OSHA Focus Four Electrocution
60 flashcards covering OSHA Focus Four Electrocution for the OSHA OSHA 10/30 Construction section.
OSHA Focus Four Electrocution addresses the primary electrical hazards in construction and general industry, such as contact with overhead power lines, faulty equipment, and improper grounding, as defined by OSHA regulations in 29 CFR 1926. This topic emphasizes preventing shocks and fatalities through safe work practices, proper training, and the use of personal protective equipment.
On OSHA 10 and 30 certification exams, this material typically appears in multiple-choice questions that test recognition of hazards, like identifying safe distances from live wires or correct tool handling. A common trap is underestimating risks from low-voltage sources, which can still cause severe injury if not properly managed.
Always verify that circuits are de-energized and locked out before maintenance.
Terms (60)
- 01
What is electrocution in the context of OSHA standards?
Electrocution is a fatal injury caused by electric current passing through the body, often due to contact with live electrical parts or conductors (OSHA Outreach Training Program Requirements).
- 02
Under 29 CFR 1926.416, what must employers do with defective electrical equipment?
Defective electrical equipment must be removed from service and tagged to prevent use until repaired (29 CFR 1926.416(a)(1)).
- 03
How must flexible cords be used in construction sites?
Flexible cords must be approved for hard usage and used only for temporary wiring, with proper grounding and protection from damage (29 CFR 1926.403).
- 04
What is required when working with electrical tools in wet conditions?
Electrical tools must not be used in wet or damp conditions unless they are designed for such use and proper precautions are taken (29 CFR 1926.403(b)(2)).
- 05
Under 29 CFR 1926.404, what protection is needed for receptacles?
Receptacles must have ground-fault circuit interrupter (GFCI) protection for personnel in construction sites (29 CFR 1926.404(b)(1)(ii)).
- 06
What should workers do if they contact an energized conductor?
Workers should immediately disconnect power if safe to do so or move away to avoid further contact, and report the incident (29 CFR 1926.416(a)(3)).
- 07
How close can unqualified persons approach overhead power lines?
Unqualified persons must stay at least the distances specified in Table S-5 of 29 CFR 1926.1408 for power lines, depending on voltage (29 CFR 1926.1408).
- 08
What is the role of grounding in preventing electrocution?
Grounding provides a path for electric current to safely dissipate, reducing the risk of electrocution from faulty equipment (29 CFR 1926.404(f)).
- 09
Under NFPA 70E, what must be done before working on electrical equipment?
A risk assessment must be performed to identify hazards and determine safe work practices (NFPA 70E, Article 110.1).
- 10
What protective equipment is required for electrical work?
Appropriate personal protective equipment, such as insulated gloves and clothing, must be used based on the hazard risk assessment (NFPA 70E, Article 130.3).
- 11
When must lockout/tagout procedures be used?
Lockout/tagout must be used when servicing or maintaining machines or equipment where unexpected energization could occur (29 CFR 1910.147, as referenced in construction).
- 12
What is a ground-fault circuit interrupter (GFCI)?
A GFCI is a device that interrupts the electric current to prevent electrocution by detecting ground faults (29 CFR 1926.404(b)(1)(ii)).
- 13
Under 29 CFR 1926.403, how should electrical conductors be installed?
Electrical conductors must be installed to prevent exposure to physical damage and ensure proper insulation (29 CFR 1926.403(a)).
- 14
What actions are required if an electrical cord is damaged?
A damaged electrical cord must be removed from service immediately and not used until repaired or replaced (29 CFR 1926.416(a)(1)).
- 15
How often must electrical safety training be provided?
Training must be provided when the employee is assigned duties and whenever new hazards are introduced (OSHA Outreach Training Program Requirements).
- 16
What is an arc flash hazard?
An arc flash hazard is a dangerous release of thermal energy from an electric arc that can cause burns or electrocution (NFPA 70E, Article 100).
- 17
Under 29 CFR 1926.416, what must be done with extension cords?
Extension cords must be inspected for damage before use and used only as temporary wiring (29 CFR 1926.416(a)(2)).
- 18
What steps must be taken to de-energize equipment?
Equipment must be de-energized using lockout/tagout procedures to prevent accidental startup (29 CFR 1910.147).
- 19
When working near exposed energized parts, what must workers use?
Workers must use insulated tools and wear appropriate PPE to prevent contact (29 CFR 1926.416(a)(3)).
- 20
What is required for temporary electrical wiring in construction?
Temporary wiring must be removed when the job is done or when it becomes a permanent installation (29 CFR 1926.404(a)(2)).
- 21
A worker notices sparking from an electrical panel. What should they do?
The worker should immediately shut off power if safe, evacuate the area, and report to a supervisor (29 CFR 1926.416(a)(1)).
- 22
Under NFPA 70E, what determines the level of PPE needed?
The level of PPE is determined by the arc flash boundary and risk assessment (NFPA 70E, Article 130.5).
- 23
What must be inspected on electrical equipment before use?
Cords, plugs, and equipment must be visually inspected for damage or defects (29 CFR 1926.403(a)).
- 24
How should overhead power lines be treated in construction zones?
Overhead power lines must be de-energized or guarded to prevent contact by equipment or workers (29 CFR 1926.1407).
- 25
What is the first step in responding to an electrical shock incident?
Ensure the area is safe, call for emergency help, and provide first aid if trained (OSHA Outreach Training Program Requirements).
- 26
Under 29 CFR 1926.404, what type of outlets need GFCI protection?
All 125-volt, single-phase, 15-, 20-, and 30-ampere receptacle outlets on construction sites require GFCI protection (29 CFR 1926.404(b)(1)(ii)).
- 27
What precautions are needed for using power tools?
Power tools must be grounded or double-insulated, and operators must be trained (29 CFR 1926.302).
- 28
A worker feels a tingling sensation from an electrical device. What should they do?
Stop using the device immediately, report it to a supervisor, and do not touch it again until inspected (29 CFR 1926.416(a)(1)).
- 29
What does lockout/tagout prevent?
Lockout/tagout prevents the release of hazardous energy, including electrical, during maintenance (29 CFR 1910.147).
- 30
Under 29 CFR 1926.416, how should electrical hazards be identified?
Hazards must be identified through inspections and warnings posted (29 CFR 1926.416(a)).
- 31
What training is required for workers exposed to electrical hazards?
Workers must be trained to recognize and avoid electrical hazards specific to their work (OSHA Outreach Training Program Requirements).
- 32
How must electrical panels be maintained?
Electrical panels must be kept clear of obstructions and accessible at all times (29 CFR 1926.403(b)(1)).
- 33
What is an energized part?
An energized part is a conductor or part that is at a potential different from that of the ground (NFPA 70E, Article 100).
- 34
Under NFPA 70E, what is an arc flash boundary?
The arc flash boundary is the distance at which an incident energy exposure equals 1.2 cal/cm² (NFPA 70E, Article 130.5).
- 35
What must be done before entering an area with electrical hazards?
A hazard assessment must be conducted to identify and mitigate risks (29 CFR 1926.20(b)(2)).
- 36
How should workers avoid contact with underground electrical lines?
Workers must call for utility locates before digging and maintain safe distances (29 CFR 1926.651).
- 37
What PPE is mandatory for arc flash risks?
Flame-resistant clothing and eye protection must be worn based on the risk level (NFPA 70E, Article 130.7).
- 38
Under 29 CFR 1926.404, what wiring methods are allowed?
Wiring methods must be suitable for the location and protect against physical damage (29 CFR 1926.404(a)).
- 39
A construction worker accidentally contacts a live wire. What is the immediate response?
Provide first aid, ensure no further exposure, and report to emergency services (OSHA Outreach Training Program Requirements).
- 40
What is required for high-voltage electrical work?
Qualified persons must perform the work with proper permits and precautions (29 CFR 1926.950).
- 41
How must electrical safety signs be used?
Signs must be posted to warn of high voltage and other hazards (29 CFR 1926.200).
- 42
Under 29 CFR 1926.416, what is prohibited for electrical safety?
Using equipment with frayed cords or missing grounds is prohibited (29 CFR 1926.416(a)(1)).
- 43
What documentation is needed for electrical safety programs?
Employers must maintain records of training and inspections (OSHA Outreach Training Program Requirements).
- 44
What is the minimum qualification for electrical work?
Workers must be trained and knowledgeable in the construction and operation of the equipment (29 CFR 1926.950).
- 45
When must electrical equipment be tested?
Equipment must be tested after repairs or when a hazard is suspected (29 CFR 1926.403(a)).
- 46
Under NFPA 70E, how is electrical risk assessed?
Risk assessment involves identifying hazards and evaluating the likelihood of injury (NFPA 70E, Article 110.1).
- 47
What barriers protect against electrical hazards?
Guarding and barriers must be used to prevent accidental contact with live parts (29 CFR 1926.417).
- 48
A worker is assigned to troubleshoot electrical issues. What must they do first?
Perform a lockout/tagout to de-energize the equipment (29 CFR 1910.147).
- 49
How should electrical incidents be investigated?
Incidents must be investigated to determine causes and prevent recurrence (OSHA Outreach Training Program Requirements).
- 50
What is double insulation in electrical tools?
Double insulation provides two layers of insulation to protect against shock (29 CFR 1926.302).
- 51
Under 29 CFR 1926.404, what grounding is required?
All non-current-carrying metal parts must be grounded (29 CFR 1926.404(f)(6)).
- 52
What emergency procedures address electrical shocks?
Procedures must include CPR training and access to emergency equipment (OSHA Outreach Training Program Requirements).
- 53
How must portable electric tools be handled?
They must be equipped with a means of grounding or be double-insulated (29 CFR 1926.302(a)).
- 54
What is required for working on de-energized equipment?
Verify that equipment is de-energized using testing equipment (29 CFR 1910.147).
- 55
Under 29 CFR 1926.416, what warnings are needed for hazards?
Warning signs must be posted for electrical hazards (29 CFR 1926.416(e)).
- 56
What training elements cover electrocution hazards?
Training must include recognition of hazards and safe work practices (OSHA Outreach Training Program Requirements).
- 57
How should electrical cables be routed in construction?
Cables must be protected from damage and not run through doorways or windows (29 CFR 1926.405).
- 58
What is the purpose of an assured equipment grounding conductor program?
To ensure grounding conductors are properly maintained and tested (29 CFR 1926.404(b)(1)(iii)).
- 59
Under NFPA 70E, what defines a qualified person?
A qualified person has training in avoiding electrical hazards (NFPA 70E, Article 110.2).
- 60
What must be in place for electrical safety in confined spaces?
Electrical hazards must be addressed in the permit-required program (29 CFR 1910.146).