GFCI Required by NEC in wet area?

[EDawes]

In a wet granite cutting shop the floor is continuously wet. Grounded 110V 15A outlets are every 4ft along the walls which are incidently the low spot and cast iron drain gutters rim the building with all water moving from center out. OSHA cites wet areas without GFCI protection under:

1910.303(b)(1)
Examination. Electric equipment shall be free from recognized hazards that are likely to cause death or serious physical harm to employees. Safety of equipment shall be determined using the following considerations:

1910.303(b)(1)(viii)
Other factors that contribute to the practical safeguarding of persons using or likely to come in contact with the equipment.

1910.305(j)(2)(iv)
A receptacle installed in a wet or damp location shall be suitable for the location.
1910.334(a)(4)
Conductive work locations. Portable electric equipment and flexible cords used in highly conductive work locations (such a those inundated with water or other conductive liquids), or in job locations where employees are likely to contact water or conductive liquids, shall be approved for those locations.

Does NEC have any similar referance?

 

[LEO2854]

Look at 406.8 NEC 2008

Welcome to the forum

 

[cowboyjwc]

406.8 is talking about the covers.

According to 210.8(B) the receptacles are not required to be GFCI protected, but that's not to say that it's not a good idea.

Remember that we don't inspect to OSHA.

 

[pfalcon]

... Remember that we don't inspect to OSHA.

29CFR1910 Subpart S 302-308 is basically a short version of NFPA70 Article 110.
So, sort of you are and even more.

29CFR1926 Subpart K 402-408 is the construction site version.
To see where GFCI is going you might look at the matching construction sections which do require GFCI.

But as to GFCI used on industrial floors I haven't found an entry yet in OSH, NEC, 70E, or 79. Our site has adopted the following internal policy:

120 Vac equipment that requires a receptacle, internal work lighting, external task lighting, control power, or other power derived from the line side of the disconnect shall use a transformer with integral GFCI breaker and lockable disconnect. Other 120Vac receptacles and lighting are required to be protected by self-monitoring GFCI protection.

 

[hurk27]

In a wet granite cutting shop the floor is continuously wet. Grounded 110V 15A outlets are every 4ft along the walls which are incidentally the low spot and cast iron drain gutters rim the building with all water moving from center out. OSHA cites wet areas without GFCI protection under:

1910.303(b)(1)
Examination. Electric equipment shall be free from recognized hazards that are likely to cause death or serious physical harm to employees. Safety of equipment shall be determined using the following considerations:

1910.303(b)(1)(viii)
Other factors that contribute to the practical safeguarding of persons using or likely to come in contact with the equipment.

1910.305(j)(2)(iv)
A receptacle installed in a wet or damp location shall be suitable for the location.
1910.334(a)(4)
Conductive work locations. Portable electric equipment and flexible cords used in highly conductive work locations (such a those inundated with water or other conductive liquids), or in job locations where employees are likely to contact water or conductive liquids, shall be approved for those locations.

Does NEC have any similar reference?

Here is what I usually tell my industrial customers, while GFCI's are not required in all areas, whether it be from OSHA or the NEC or some other regulatory code.

The more you go out of your way to protect your employees the more liability you remove, the more good faith you show toward driving for safety, the better OSHA will treat you and when something does happen out of an accident that couldn't be avoided such as employee caused, then the better you look when OSHA investigates.

Build a safe environment for your workers, offer safety training, employ LOTO and Arc flash studies and PPE equipment, safety shoes, offer rewards for days going without an accidents.

The idea is the more you put into safety in good faith and proper knowledge the more you lower your risk of having OSHA fine you or worse yet, having to go through a lengthy court battle which can drag the company name through the mud.

Remember Codes are bare minimum, it doesn't hurt to go above and beyond.

 

[EDawes]

Your insight is appreciated

Your insight is appreciated

I am greatful for the thoughtful responses to my inquiry.
ed