Electrical Cord Safety and Inspection
Overview
Extension cords and power tools bring electrical hazards directly to work areas. Damaged cords, improper connections, and inadequate grounding cause electrocutions, shocks, and fires. Regular inspection and proper use of electrical cords are essential safety practices.
Why This Is Important
Electrical incidents cause approximately 300 workplace deaths annually in the United States, with many involving damaged or improperly used extension cords and portable tools. Contact with energized equipment can cause cardiac arrest, severe burns, or fatal electrocution within seconds. Most electrical cord injuries are preventable through inspection before use, proper connections, and immediate removal of damaged equipment from service. These simple precautions protect workers from invisible but deadly electrical hazards.
Best Practices & Safety Tips
- Inspect cords before each use—look for cuts, cracks, worn insulation, and exposed conductors.
- Remove damaged cords from service immediately and tag them “Do Not Use” until repaired properly.
- Verify three-prong plugs are intact with ground pins present—never remove or bend ground pins.
- Check that cord connections are tight and secure—loose connections create arcing and fire hazards.
- Ensure cords are properly rated for their intended use—outdoor, indoor, amperage capacity.
- Protect cords from physical damage—route away from traffic, sharp edges, and pinch points.
- Never use damaged cords even temporarily—shock and electrocution risk is immediate.
- Unplug cords by grasping the plug, not the cord—pulling on cords damages connections.
- Avoid using extension cords as permanent wiring—install proper outlets for stationary equipment.
- Keep electrical cords away from water, wet conditions, and metal surfaces that could become energized.
Discussion Questions
- What electrical cord hazards have you observed in our workplace?
- Why do workers sometimes continue using damaged electrical cords?
- How can we improve our electrical equipment inspection processes?
- What’s our procedure for removing unsafe electrical equipment from service?
Takeaway
Electrical hazards are invisible but deadly. By inspecting electrical cords before each use and immediately removing damaged equipment from service, we prevent electrocutions, shocks, and electrical fires that could devastate lives and families.