Electrical Safety Training for Workers

5-minute toolbox talk · 2:28 video + discussion, quiz and sign-off · free printable sheet with sign-off table.

Key points

• Assume all overhead power lines are energized.
• Stay at least 10 feet (3 metres) away from overhead power lines.
• Near power lines, use only ladders made of wood or fiberglass.
• Use only tools and cords that have a testing-laboratory mark and that are for heavy use.
• Before you use electrical equipment, examine it. Remove damaged equipment from service immediately.

Step by step

1. Examine the tool, the cord and the plug before you use them.
2. Use a 3-wire extension cord with strain relief.
3. Pull the plug, not the cord, to disconnect.
4. Keep tools and cords away from water. Do not use portable power tools in wet conditions.
5. Report damaged equipment and tag it "Do Not Use".

Never

• Never remove the ground prong from a plug.
• Never operate a generator indoors.
• Never work on a circuit that is energized unless you are qualified and authorized.

Who needs this training

• Unqualified workers — everyone who works near electrical equipment but does not repair it. They need to know the dangers and the rules for cords, tools, panels and power lines.
• Qualified workers — trained electricians and technicians who work on or near exposed live parts. They need more detailed training on safe work practices, approach distances and protective equipment.

What the rule says

In US general industry, OSHA's electrical safety work practices are in 29 CFR 1910.331 to 1910.335. Construction is covered by 29 CFR 1926 Subpart K. Many employers also follow NFPA 70E, the industry standard for electrical safety in the workplace.

Workers who face a risk of electric shock must be trained in the safety practices for their job. Equipment must be de-energized and locked out before work on it, unless that would create a greater hazard or is not possible.

Unqualified workers and their tools must stay at least 10 feet (3 metres) away from overhead power lines up to 50 kV, and farther for higher voltages.

Common mistakes

• Using a damaged cord or plug, or taping it up instead of taking it out of service.
• Removing the ground pin from a plug or using adapters to get around a three-pin socket.
• Daisy-chaining extension cords or power strips.
• Blocking electrical panels with stock or pallets.
• Moving a ladder, crane or long pipe without looking up for power lines.

Talk about it

1. Where are the overhead lines near our work area?
2. How do you report a damaged cord?
3. What do you do if a person gets a shock?

Quick check

Questions people ask

Based on OSHA publication "Working Safely with Electricity" (OSHA 3942); OSHA Electrical Safety QuickCard (OSHA 3294). This talk is a summary for training. Your site's written procedure and your supervisor's instructions come first.