Green Roofs: Electrical

Green roof workers can be exposed to many electrical hazards. Being on the roof, in many instances green roof workers often are working closer to electrical equipment and power lines on a roof surface and may be more vulnerable to those hazards than workers on the ground.

• Use only equipment that is approved to meet OSHA standards.

• Do not modify cords or use them incorrectly.

• Use factory-assembled cord sets and only extension cords that are 3-wire type.

• Use only cords, connection devices, and fittings that are equipped with strain relief.

• Remove cords from receptacles by pulling on the plugs, not the cords.

Due to the dynamic, rugged nature of construction work, normal use of electrical equipment causes wear and tear that results in insulation breaks, short circuits, and exposed wires. If there is no ground-fault protection, it can cause a ground-fault that sends current through the worker's body.

• Use ground-fault circuit interrupters (GFCIs) on all 120-volt, single-phase, 15- and 20-ampere receptacles, or have an assured equipment grounding conductor program (AEGCP).

• Use double-insulated tools and equipment, distinctively marked.

• Visually inspect all electrical equipment before use. Remove from service any equipment with frayed cords, missing ground.

• Look for overhead power lines.

• Stay at least 10 feet away from overhead power lines and assume that they are energized.

• De-energize and ground lines when working near them.

• Use non-conductive wood or fiberglass ladders when working near power lines.

Additional resources on electrical safety can be found below:

• Electrical Safety Tips

• OSHA's Electrical Safety and Health Topics Page

• Electrical Safety Fact Sheet

• Hand and Power Tools Topics Page

• The NIOSH Electrical Safety and Health Topics Page