and working space around all
electrical equipment, provided & maintained to provide
ready and safe operation and maintenance
(ii) Not used for
storage

(ii) If located in aisle or general open area, working

space shall be suitably guarded
1910.303(g)(1)(v)
Illumination
Illumination provided for
all working spaces about
service equipment,
switchboards, panel-
boards, and motor control
centers installed indoors.
1910.303(g)(1)(vi)
Headroom
The minimum
headroom of working
spaces about service
equipment,
6'3" switchboards, panel-
boards, or motor
control centers shall be
6 feet 3 inches
1910.303(g) Guarding of
live parts
(2)(i) Live parts of electric equipment

operating at 50 volts or more guarded against

accidental contact by approved cabinets

 Guarding live parts – 1910.303
(g)(2)(i) or other forms of approved enclosures, or by any of
the following means:
 (A) By location in a room, vault, accessible only to qualified persons
 (B) By permanent, substantial partitions or screens
 (C) By location on a suitable balcony or platform as
to exclude unqualified persons
 (D) By elevation of 8 feet or more above the floor or
other working surface
1910. 303(g) Guarding live
parts
(2)(iii) Entrances to rooms and other

guarded locations containing exposed

live parts shall be marked with

conspicuous warning signs forbidding

unqualified persons to enter

1910.303(h)(3)(ii) Illumination
Adequate illumination for all working
spaces about electric equipment
The lighting outlets arranged that persons
changing lamps or making repairs on the
lighting system will not be endangered by
live parts or other equipment
 1910.304(a)(1) Identification
of Conductors
A conductor used as a grounded conductor
shall be identifiable and distinguishable
from all other conductors.
A conductor used as an equipment
grounding conductor shall be identifiable
and distinguishable from all other
conductors
 Identification of Conductors
Grounded conductor and equipment grounding
conductors marked or color coated
So that employees can i.d. and tell apart
Grounded conductor is an energized circuit
(conductor that is connected to earth through the
system ground) Commonly referred to as the
neutral
 Grounding
Conductors
Equipment grounding conductor acts as a
safeguard against insulation failure or faults in
the other circuit conductors
Not an energized conductor under normal
conditions.
Energized if a leak or fault in the normal
current path
Directs current back to the source
Enabling fuses or circuit breakers to operate
 Identification of Conductors
Grounded conductor i.d. and distinguished
from other conductors w/ white or gray

Equipment grounding conductor i.d. and

distinguished w/ green, green w/ yellow stripes,
or bare
1910.304(a) Use and
identification of grounded and
grounding conductors

(2) No grounded conductor may be attached to

any terminal or lead so as to reverse polarity
(3) A grounding terminal on a receptacle, cord
connector, or plug may not be used for
purposes other than grounding
 Polarity of
connections
Improper connection of
these conductors (‘hot
and neutral’) is most
prevalent on smaller
branch circuits:
 Standard 120 volt
receptacle outlets
 Cord-and plug-
connected equipment
 Reversed Polarity
Reversed polarity is a condition when the grounded conductor (neutral)

is incorrectly connected to the ungrounded (hot) terminal of a plug,

receptacle, or other type of conductor

 1910.304(a)(2)
Normal Wiring Reverse Polarity

Hot Neutral

Neutral

Hot

1910.304(a)(2)
NEC Article 200-11
1910. 304(b) Branch circuits
1. Reserved
2. Outlet devices. Outlet devices shall have
an ampere rating not less than the load
to be served
1910. 304 (d)(1) Disconnecting
means
General. Means shall be provided to disconnect
all conductors in a building or other structure
from the service-entrance conductors.
The disconnecting means shall plainly indicate
whether it is in the open or closed position and
shall be installed at a readily accessible
location nearest the point of entrance of the
service-entrance conductors.

1000kV
 1910. 304 (d)(2)
Services over 600 volts,
nominal
(i) Guarded to make them accessible only to
qualified persons
(ii) Signs warning of high voltage shall be
posted where other than qualified employees
might come in contact with live parts

Danger
 1910. 304 (e)(1)(vi) Circuit
breakers
Circuit breakers shall clearly indicate whether
they are in the open (off) or closed (on) position

1000kV
Danger
 1910. 304 (f) Grounding

(4) The path to ground from circuits,

equipment, and enclosures shall be
permanent and continuous
 Grounding
There are two kinds of grounding:
 1. Electrical circuit or system grounding
 2. Electrical equipment grounding
Electrical System Grounding
One conductor of the circuit is
intentionally grounded to earth

Protects circuit from lightning, or other

high voltage contact
 Equipment Grounding
All metal frames & enclosures of equipment are
grounded by a permanent connection or bond

The equipment grounding conductor provides a

path for dangerous fault current to return to the
system ground at the supply source should a
fault occur
Grounding Equipment
Connected by Cord and Plug
Exposed non-current carrying metal parts of
cord and plug connected equipment which
may become energized shall be grounded
If in a hazardous location
If operated at over 150 volts
Note that properly bonded conduit and associated
metal enclosures can also serve as a grounding
conductor.
 Ground fault circuit
interrupters (GFCI’s)
A GFCI is not an overcurrent device like a fuse
or circuit breaker
GFCI’s are designed to sense an imbalance in
current flow over the normal path
 Ground fault circuit
interrupters (GFCI’s)
GFCI contains a special
sensor that monitors the
strength of the magnetic field
around each wire in the circuit
when current is flowing T

The field is proportional to the

amount of current flow
 Ground fault circuit
interrupters (GFCI’s)
If the current flowing in the black (ungrounded)
wire is within 5 milliampers of the current flowing
in the white (grounded) all the current will flow in
the normal path

If the current flow differs by more than 5mA +/-

1mA, the GFCI will quickly open the circuit
 Testing GFCI’s
GFCI’s are complex mechanisms, they must be tested
on a regular basis
Installation must be correct according to the listing
& labeling requirements or the GFCI will not protect
as designed
For permanently mounted types, once a month testing
is recommended
Portable GFCI’s should be tested before each use!
GFCI’s have a test-circuit which imposes an artificial
ground fault when the test button is pushed
Wiring methods, components,
and
equipment
for general use
1910.305(a)(1)(ii) Wiring in
ducts

No wiring systems of any type shall be

installed in ducts used to transport
dust, loose stock or flammable vapors
1910.305(a)(2) Temporary
wiring
(iii)(F) Lamps for general illumination shall be
protected from accidental contact or breakage
Protection shall be provided by elevation of at
least 7 feet from normal working surface or by a
suitable fixture or lampholder with a guard
1910.305(a)(2) Temporary
wiring
(iii)(G) Flexible cords and cables shall be
protected from accidental damage
Sharp corners and projections shall be avoided.
Where passing through doorways or other
pinch points, flexible cords and cables shall be
provided with protection to avoid damage
1910.305(a)(2)(iii)(G) Flexible
Cords
Where passing through doorways or other
pinch points, flexible cords and cables shall be
provided with protection to avoid damage
1910.305 (b) Conductors
Entering Boxes, Cabinets or
Fittings
Conductors can be damaged if they
rub against the sharp edges of
cabinets, boxes, or fittings
Where they enter they must be
protected by some type of clamp or
rubber grommet
The device used must close the hole
through which the conductor passes
as well as provide protection from
abrasion
1910.305 (b) Conductors
Entering Boxes, Cabinets or
Fittings
If the conductor is in a conduit and
the conduit fits tightly in the
opening, additional sealing is not
required
The knockouts in cabinets, boxes,
and fittings should be removed only
if conductors are to be run through
them
Open knockouts and other holes
must be closed
 Conductors Entering Boxes,
Cabinets or Fittings
All pull boxes, junction boxes and fittings must
be provided with approved covers
If covers are metal they must be grounded.
Each outlet box must have a cover, faceplate
or fixture canopy
 1910.305(e) Enclosures for
damp or wet locations
Cabinets, cutouts
boxes, fittings, and
panelboards shall be
weatherproof
Switches, circuit
breakers, and
switchboards shall be
in weather proof
enclosures
 1910.305 (g)(1) Use of
Flexible Cords & Cables
Flexible cords and shall be approved and
suitable for conditions of use and location*

* The OSHA electric standard

(1910.305) lists specific situations in
which flexible cords may be used
 Prohibited uses of flexible
cords
Except for the previously listed exemptions,
flexible cords may not be used for:
 (A) As a substitute for fixed wiring of the structure;
 (B) Where run through holes in walls, ceilings, or
floors;

 (C) Where run through doorways, windows, etc..

 Judgment of application
There are usually citations when the usage is
obviously not temporary; and,
When the cord is extended to some distant
outlet in order to avoid providing a fixed outlet
where needed
Identification, Splices and
Terminations
Flexible cords shall only be used in continuous lengths, no taps or splices

Damaged cord
improperly repaired
 Identification, Splices and
Terminations
Flexible cords shall be connected to devices and
fittings so that strain relief is provided which will
prevent pull from being directly transmitted to joints or
terminal screws
 1910.305 (g)(2)(ii)

Flexible cords shall be used only in continuous

lengths without splice or tap.

Hard service flexible cords No. 12 or larger may

be repaired if spliced so that the splice retains
the insulation, outer sheath properties, and
usage characteristics of the cord being spliced.
Note: The National Electric Code allows
splice in 14 gauge or greater wire
 1910.331 Scope
Covers:
 Qualified persons (those who have training in
avoiding the electrical hazards
 Unqualified persons (those with little or no such
training)
Working on or near the following:
 Premises wiring
 Wiring for connection to supply
 Other wiring
 1910.332 Training
Scope:
 The training requirements contained in this section
apply to employees who face a risk of electric shock
that is not reduced to a safe level by the electrical
installation requirements of 1910.303 through
1910.308
 Employees shall be trained in and familiar with the
safety-related work practices required by 1910.331
through 1910.335 that pertain to their respective job
assignments
 Footnote to Table S-4
(1) Workers in these groups do not need to be
trained if their work or the work of those they
supervise does not bring them or their
employees close enough to exposed parts of
electric circuits operating at 50 volts or more to
ground for a hazard to exist.
 1910.332 Training
(b)(3) Qualified persons: (i.e. those permitted to
work on or near exposed energized parts) shall, at
a minimum, be trained in and familiar with the
following:
 (i) The skills and techniques necessary to distinguish
exposed live parts from other parts of electric
equipment
 (ii) The skills and techniques necessary to determine
the nominal voltage of exposed live parts
 (iii) The clearance distances specified in 1910.333(c)
1910.333 (a)(1)
Deenergized parts
Live parts to which an employee may be
exposed shall be deenergized before
the employee works on or near them:
 Unless the employer can demonstrate that
deenergizing introduces additional or
increased hazards or is infeasible
 Live parts that operate at less than 50 volts
to ground need not be deenergized if there
will be no increased exposure to electrical
burns or to explosion due to electric arcs
 1910.333(b) Working on or
near exposed deenergized
parts
(1) Conductors and parts of electric equipment
that have been deenergized but have not been
locked out or tagged in accordance with
paragraph (b) of this section shall be treated as
energized parts
 1910.333(c)(4) Illumination
Employees may not enter spaces containing
exposed energized parts, unless illumination is
provided that enables the employees to
perform the work safely
1910.333(c)(4) Illumination

Employees may not

reach blindly into
areas which may
contain energized
parts.
 1910.333(c)(7) Portable
ladders
Portable ladders shall have nonconductive
siderails if they are used where the employee
or the ladder could contact exposed
energized parts
1910.333(c)(8) Conductive
apparel
Conductive articles of jewelry and clothing (such a
watch bands, bracelets, rings, key chains, necklaces,
etc...) may not be worn if they might contact exposed
energized parts
 1910.334 Use of equipment
Portable equipment shall be handled in a
manner which will not cause damage
Flexible electric cords connected to equipment
may not be used for raising or lowering the
equipment
Flexible cords may not be fastened with staples
or otherwise hung in such a fashion as could
damage the outer jacket or insulation
1910.334 (a)(2)(i) Use of
equipment
Portable cord and plug connected equipment and
flexible cord sets (extension cords) visually
inspected before use for external defects (such as
loose parts, or damage to outer jacket or insulation)
and for evidence of possible internal damage
(pinched or crushed outer jacket)
Extension cords which remain connected once they
are put in place and are not exposed to damage need
not be visually inspected until they are relocated
 1910.334 Use of equipment
A flexible cord used with grounding type equipment
shall contain an equipment grounding conductor
Attachment plugs and receptacles may not be
connected or altered in a manner which would
prevent proper continuity of the equipment grounding
conductor at the point where plugs are attached to
receptacles
 1910.334 (c)(1) Use

Only qualified persons may perform testing

work on electric circuits or equipment
 1910.334 Use of equipment
(c)(2)"Visual inspection." Test instruments and equipment and all
associated test leads, cables, power cords, probes, and connectors
shall be visually inspected for external defects and damage before the
equipment is used.
If there is a defect or evidence of damage that might expose an
employee to injury, the defective or damaged item shall be removed
from service, and no employee may use it until repairs and tests
necessary to render the equipment safe have been made.
 1910.335 Safeguards for
personnel protection
(a)(1)Employees working in areas where there
are potential electrical hazards shall be
provided with, and shall use, electrical
protective equipment that is appropriate for the
specific parts of the body to be protected and
for the work to be performed
 1910.335 Safeguards for
personnel protection
(a)(1)(ii)Protective equipment shall be
maintained in a safe, reliable condition and
shall be periodically inspected or tested, as
required by 1910.137 *

*1910.137 Electrical protective equipment

 1910.335 Safeguards for
personnel protection
(a)(2)(i)When working near exposed energized
conductors or circuit parts, each employee
shall use insulated tools or handling equipment
if the tools or handling equipment might make
contact with such conductors or parts
 1910.335 Safeguards for
personnel protection
(b)The following alerting techniques shall be used to
warn and protect employees from hazards which could
cause injury due to electric shock, burns, or failure of
electric equipment parts:
 Safety signs and tags
 Barricades
 Attendants
 1910.335 Safeguards for
personnel protection
(b)(1)Safety signs, safety symbols,
or accident prevention tags shall
be used where necessary to warn
employees about electrical
hazards which may endanger
them, as required by 1910.145
 1910.335 Safeguards for
personnel protection
(b)(2)Barricades shall be used in conjunction
with safety signs where it is necessary to
prevent or limit employee access to work areas
exposing employees to uninsulated energized
conductors or circuit parts
 1910.335 Safeguards for
personnel protection
If signs and barricades do not provide
sufficient warning and protection from electrical
hazards, an attendant shall be stationed to
warn and protect employees