6.7.5 Electrical Grounding Program for 110V AC Equipment
The electrical grounding program is established to provide a systematic inspection procedure for all 110 volt electrical equipment used on every company jobsite and shop area. The purpose of this inspection procedure is to identify any existing faults or potential faults with the grounding conductors of all 110 volt construction equipment, identify work area conditions that may cause or contribute to a fault condition, and implement immediate corrections to each situation identified. These efforts are necessary in order to prevent accidental electrical shock to an employee using the 110 volt electrical equipment. This program does not in any way replace regular safe-operating practice or the responsibility of all employees to visually check this and any other type of equipment before using it or placing it into operation.
Types of 110 volt equipment to be inspected in the program include: power tools, extension cords, light cords that have receptacles, plug and wiring adapters, multi-receptacle adapters, and portable generators with receptacles having three (3) wires. Exceptions are: double-insulated power tools, non-portable 110 volt equipment, receptacles that are part of a building or permanent structure, non-construction use equipment and equipment other than nominal 110 volt. Any 110 volt equipment that is always operated from a GFI (Ground Fault Interrupter) circuit is also exempt from the following Ground Assurance Program.
Electrical grounding inspections will be conducted periodically for equipment on all jobsites and shop areas where needed, and will be performed by qualified personnel who have been trained in proper procedure. A grounding inspection schedule may be prepared by the company Safety and Health Manager and sent to the appropriate foreman and superintendent prior to each inspection. As much notice as possible will be given, advising each crew of the date they are to bring their equipment into the shop. Each crew is to bring their equipment into the shop at the end of their shift and pick it up the following work day prior to the beginning of their shift. Any equipment failing the inspection and not repaired or replaced will be noted to the foreman and other arrangements to secure replacement equipment will be made.
Any equipment required to be inspected but not available or feasible to be brought in at the scheduled time will be rescheduled by the shop for later inspection or on-site inspection as necessary.
Equipment under this program may be inspected quarterly. Color codes of tape will be used to identify equipment that has been inspected and passed for the respective quarters. The colored tape will be placed by the inspector around the cord near the plug end of each piece of equipment passing each periodic inspection according to the following scheme:
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