Extension Cord Safety

1. Extension Cord Safety

3. Statistics Approximately 4,000 emergency room level injuries related to extension cords occur each year in the United States (Consumer Product Safety Commission – CPSC) Approximately 2,000 of those injuries are the result of trips and falls due to extension cords

4. Statistics Approximately 3,300 residential fires begin with extension cords each year About 270 people are injured each year in residential fires due to extension cord misuse About 50 fatalities occur each year due to residential fires caused by improper extension cord use

5. Statistics Between 1991 and 2004, there were at least 46 extension cord related fatalities recorded by OSHA. Most fatalities were the result of electrocution.

6. Related Accidents In every OSHA recorded fatality involving electrocution with extension cords… GFCIs were not used Ungrounded cords were often used Damaged cords were often used Modified cords were often used Extension cords were often improperly used

7. Related Accidents A worker was electrocuted while cutting holes in drywall with a metal-cased router. The power supply cable had been spliced from a three-conductor cord (grounded) to a two-conductor cord (ungrounded). The circuit did not have a GFCI.

8. Related Accidents A roofer was electrocuted while using an electric drill. The drill was plugged into two 100’ extension cords. Both had missing grounding blades on their plugs. One cord had been improperly spliced and had no insulation.

9. Related Accidents A worker using an electric hammer to chisel was electrocuted. The extension cord used was not rated for hard use and had a removed ground blade. The tool’s power cord did not provide strain relief. There was no GFCI in place.

10. OSHA Regulations 1926.404 Ground Fault Circuit Interrupters (GFCIs) shall be used on all receptacles that are not part of the permanent wiring of the construction project The employer shall implement an assured equipment grounding conductor program

12. OSHA Regulations 1926.405 “Temporary wiring shall be removed immediately upon completion of construction…” Receptacles shall be grounded Cords and cables must be protected from damage Extension cords shall be designed for hard or extra-hard usage

13. OSHA Regulations 1926.416 “Worn or frayed electric cords or cables shall not be used.” Do not fasten extension cords with staples, hang extension cords by nails, or suspend extension cords by wire

15. Proper Safety Procedures Only use extension cords when necessary Always use extension cords rated adequately for the job to be performed Inspect extension cords frequently Replace worn or damaged extension cords immediately

16. Proper Safety Procedures Place extension cords such that they will not be damaged and do not pose a trip hazard. Use a guard if necessary.

17. Proper Safety Procedures Only use grounded extension cords for construction purposes If an extension cord becomes hot or the plastic softens, stop use immediately and switch to a higher rated extension cord Use care when inserting or removing extension cord plugs

18. Proper Safety Procedures If receptacles are not equipped with GFCIs, use a GFCI equipped extension cord if the circumstances call for a GFCI

19. Proper Safety Procedures Extension cords should only be used for temporary purposes Do not affix extension cords with staples, nails, or wires that may damage the cord Never tamper with or modify extension cords

20. For More Information… http://www.bmillerengineering.com/extensio.htm