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OFFICE ELECTRICAL SAFETY

Energy Technologies Area (ETA)

On the Job Training

May 25, 2016

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Office Electrical Hazards

  • Electrical equipment used in office areas is potentially hazardous and can cause electrical shock or fires if improperly maintained.
  • This brief training contains important electrical safety tips to follow for maintaining a safe office area.
  • After reviewing this training, take a few minutes to inspect your office area using the electrical safety check list provided.
  • Further information can also be found at the ETA Safety web site:https://eta-safety.lbl.gov/content/electrical-safety

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Are Cords and Plugs in Good Condition?

  • Inspect cords regularly to ensure they are not damaged.
  • Cord damage includes: cuts/tears of insulation, fraying, and exposed wiring.
  • Adapters should not be used to convert a three-prong plug into a two prong.

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Are Power Strips “Daisy Chained”?

  • One power strip should not be plugged into another power strip. This is called “daisy chaining”.
  • Daisy chaining can result in too many items plugged into an outlet causing an overloaded circuit.

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Are Cords Properly Placed to Prevent Damage?

  • Electrical cords should not be placed under floor mats or carpets.
  • Do not use staples, tacks or nails to secure electrical cords.
  • Electrical cords should not undergo severe bending, pressure or crimping.
  • Do not place cords in aisles where they can become a trip hazard.

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Are There Enough Electrical Outlets?

  • Extension cords are permitted only for temporary uses.
  • Extension cords should not be used as a means of reaching a far away outlet.
  • If additional outlets are needed in an area, contact the Building Manager. An electrician will properly install needed outlets.

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Are Electrical Outlets Free of Overloading?

  • Use of adapters to add plugs into an outlet should be avoided.
  • Too many items plugged into a single circuit can cause circuit overload and tripping of the main breakers.
  • In some instances, an overloaded circuit can overheat and cause a fire.

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Do Your GFCI’s Work Properly?Ground-Fault Circuit-Interrupters (GFCI’s)

  • GFCI’s are to be used when using electrical equipment in a wet environment
  • GFCI’s are designed to detect any leakage of current in an electrical circuit before it can harm you
  • GFCI’s turn off or “trip” the circuit whenever the leakage is greater than 5/1000 of an ampere
  • Test monthly using test button. Have something plugged into the circuit when testing.

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Is All Equipment >50 Volts NRTL Approved?

  • All electrical equipment greater than 50 volts must be approved by a Nationally Recognized Testing Laboratory (NRTL).
  • This includes power strips and electrical cords.
  • If NRTL approved equipment is not available, it must be inspected by the LBNL electrical inspectors prior to use.
  • Typical NRTL logos to look for:

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Is All Electrical Equipment in Good Condition?

  • Electrical equipment must be maintained in good operating condition.
  • Equipment must have all panels and covers securely affixed.
  • Wall outlets must have the wall plate affixed.
  • Look for signs of damage or overheating.
  • If equipment is defective, take it out of service immediately!

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Is a Portable Space Heater in Use?

  • Space heaters should be limited to small personal office areas only.
  • If possible, have Facilities make temperature adjustments to your area.
  • If a portable space heater is used, it must have:
    • A grounded (three prong) plug.
    • A maximum rating of 1500 watts or 13 amps.
    • Auto tip-over shut-off feature.
    • 36” clearance in front and 18” on sides and back.
  • Do not plug heaters into extension cords or power strips. They must be plugged directly into a wall outlet.

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Is Equipment Turned Off After Hours?

  • Where possible, electrical equipment should be turned off during non-business hours.
  • Area motion sensors should be used when feasible to prevent lights being left on at night.
  • Use equipment with the EPA “Energy Star” logo affixed.

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Office Electrical Safety Self-Assessment Form

  • A self-assessment form has been developed to assist in identifying electrical hazards.
  • If you identify any hazards, let your supervisor know right away.
  • Hazards must be promptly corrected. If needed, a Facilities Work Request should be submitted.

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