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    • Electrical Incidents. Outlines the most common electrical hazards for the construction industry and provides specific controls to help avoid injury.
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OSHA Standards

Electricity has long been recognized as a serious workplace hazard. OSHA's electrical standards are designed to protect employees exposed to dangers such as electric shock, electrocution, fires, and explosions. Electrical hazards are addressed in specific standards for the construction industry. This section highlights OSHA standards, frequently cited standards, directives (instructions for compliance officers), and standard interpretations (official letters of interpretation of the standards) related to electrical hazards.

Frequently Cited Standards

The following standards, in order, were the most frequently cited by Federal OSHA from October 2007 through September 2008, in Building Construction General Contractors And Operative Builders Industry Group (SIC code 1500). The following standards, in order, were the most frequently cited by Federal OSHA from October 2007 through September 2008, in Heavy Construction Other Than Building Construction Contractors Industry Group (SIC code 1600).
The following standards, in order, were the most frequently cited by Federal OSHA from October 2007 through September 2008, in Construction Special Trade Contractors Industry Group (SIC code 1700). Other Highlighted Standards
Construction Industry (29 CFR 1926)
  • For additional information on specific state plans or other general standards, see the general industry Standards page.
Federal Registers
  • NewConfined Spaces in Construction; Proposed Rule. OSHA Federal Register Proposed Rules 72:67351-67425, (2007, November 28). OSHA is proposing a rule to protect employees from the hazards resulting from exposure to confined spaces in the construction industry and proposing four classifications: Isolated-Hazard Confined Space, Controlled-Atmosphere Confined Space, Permit-Required Confined Space, and Continuous System-Permit-Required Confined Space. The proposed requirements for each type of confined space are tailored to control the different types of hazards.
Directives
Standard Interpretations Hazard Recognition

Many workers are unaware of the potential electrical hazards present in their work environment, which makes them more vulnerable to the danger of electrocution. According to 1926.21(b)(2), "The employer shall instruct each employee in the recognition and avoidance of unsafe conditions and the regulations applicable to his work environment to control or eliminate any hazards or other exposure to illness or injury." The following references aid in recognizing hazards associated with electrical work.

Possible Solutions

A variety of possible solutions may be implemented to reduce or eliminate the risk of injury associated with electrical work. Examples of solutions include the use of insulation, guarding, grounding, electrical protective devices, and safe work practices. The following references aid in controlling electrical hazards in the workplace.
Additional Information

Related Safety and Health Topics Pages Training
  • Electrical. OSHA Slide Presentation, 27 slides. Available for download, 4 MB ZIP*. Assists trainers conducting OSHA outreach training for workers emphasizing hazard identification, avoidance, and control.
*These files are provided for downloading.
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Content Reviewed 05/29/2008
 
 


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