Hazards

Employee contact with electrical hazards and possible electrocution from:

• Maintenance equipment and machinery.
• Using damaged receptacles and connectors.
• Ungrounded electrical service near sources of water.

Requirements under OSHA's Electrical Standard, 29 CFR 1910 Subpart S

Employers must:

• Ensure that equipment, tools, appliances, etc. near sources of water are properly grounded. [29 CFR 1910.304(g)(6)]
• Ensure that electrical equipment is free from recognized hazards. [29 CFR 1910.303(b)(1)]
• Remove from service all defective or damaged portable electrical equipment (e.g., extension cords and other cord and plug connected equipment). [29 CFR 1910.334(a)(2)(ii)]
• Do not place defective or damaged portable electrical equipment back into service unless repairs and tests necessary to render the equipment safe have been made. [29 CFR 1910.334(a)(2)(ii)]
  • Ensure that employees are trained to not plug or unplug energized equipment when their hands are wet. [29 CFR 1910.334(a)(5)(i), 29 CFR 1910.332(b)(1)]

Additional Information

• See Hospital-wide Hazards - Electrical Safety.
• Electrical. OSHA Safety and Health Topics page.