Electrical Self-Inspection Checklist

Electrical current exposes workers to a serious, widespread occupational hazard. Many workers are unaware of the potential electrical hazards present in their work environment, which makes them more vulnerable to the danger of electrocution. Electrical injuries consist of four main types: electrocution (fatal), electric shock, burns, and falls caused as a result of contact with electrical energy.

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) addresses electrical safety in Subpart S of 29 CFR 1910.302 through 1910.399 of the General Industry Safety and Health Standards. The standards contain requirements that apply to all electrical installations and utilization equipment, regardless of when they were designed or installed. Subpart K of 29 CFR 1926.402 through 1926.408 of the OSHA Construction Safety and Health Standards contain installation safety requirements for electrical equipment and installations used to provide electric power and light at the jobsite. These sections apply to both temporary and permanent installations used on the jobsite.

This checklist can help supervisors ensure an electrically safe work environment.

	Yes	No	N/A
Are employees required to report any obvious hazard to life or property observed in connection with electrical equipment or lines?
Are employees instructed to make preliminary inspections and/or appropriate tests to determine what conditions exist before starting work on electrical equipment or lines?
Would an emergency responder (not a plant electrician) be able to recognize the main switch or switches?
Does each panelboard have a “legend” indicating the purpose of each circuit breaker, fuse, or switch in the panelboard? (e.g., #3 – lights, east side)
Is any aluminum wire used for wiring on the premises?
If aluminum wire is used, are all connectors and devices approved for use with aluminum?
When electrical equipment or lines are to be serviced, maintained, or adjusted, are necessary switches opened, locked-out, and tagged?
Are portable electrical tools and equipment grounded or of the double insulated type?
Are electrical appliances, such as vacuum cleaners and vending machines, grounded?
Do extension cords have a grounding conductor?
Are multiple plug adaptors prohibited?
Are ground-fault circuit interrupters installed on each temporary 15 or 20 ampere, 120 volt AC circuit at locations where construction, demolition, modifications, alterations or excavations are being performed?
If any electrical installations are in hazardous dust or vapor areas, do they meet the National Electrical Code (NEC) for hazardous locations?
Are flexible cords and cables free of splices or taps?
In wet or damp locations, are electrical tools and equipment appropriate for the use or location, or otherwise protected?
Is the location of electrical power lines and cables determined before digging or drilling?
Are metal measuring tapes, ropes, or similar devices with metallic thread woven into the fabric prohibited where they could come in contact with energized parts of equipment or circuit conductors?
Are metal ladders prohibited in areas where the ladder or the person using the ladder could come in contact with energized parts of equipment, fixtures, or circuit conductors?
Are all disconnecting switches and circuit breakers labeled to indicate their use or equipment served?
Are disconnecting means always opened before fuses are replaced?
Are all energized parts of electrical circuits and equipment guarded by approved cabinets or enclosures against accidental contact?
Is sufficient access and working space provided and maintained around all electrical equipment to permit ready and safe operations and maintenance?
Are all unused openings (including conduit knockouts) in electrical enclosures and fittings closed with appropriate covers, plugs or plates?
Is each motor disconnecting switch or circuit breaker located within sight of the motor control device?
Are employees who regularly work on or around energized electrical equipment or lines instructed in cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) methods?
Are employees prohibited from working alone on energized lines or equipment over 600 volts?