Electricians' toolbox

Occupational Safety and Health Act

The Occupational Safety and Health Act (OSHA) was legislated to assure, so far as possible, every working man and woman in the Nation, safe and healthful working conditions and to preserve our human resources. The Act applies to business and industry with any number of employs.

The requirements of the Electrical Code,National provide the basis of the safety provisions of the Act. Specific references to electrical installations and electrical wiring systems are made in the Electrical Subpart "S".

The Act is "safety oriented", which closely parallels the quality design characteristics and industrial acceptance of product lines we carry.

We believe that we have a responsibility to assist our customers to meet the intent of the Act. When and if changes are necessary to ensure the safety of your electrical systems, we will assist you with proper guidance and product application information.

O.S.H.A. Most Common Violations

01. Uncovered junction Boxes
02. Wiring showing at splices
03. Improper solvent grounding and bonding
04. Lighting swinging
05. Fire extinguisher not readily available
06. Fire extinguisher, not tested, no durable tag
07. Fire extinguisher, not mounted, not mounted properly
08. No first aid facilities
09. No toilet facilities with in 200 ft.
10. No washing facilities for personal cleanliness
11. Inadequate housekeeping
12. Misuse of compressed air for cleaning
13. No GFCI on temporary receptacles
14. No properly trained first aid personnel
15. Gas Cylinders not capped
16. Exits not identified, exit route not identified
17. Acetylene oxygen storage improper
18. Workers not guarded by shield or goggles
19. Inadequate ventilation
20. Inadequate Lighting
21. Occupational noise exposure
22. Failure to post job safety and health poster
23. Misuse of electrical cords and cables
24. Walking and working surfaces
25. Guarding floor and wall openings and holes
26. Scaffolding, no guard rails
27. Inadequate recordkeeping 28. Failure to red tag
29. Aisles not designated
30. Aisles not cleared
31. Hand and portable power tools not grounded.
32. Improper stacking of materials
33. Absence of handrails
34. Unclean toilet facilities.
35. Grinder work rest not adjusted properly
36. Battery charging areas
37. Wheel chocks for trailers
38. Fans not guarded properly
39. Dockboards not in compliance
40. Absence of personal protective equipment
41. Machine guarding, fully enclosed
42. Lack of illumination in stairway
43. Deposit on sprinkler head
44. Broken Ladder
45. Unsecured ladder
46. Lack of signs requiring safety glasses
47. Lack of safety shoes, glasses, and hard hats
48. Dip tank, no fusible lid
49 No smoking signs, not posted
50. Ladder, no cage or wells
51. Rail Road derails not in use
52. Safety cables and stop buttons, red
53. Respirators not U.S. Bureau of mines approved.
54. Faulty cylinder storage

Some of these violations are really far fetched, but is is very possible that one your projects may be visited by an OSHA Inspector. If this happens do not get excited or upset, do not volunteer any information, but do answer truthfully any and all the questions asked of you by the inspector.

Your Employer's Rights and Requirements:

• Make sure the area is clear of recognized hazards.
• Post OSHA regulations in appropriate locations.
• Employs may write down inspector's name, badge number, time and date of inspection, and area inspected.
• Names of persons questioned by the inspector.
• Take notes about what is inspected, the current conditions, and who is responsible for those conditions.

OSHA Inspector's Rights and Requirements:

• Inspector has the right to enter and inspect any job site at will.
• May inspect OSHA records.
• Must present credentials.
• Must tell the general scope of the inspection.
• At the end of the inspection must advise you as to any and all violations.