Electrical Safety: What you need to know

Electrical safety deals with the reliability and effective maintenance of electrical systems that can be achieved in part by careful planning and proper design, and with safe work practices for persons exposed or potentially exposed to electrical hazards.

U.S. OSHA's electrical safety rules for general industry workplaces (29 CFR 1910, Subpart S) cover electrical safety requirements that are necessary for the practical safeguarding of employees in the workplace. They include design safety standards for electric utilization systems (all electric equipment and installations used to provide electric power for workplaces) and safety-related work practices for both "qualified" (those who have a specific level of training) and "unqualified" (those who have little or no training) employees.

Electrical equipment grounding; the enclosing, covering, and guarding of live parts; and conductors all have specific regulations pertaining to them.  Flexible cords are another subject that is addressed by several regulations to protect employees.  The installation and use of equipment, particularly in hazardous locations, and wiring are additional issues that come under Subpart S.

OSHA rules. The electrical safety rules are divided into two major categories. The design safety standards for electrical systems cover:

• 29 CFR 1910.302-Electric utilization systems
• 29 CFR 1910.303-General
• 29 CFR 1910.304-Wiring design and protection
• 29 CFR 1910.305-Wiring methods, components, and equipment for general use
• 29 CFR 1910.306-Specific purpose equipment and installations
• 29 CFR 1910.307-Hazardous (classified) locations
• 29 CFR 1910.308-Special systems

The safety-related work practice rules cover:

• 29 CFR 1910.331-Scope
• 29 CFR 1910.332-Training
• 29 ...