Extension cords are indispensable electrical equipment used to extend power from the main source to different locations at workplaces or homes. They come in different sizes, thicknesses, colors, and duty functions. In other words, they are suitable for a wide range of loads, ranging from hang lights to heavy-duty equipment. In essence, your choice of an extension cord will hinge on usage.
Safety is an important factor that you must not overlook when selecting an extension cord for your workplace need. When using extension cords, you need to be safety conscious because electrical gadgets come with numerous safety hazards, ranging from electrical shock to fire outbreaks. For instance, the use of heavy-duty equipment can cause the cable to heat up. This increase in temperature might lead to an electrical fire if appropriate safety measures are not implemented.
You can prevent tripping, electrocution, and fire accident at your worksite by going for a gfci extension cord. They are safe cords designed to enhance worker’s safety when at the worksite.
If you are concerned about your worksite safety when using an extension cord, you need to acquaint yourself with the extension cord safety rules. Following proper safety practices when using an extension cord will protect your electrical machines from damage and reduce the likelihood of electrical hazards.
4 Extension Cord Safety Rules to Implement at Work Site
To prevent extension-cord-related hazards like tripping, electrical fire, among others, you must be aware of basic rules designed to enhance worksite safety. Here are some of the rules that you should follow to use your electrical cord safely at your place of work:
Rule 1
Keep extension cords wire away from busy locations to avoid tripping hazards
This rule is simple, but it is essential as it prevents workers or visitors from tripping and injuring themselves on the worksite. Tripping is caused when the extension cord wires are hidden, which might cause passersby to fall. To avoid such accidents, extension cables must be placed where they will be easily noticed. For instance, they might be unnoticed when close to the door or beneath floor covering or rugs.
You can prevent tripping when you plug an extension cord in the room where you work. This way, there will be less demand for the extension cables. Hence, the hallways and doors will not be obstructed with extension cord cables.
Rule 2
Do not connect two or more extension cords
Another rule that workers must follow to avoid electrical hazards associated with using an extension cord is to prevent plugging an extension cord into another. This practice violates OSHA rules as it could lead to severe threats, including electrical shock, electrocution, electrical fire, among others. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) is an organization that comes with guidelines on how businesses can protect their workers from injuries. These regulations apply to most worksites, including marine, oil and gas, manufacturing, among others.
Furthermore, the rank of a power cord is dependent on its length. If you plug two power cords, their combined power reduces by half. As a result, there will be a significant voltage reduction, leading to overheating. The maximum allowable distance of extension cords is 100 ft. Any attempt to exceed this length by connecting two extension cords might trigger an electrical hazard. Perhaps your job needs to extend power to a distance of more than 100-foot, then you should get a power delivery box.
Rule 3
Use GCFI protection at your worksite
Another essential extension cord rule to enhance your workplace safety is using Ground Fault Circuit Interrupters or GFCIs. GFCIs identifies any unsafe condition and stop the electric flow. How does it work? The Ground Fault Circuit Interrupters measure the incoming and outgoing current from the plug. It discontinues the flow if any unsafe condition exists. One of the advantages of the GCFIs prevents workers from wasting time on cord checks. Apart from that, it prevents electrical accidents by responding swiftly in the event of any hazardous incidents.
If you are concerned about your workplace safety, you need to install a GFCI as it is one of the simplest ways to prevent electrical accidents due to extension cables.
Rule 4
Never use a damaged Cord
One way to recognize a damaged or weak cord is the presence of masking tape. An electrical or masking tape is usually used on damaged or broken cables to hold broken or damaged parts together. According to the OSHA standards, extension cords with masking tape are no longer fit for use and should be discarded. These cords are often still serving their purposes, but they are potential sources of electrical hazards.
Also, new extension cords may get broken or damaged quickly by falling equipment. While it might be a good idea to fix the cord, it could lead to electrical shock, fire, and other electrical hazards. Furthermore, you could also damage the outer cover of the extension cords by using stitches or metal nuts.
Conclusion
Following the rules above will not only protect your equipment but will also guarantee your electrical safety. There are several ways to protect your workers from electrical hazards resulting from the use of extension cords. These methods are simple, and they are mainly dependent on the type of equipment used by the workers and their level of caution. For instance, you can prevent tripping by avoiding cable clusters and removing electrical cables from the busiest places at the worksite.
Another way to enhance your workplace safety when using an extension cord is to avoid using metal nuts or stitches on the cable. Attaching the cable to the ceiling with stitches and metal nuts might damage the cords jacket or soft coat, constituting an electrical hazard.
The guidelines above will protect you and your colleagues at work from electrical accidents resulting from improper use of extension cords.
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