RE: Ground Cords

[Guest guest]

Group:

After hearing about a recent electrical problem where a water

damage restoration contractor almost lost one of his employees to electrocution,

I’ve started researching out some of the NIOSH, CFR and industry requirements.

Anything you can add will help in creating a better compliance training program

for contractors.

Thanks,

Moffett

 

[Guest guest]

Pat:

Any contractor performing work where water is present, asbestos, LBP, mold, water damage, etc., must use GFI protected equipment: Cal-OSHA Title 8, Subchapter 5-Electrical Safety Orders, Section 2743, 2930, and for low-voltage systems 2395. That equipment includes power cords and junction boxes. And, these systems are only marginally effective when plugged into common electrical service. To be fully effective, the electrical service must be well grounded with a well bonded ground, and that ground must be less than 100 ohms impedance. How many remediation contractors even understand what a well bonded ground is, let alone impedance? To provide the best safety, I typically require a licensed electrical contractor inspect and certify power supplies, physically test all GFI components, and document ground impedance. How many remediation contractors have/know a licensed electrician, or use one? The answer is...not many, and I believe that this represents a significant risk of injury. How many contractors weekly test their GFI protected circuits? Maybe this is relevant to the contractor you know of who “lost” an employee recently.

For what it is worth......

Group:

After hearing about a recent electrical problem where a water damage restoration contractor almost lost one of his employees to electrocution, I’ve started researching out some of the NIOSH, CFR and industry requirements. Anything you can add will help in creating a better compliance training program for contractors.

Thanks,

Moffett

 

[Guest guest]

Pat:

I think the short answer is to provide GFCIs for all electrical circuits/equipment used. The longer answer, on large or difficult projects, may be to disconnect and lockout electrical power to the area. New temporary service may then be provided specifically for utilities and equipment needed, with proper design for the environment and with proper GFCI protection. This could include designation of Class/Group/Division to guide the design of the temporary system.

I assume NEC and OSHA regulations will address this issue.

Don Schaezler, Ph.D., P.E., CIH

ETC Information Services, LLC

Group:

After hearing about a recent electrical problem where a water damage restoration contractor almost lost one of his employees to electrocution, I've started researching out some of the NIOSH, CFR and industry requirements. Anything you can add will help in creating a better compliance training program for contractors.

Thanks,

Moffett

[Guest guest]

Mike and Don,

Thanks for the heads up on GFI’s (GFCI’s). I’ve

considered GFI’s before asking the question about grounded cords. Please

help me with code requirements meaning, I believe somewhere there is an

electrical safety code:

·

Requiring contractors to use 14 gauge extension cords with 20

amp, for cords that are not longer than 100 feet.

·

Requiring contractors to use rubber electrical cap connectors

(male and female) when cords are used in wet environments.

Any thoughts?

Moffett

From: iequality

[mailto:iequality ] On Behalf Of Geyer

Sent: Saturday, March 15, 2008 3:48 PM

To: iequality

Subject: Re: Ground Cords

Pat:

Any contractor performing work where water is present, asbestos, LBP, mold,

water damage, etc., must use GFI protected equipment: Cal-OSHA Title 8,

Subchapter 5-Electrical Safety Orders, Section 2743, 2930, and for low-voltage

systems 2395. That equipment includes power cords and junction boxes.

And, these systems are only marginally effective when plugged into common

electrical service. To be fully effective, the electrical service must be

well grounded with a well bonded ground, and that ground must be less than 100

ohms impedance. How many remediation contractors even understand what a

well bonded ground is, let alone impedance? To provide the best safety, I

typically require a licensed electrical contractor inspect and certify power

supplies, physically test all GFI components, and document ground impedance.

How many remediation contractors have/know a licensed electrician, or use

one? The answer is...not many, and I believe that this represents a

significant risk of injury. How many contractors weekly test their GFI

protected circuits? Maybe this is relevant to the contractor you know of

who “lost” an employee recently.

For what it is worth......

Group:

After hearing about a recent electrical problem where a water damage

restoration contractor almost lost one of his employees to electrocution, I’ve

started researching out some of the NIOSH, CFR and industry requirements.

Anything you can add will help in creating a better compliance training program

for contractors.

Thanks,

Moffett