Electrical Safety for General Industry
65 flashcards covering Electrical Safety for General Industry for the OSHA OSHA 10/30 General Industry section.
Electrical safety for general industry addresses the risks of electrical hazards in workplaces like factories and offices, including safe practices for wiring, equipment use, and emergency responses. This is defined by OSHA's regulations in 29 CFR 1910 Subpart S, a key standard within the OSHA 10/30 General Industry certification that ensures workers understand how to prevent shocks, fires, and explosions.
On practice exams for OSHA Outreach Training, questions often appear as multiple-choice scenarios involving hazard identification, lockout/tagout procedures, and proper grounding techniques. Common traps include confusing qualified versus unqualified worker roles or overlooking the need for regular equipment inspections, which can lead to real-world errors.
One practical pitfall workers frequently miss is failing to test ground-fault circuit interrupters (GFCIs) before use in wet environments.
Terms (65)
- 01
What is lockout/tagout in the context of electrical safety?
Lockout/tagout is a procedure to protect employees from the unexpected energization or startup of machinery or equipment during service or maintenance (29 CFR 1910.147).
- 02
How often must energy control procedures be inspected under LOTO standards?
At least annually to ensure they provide the necessary level of protection, with periodic reviews required (29 CFR 1910.147(c)(6)).
- 03
What is the purpose of grounding in electrical systems?
Grounding provides a path for fault current to safely dissipate, reducing the risk of electric shock (29 CFR 1910.304).
- 04
What must be done before an employee works on or near exposed energized parts?
The equipment must be de-energized and locked out or tagged out to prevent accidental energization (29 CFR 1910.333).
- 05
Under 29 CFR 1910.303, what is required for electrical equipment installations?
Installations must be free from recognized hazards that are likely to cause death or serious physical harm, including proper guarding and wiring (29 CFR 1910.303).
- 06
How often should flexible cords and cables be visually inspected?
Before each day's use, to identify any damage or wear that could pose an electrical hazard (29 CFR 1910.334).
- 07
What is a qualified person according to electrical safety standards?
A qualified person is one who has training in avoiding the hazards associated with electrical work, enabling them to safely perform such tasks (29 CFR 1910.332).
- 08
What steps must be taken if electrical equipment is found defective?
The equipment must be removed from service and tagged to prevent use until repaired, ensuring it does not pose a hazard (29 CFR 1910.303).
- 09
A worker notices arcing from an electrical panel; what should they do?
The worker should immediately de-energize the equipment if safe to do so and report the issue to a supervisor for investigation (NFPA 70E, Article 110).
- 10
Under NFPA 70E, what is required for arc flash hazard assessments?
An arc flash risk assessment must be performed to determine the appropriate safety-related work practices and personal protective equipment (NFPA 70E, Article 130).
- 11
What is the role of a GFCI in preventing electrical shocks?
A GFCI interrupts the electrical circuit when a ground fault is detected, quickly cutting power to prevent injury (29 CFR 1910.304).
- 12
How often must employees receive training on electrical safety hazards?
As needed when job assignments change or when new hazards are introduced, with periodic retraining required (29 CFR 1910.332).
- 13
What must be verified before removing locks in a LOTO procedure?
All employees have been safely positioned or removed from the area, and the equipment is safe to re-energize (29 CFR 1910.147).
- 14
A circuit breaker trips repeatedly; what action is required?
The cause must be investigated and corrected before resetting, to prevent potential overload or short circuit hazards (29 CFR 1910.304).
- 15
What is required when using extension cords in the workplace?
They must be of the three-wire type with grounding and inspected for damage, and not used as a substitute for permanent wiring (29 CFR 1910.305).
- 16
Under 29 CFR 1910.335, what PPE is needed for electrical work?
Appropriate insulating gloves, clothing, and eye protection must be used to protect against electrical hazards (29 CFR 1910.335).
- 17
What is the first step when starting a lockout/tagout procedure?
Notify all affected employees of the lockout or tagout and the reason for it before applying the devices (29 CFR 1910.147).
- 18
How must electrical panels be maintained to ensure safety?
They must be kept clear of obstructions and accessible, with covers in place to prevent accidental contact (29 CFR 1910.303).
- 19
What should a worker do if they contact an energized conductor?
They should break contact immediately if possible and seek medical attention, while others ensure the area is secured (29 CFR 1910.335).
- 20
What defines an electrically safe work condition?
It is a state where an electrical conductor or circuit part has been disconnected from energized parts, controlled, and verified (NFPA 70E, Article 120).
- 21
Under 29 CFR 1910.304, what is the minimum requirement for grounding conductors?
They must be connected to an effective grounding path to prevent buildup of voltages (29 CFR 1910.304).
- 22
How often should lockout devices be inspected for proper function?
Prior to each use to ensure they are in good working order and capable of holding energy (29 CFR 1910.147).
- 23
What procedure must follow an electrical incident involving injury?
An investigation must be conducted to determine the cause and prevent recurrence (29 CFR 1910.147, Appendix A).
- 24
A employee is assigned to work near live parts; what must be provided?
Training on the specific hazards and methods to protect against shock or arc flash (29 CFR 1910.332).
- 25
What is required for the labeling of electrical equipment?
Equipment must be marked with ratings and warnings to indicate potential hazards (29 CFR 1910.303).
- 26
Under NFPA 70E, what determines the level of PPE for arc flash?
The results of an arc flash hazard analysis, which assesses the incident energy at the work location (NFPA 70E, Article 130).
- 27
What must be done before testing for the absence of voltage?
The equipment must be de-energized and proper test instruments verified for accuracy (NFPA 70E, Article 120).
- 28
How should damaged electrical tools be handled?
They must be removed from service, tagged as defective, and not used until repaired (29 CFR 1910.334).
- 29
What training elements are needed for unqualified persons working near electrical hazards?
Recognition of electrical hazards and the hazards associated with electric shock (29 CFR 1910.332).
- 30
Under 29 CFR 1910.305, what safeguards are needed for wiring in wet locations?
Wiring must be installed in a way that protects against moisture, using appropriate enclosures (29 CFR 1910.305).
- 31
What is the procedure for re-energizing equipment after maintenance?
Verify that all tools and employees are clear, then remove locks and follow startup procedures (29 CFR 1910.147).
- 32
How must overhead power lines be protected against in general industry?
By maintaining minimum clearance distances and using warning signs (29 CFR 1910.333).
- 33
If a worker feels a tingling sensation from equipment, what should they do?
Stop work immediately, report it, and do not use the equipment until it's inspected (29 CFR 1910.335).
- 34
What is the definition of an arc flash in electrical safety?
An arc flash is a dangerous release of energy caused by an electric arc, which can cause burns and explosions (NFPA 70E, Article 100).
- 35
Under 29 CFR 1910.334, how often must portable electric tools be grounded?
They must be properly grounded if they are not double-insulated, checked before each use (29 CFR 1910.334).
- 36
What must be included in an energy control program?
Procedures for applying, removing, and verifying energy controls to protect workers (29 CFR 1910.147).
- 37
A fuse blows frequently; what is the required response?
Investigate and correct the underlying issue, such as overload, before replacing it (29 CFR 1910.304).
- 38
What qualifications are needed to perform electrical work on live equipment?
The person must be qualified with specific training on the hazards and safe work practices (29 CFR 1910.331).
- 39
How should electrical cords be routed to avoid hazards?
They must be arranged to prevent trip hazards and damage, using guards if necessary (29 CFR 1910.305).
- 40
Under NFPA 70E, what is required for safe voltage testing?
Use properly rated test instruments and wear appropriate PPE during the testing process (NFPA 70E, Article 130).
- 41
What is the first action when discovering an electrical fire?
Evacuate the area and activate the fire alarm, then use a suitable extinguisher if trained (29 CFR 1910.157, related context).
- 42
How must multi-plug adapters be used in electrical safety?
They must be used only with proper grounding and not overload circuits (29 CFR 1910.305).
- 43
What documentation is needed for LOTO procedures?
Written procedures must be developed, documented, and available for each machine or equipment (29 CFR 1910.147).
- 44
A worker is exposed to high voltage; what immediate steps are taken?
Provide first aid, isolate the area, and ensure medical evaluation for potential injury (29 CFR 1910.335).
- 45
Under 29 CFR 1910.303, what is required for guarding live parts?
Live parts must be enclosed or guarded to prevent accidental contact (29 CFR 1910.303).
- 46
How often should electrical safety training be refreshed for affected employees?
When there is a change in assignments or new hazards, as determined by the employer (29 CFR 1910.332).
- 47
What must be checked before applying a lockout device?
That the equipment is isolated from energy sources and all energy is dissipated (29 CFR 1910.147).
- 48
If equipment vibrates excessively, what electrical hazard might it indicate?
Potential loose connections or damage that could lead to arcing, requiring immediate inspection (29 CFR 1910.303).
- 49
Under NFPA 70E, what factors determine arc flash boundaries?
The voltage level and the results of the arc flash hazard analysis (NFPA 70E, Article 130).
- 50
What is required when using insulated tools for electrical work?
They must be rated for the voltage involved and inspected for damage before use (29 CFR 1910.335).
- 51
How should temporary wiring be installed to ensure safety?
It must be securely supported and protected from damage, with proper grounding (29 CFR 1910.305).
- 52
A supervisor notices water near electrical outlets; what action is needed?
De-energize the outlets, remove the hazard, and inspect for damage before re-energizing (29 CFR 1910.303).
- 53
What is the definition of de-energized in electrical terms?
De-energized means disconnected from all sources of electricity and verified as safe (NFPA 70E, Article 120).
- 54
Under 29 CFR 1910.334, what precautions are needed for wet conditions?
Use GFCIs and ensure equipment is suitable for wet locations to prevent shocks (29 CFR 1910.334).
- 55
What procedure follows the application of a tagout device?
Verify that the energy source is isolated and communicate the tag's purpose to affected employees (29 CFR 1910.147).
- 56
How must electrical hazards be identified in the workplace?
Through regular inspections and labeling of potential risks (29 CFR 1910.303).
- 57
If an arc flash occurs, what is the immediate response?
Evacuate, provide aid, and report for investigation to prevent future incidents (NFPA 70E, Article 110).
- 58
What training is mandatory for employees using LOTO procedures?
Training on the recognition of hazardous energy sources and the use of energy control measures (29 CFR 1910.147).
- 59
Under 29 CFR 1910.305, what is required for junction boxes?
They must be securely installed and covered to prevent access to live parts (29 CFR 1910.305).
- 60
What must be done to ensure safe work around energized parts?
Maintain safe distances and use insulated tools as per the established procedures (29 CFR 1910.333).
- 61
How should personal protective equipment be maintained for electrical safety?
It must be inspected regularly and replaced if damaged to ensure effectiveness (NFPA 70E, Article 130).
- 62
A worker reports an unusual odor from electrical equipment; what should happen?
The equipment should be shut down and inspected for overheating or faults (29 CFR 1910.303).
- 63
What is required for the control of hazardous energy sources?
Specific procedures must be implemented to isolate and control energy during maintenance (29 CFR 1910.147).
- 64
Under NFPA 70E, what establishes the approach boundaries?
Limited and restricted approach boundaries based on voltage and risk assessment (NFPA 70E, Article 130).
- 65
What verification is needed after de-energizing equipment?
Test for absence of voltage using calibrated equipment to confirm it's safe (NFPA 70E, Article 120).