Electrical Safety in Construction Flashcards

A worker receives an electric shock on a construction site. After removing the worker from contact (safely), what is the FIRST medical priority?

Answer: Assess airway, breathing, and circulation (ABCs) and begin CPR if needed

Electrical shock can cause cardiac arrest and respiratory failure. The first priority is assessing ABCs and beginning CPR if the victim is not breathing or has no pulse — cardiac arrest from electrocution is survivable with immediate CPR.

Under OSHA 1926.405(a)(2)(ii), what is the maximum ampere rating for an extension cord used with a 15-amp tool on a construction site?

Answer: The cord must be rated at least 15 amps

Extension cords must be rated for at least the amperage of the tool they power. A 15-amp tool requires a cord rated at minimum 15 amps. Under-rated cords will overheat and create fire and shock hazards.

When must temporary wiring on a construction site be removed?

Answer: When the construction work for which it was installed is complete

Temporary wiring must be removed upon completion of the construction work for which it was installed. It may not be repurposed as permanent wiring, as it does not meet the code requirements for permanent electrical installations.

An STSC supervisor observes workers using a metal ladder near overhead power lines. What is the correct guidance according to OSHA electrical safety standards?

Answer: Non-conductive (fiberglass or wood) ladders must be used near electrical hazards

OSHA 1926.951(f) and 1926.1053(b)(12) require that non-conductive ladders be used where the worker or the ladder could contact exposed energized parts. Metal ladders conduct electricity and must never be used near electrical hazards.

Under OSHA's electrical safety requirements, when is it permissible to work on energized electrical systems (live work)?

Answer: When de-energizing introduces additional or increased hazards, or is infeasible due to equipment design or operational limitations

OSHA 1926.416 and NFPA 70E establish that energized electrical work is permitted only when de-energizing the equipment would introduce additional hazards (e.g., loss of power to critical life-safety systems) or is infeasible due to equipment design or operational limitations.

What is the recommended treatment for a worker who has experienced contact with high-voltage electrical lines but appears uninjured and conscious?

Answer: Ensure emergency medical evaluation at a hospital, as serious internal injuries and delayed cardiac effects can occur

All workers who have experienced high-voltage electrical contact must receive emergency medical evaluation, even if they appear fine. Internal burns, organ damage, and delayed cardiac arrhythmias can cause death hours after contact.