• Faulty electrical equipment/machinery or wiring.
  
  
• Damaged receptacles and connectors.
  
  
• Unsafe work practices.

Comply with OSHA Standard 1910 Subpart S-Electrical-General. The standard is comprehensive and includes the following sections:

• Electrical equipment shall be free from recognized hazards [1910.303(b)(1)].
  
  
• Listed or labeled equipment shall be used or installed in accordance with any instructions included in the listing or labeling [1910.303(b)(2)].
  
  
• Sufficient access and working space shall be provided and maintained around all electric equipment to permit ready and safe operation and maintenance of such equipment [1910.303(g)(1)].
  
  
• Ensure that all electrical service near sources of water is properly grounded [1910.304(f)(5)(v)].
  
  
• Tag out and remove from service all damaged receptacles and portable electrical equipment [1910.334(a)(2)(ii)].
  
  
• Repair all damaged receptacles and portable electrical equipment before placing them back into service [1910.334(a)(2)(ii)].
  
  
• Ensure that employees are trained not to plug or unplug energized equipment when their hands are wet [1910.334(a)(5)(i)].
  
  
• Use safeguards for personnel protection and electrical protective equipment [1910.335].
  
  
• Select and use appropriate work practices [1910.333].
  
  
• Follow requirements for Hazardous Classified Locations [1910.307].

Employers should use ground-fault circuit interrupters (GFCIs) on all 120-volt, single-phase, and 15- and 20-ampere receptacles.

Wear and tear on electrical equipment or tools can result in insulation breaks, short-circuits and exposed wires. If there is no ground-fault protection, these can cause a ground-fault that sends current through the worker's body, resulting in electrical burns, explosions, fire, or death. The ground-fault circuit interrupter, or GFCI, is a fast-acting circuit breaker designed to shut off electric power in the event of a ground-fault and prevent injury to the worker.

Receptacle Type (GFCI)

• Electrical, Safety and Health Topics Page.
• 1910.305, Wiring methods, components, and equipment for general use.
• 1910.333, Selection and use of work practices.
• 1910.335, Safeguards for personnel protection.
• Preventing Fatalities of Workers Who Contact Electrical Energy NIOSH Alert, (1986).
• Prevention of Electrocutions in Fast Food Restaurants NIOSH Alert (1984).
• Electrical Safety-Related Work Practices--Inspection Procedures and Interpretation Guidelines. (1991, July 1).
• Preventing Electrocutions Due to Damaged Receptacles and Connectors: NIOSH Alert: October 1986, Pub. No. 867-100.