All portable electric equipment will be handled in such a manner that will
not damage or reduce service life. Flexible cords connected to equipment may not
be used for raising or lowering equipment and will not be used if damage to the
outer insulation is present. Additionally, visual inspections are required and
unauthorized alterations of the grounding protection are not allowed to ensure
the safety of employees. Prior to each shift, a visual inspection will be performed
for external defects and for possible internal damage. Attachment plugs and receptacles
may not be connected or altered in a manner that would prevent proper continuity
of the equipment grounding conductor. In addition, these devices may not be altered
to allow the grounding pole of a plug to be inserted into slots intended for connection
to the current-carrying conductors.
Portable electric equipment and flexible cords used in highly conductive work
locations or in job locations where employees are likely to contact water or conductive
liquids shall be approved by the manufacturer for those locations. The hazardous
locations that employees should be aware of include, wet locations and locations
where combustible or flammable atmospheres are present.
For wet locations, employees' hands will not be wet when plugging and unplugging
energized equipment. Energized plug and receptacle connections will be handled
only with protective equipment if the condition could provide a conductive path
to the employee's hand (if, for example, a cord connector is wet from being immersed
in water). In addition, ground-fault circuit interrupter (GFCI) protection is
required for some equipment/locations and is also recommended for use in all wet
or highly conductive locations.
For combustible/flammable atmospheres, all electric equipment and wiring systems
in classified locations must meet The National Electric Code requirements for
that particular classification.
