GFI extension cord's

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Davebones

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Maintenance shop in a manufacturing plant . Even though we are not a construction site , should our maintenance personal not be using GFI extension cords on work they do in our plant .
 
Davebones said:
Maintenance shop in a manufacturing plant . Even though we are not a construction site , should our maintenance personal not be using GFI extension cords on work they do in our plant .
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They should. Although not an NEC code but it is an OSHA requirement. Even though we use our drop cords outdoors a lot we were issued the GFCI pigtail plugs and must use it whether indoors or out.
 
Even if not required it is a good practice. GFCI's do what they are intended to do pretty well, most 'nuisance trips' are not nuisance trips, but are in fact the device doing what it is supposed to do.
 
I always use them when a building.s recepticle is not close enough and an extention cord is needed. safety department always said it was an osha requirement since there isn't an insured equipment grounding program, I could be dead wrong on this too.
 
Davebones said:
Maintenance shop in a manufacturing plant . Even though we are not a construction site , should our maintenance personal not be using GFI extension cords on work they do in our plant .
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The NEC requires ground fault protection of portable equipment used for remodeling, maintenance or repair.

This is not limited to just construction sites, it applies to all locations.




590.6 Ground-Fault Protection for Personnel. Groundfault
protection for personnel for all temporary wiring installations
shall be provided to comply with 590.6(A) and
(B). This section shall apply only to temporary wiring installations
used to supply temporary power to equipment
used by personnel during construction, remodeling, maintenance,
repair, or demolition of buildings, structures,
equipment, or similar activities. This section shall apply to
power derived from an electric utility company or from an
on-site-generated power source.


(A) Receptacle Outlets. All 125-volt, single-phase, 15-,
20-, and 30-ampere receptacle outlets that are not a part of
the permanent wiring of the building or structure and that
are in use by personnel shall have ground-fault circuit interrupter
protection for personnel.
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An extension cord is not part of the permanent wiring of the building.

This NEC requirement along with OSHAs general duty clause can make it an OSHA issue.



OSHA Act of 1970

SEC. 5. Duties

(a) Each employer --

(1) shall furnish to each of his employees employment and a place of employment which are free from recognized hazards that are causing or are likely to cause death or serious physical harm to his employees;

(2) shall comply with occupational safety and health standards promulgated under this Act.


(b) Each employee shall comply with occupational safety and health standards and all rules, regulations, and orders issued pursuant to this Act which are applicable to his own actions and conduct.
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While I agree that the use of GFCI pig tails is a fine idea, I cannot see Article 590 as applying to general maitenance in areas not requiring it.

590.1 Scope. The provisions of this article apply to temporary
electric power and lighting installations.
 
jumper said:
While I agree that the use of GFCI pig tails is a fine idea, I cannot see Article 590 as applying to general maitenance in areas not requiring it.

590.1 Scope. The provisions of this article apply to temporary
electric power and lighting installations.
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Exactly ........... and nothing is more temporary than an extension cord with portable tool connected to the end of it.
 
kwired said:
Even if not required it is a good practice. GFCI's do what they are intended to do pretty well, most 'nuisance trips' are not nuisance trips, but are in fact the device doing what it is supposed to do.
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I agree with this, it really doesn't matter if you can make an argument that it may not be needed, it is a very good practice that could save someone.
 
iwire said:
Exactly ........... and nothing is more temporary than an extension cord with portable tool connected to the end of it.
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Bob, I am not saying that GFCI protection may or may not be required by OSHA.

But your argument for 590 is too broad. It means that 590 would apply to any worker, in any field, in any area, doing any job that uses an extension cord.
 
jumper said:
But your argument for 590 is too broad. It means that 590 would apply to any worker, in any field, in any area, doing any job that uses an extension cord.
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I do not thing it is too broad, I think your interpretation is too narrow. :)

Yes IMO it applies to any worker in any field, in any area, that is doing construction, remodeling, maintenance, repair or demolition of buildings, structures, equipment, or similar activities.

For instance this would apply to a maintenance worker using a corded power drill to repair machinery. (Along the lines of the OPs question)



Here is an official OSHA interpretation about temp power.



April 15, 1992

Mr. Robert L. Echols
Belco Electric, Inc.
3118 Marian Drive
Atlanta, Georgia 30340

Dear Mr. Echols:

This is in response to your January 31 letter requesting an interpretation of the application of Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) construction standards and whether temporary wiring requirements apply to cord sets connected to permanent wiring.

In regard to what constitutes a construction site or when OSHA construction standards apply, please be advised that part 1926 applies to all "construction work" which is defined in 29 CFR 1910.12(b) as "work for construction, alteration and/or repair, including painting and decorating." Therefore, OSHA construction standards would apply to the electrical installation referred to in your letter if construction, alteration or repair work is being performed. Whether or not the permanent wiring has been installed is not relevant to the applicability of the standard. The key factor is whether the activity being performed is construction work.

In regard to whether an extension cord, used to supply power between permanent wiring and a hand tool, is temporary wiring, please be advised that OSHA considers extension cords as temporary extensions of branch circuits and therefore GFCI's or an assured equipment grounding conductor program is normally required (1926.404(b)(1)).

However, if the area in which work is being performed is completed to the extent that the building finish has been applied and if employees are not exposed to contact with large grounded objects (such as metal ducts and structural steel and concrete, including flooring), the severe ground-fault hazards addressed by the standard would not be present. The Agency's policy is to treat this condition as de minimis (1926.404(b)(1)) in such areas, whether or not the electric power to tools in use is supplied by extension cord sets. This is based on the permanent nature of the electrical installations and the condition and maintenance of electrical tools and equipment used in general industry, as contrasted with the temporary wiring, which is frequently moved, and the rough use, abuse, and the relatively poorer condition and maintenance of electrical tools and equipment found on construction sites.

If we can be of any further assistance, please contact Mr. Roy F. Gurnham or Mr. Dale R. Cavanaugh of my staff in the Office of Construction and Maritime Compliance Assistance at (202) 523-8136.

Sincerely,



Patricia K. Clark, Director
Directorate of Compliance Programs
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From here http://www.osha.gov/pls/oshaweb/owadisp.show_document?p_table=INTERPRETATIONS&p_id=20624
 
Under the section "cord sets" , from here:

http://63.234.227.130/pls/oshaweb/owadisp.show_document?p_table=FEDERAL_REGISTER&p_id=21193


Maintenance activities that do not involve electrical hazards
similar to those found in construction are not "construction-like,"
and therefore are not subject to Sec. 1910.304(b)(3)(ii). Building
maintenance activities such as floor polishing and vacuuming and
drilling holes to hang pictures on walls, would be some common examples
of such activities.
 
jumper said:
Under the section "cord sets" , from here:

http://63.234.227.130/pls/oshaweb/owadisp.show_document?p_table=FEDERAL_REGISTER&p_id=21193


Maintenance activities that do not involve electrical hazards
similar to those found in construction are not "construction-like,"
and therefore are not subject to Sec. 1910.304(b)(3)(ii). Building
maintenance activities such as floor polishing and vacuuming and
drilling holes to hang pictures on walls, would be some common examples
of such activities.
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Basically the link you posted backs up my position entirely.


Back to the OP ..

Maintenance shop in a manufacturing plant . Even though we are not a construction site , should our maintenance personal not be using GFI extension cords on work they do in our plant .
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To me, that does not sound like the OP is talking about floor polishing, vacuuming and drilling holes to hang pictures on walls.

To me the environment inside a manufacturing plant / maintenance shop is "construction like" as your linked document talks about.

The following requirements apply to temporary wiring
installations that are used during construction-like activities,
including certain maintenance, remodeling, or repair activities,
involving buildings, structures or equipment. [Emphasis added.]

This change makes it clear that Sec. 1910.304(b)(3)(ii) applies
only to such activities.
b. Construction-Like Activities
When determining whether the provisions of Sec. 1910.304(b)(3)(ii)
apply, employers must determine whether a particular activity is
"construction-like" in nature.
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This will not be an issue someday when all receptacle outlets are required to be GFCI protected:)

I think if you are in a industrial place and find yourself needing GFCI adapters or cordsets most of the time it is time to consider installing GFCI protection on the permanent wiring - at least all new additions and maybe some places that are known to be used for the purpose frequently.

It saves having to make sure employees remember that they need to use the GFCI cord or adapter. A single incident involving a fine from OSHA will pay for a lot of GFCI devices.
 
kwired said:
This will not be an issue someday when all receptacle outlets are required to be GFCI protected:)

I think if you are in a industrial place and find yourself needing GFCI adapters or cordsets most of the time it is time to consider installing GFCI protection on the permanent wiring - at least all new additions and maybe some places that are known to be used for the purpose frequently.

It saves having to make sure employees remember that they need to use the GFCI cord or adapter. A single incident involving a fine from OSHA will pay for a lot of GFCI devices.
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Very good common sense. Also, think about the attorney fees you will save.
 
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