Electrical Cord Safety Checklist

This checklist is designed to ensure the safe use of electrical cords and prevent electrical hazards in the workplace. It applies to all cord- and plug-connected equipment and flexible cord sets (extension cords) [1].

Instructions: Inspect each item before use and mark as satisfactory or unsatisfactory. If any item is marked as unsatisfactory, remove the cord from service until repairs are made [1].

I. Visual Inspection (To be completed before each shift)

• Outer Jacket/Insulation: Check for any damage to the outer jacket or insulation of the cord, such as cuts, abrasions, or exposed wires 1, 2.

  • Corrective Actions:

• Plugs and Connectors: Inspect plugs and connectors for loose parts, deformed or missing pins, and proper mating configurations 1, 2.

  • Corrective Actions:

• Evidence of Internal Damage: Look for signs of possible internal damage, such as pinched or crushed outer jacket 1, 2.

  • Corrective Actions:

• Markings: Ensure that the cord is marked with the type designation, size, and number of conductors at intervals not exceeding 24 inches 3, 16.

  • Corrective Actions:

II. Grounding and Conductive Locations

• Grounding Conductor: Verify that cords used with grounding-type equipment contain an equipment grounding conductor 1, 2.

  • Corrective Actions:

• Continuity: Test all equipment grounding conductors for continuity and ensure they are properly connected to the grounding terminal 6, 10.

  • Corrective Actions:

• Adapters: Ensure that adapters which interrupt the continuity of the equipment grounding connection are not in use 1, 2.

  • Corrective Actions:

• Work Locations: Confirm that cords used in highly conductive work locations (e.g., wet areas) are approved for those locations 1, 2.

  • Corrective Actions:

III. Handling and Usage

• Handling Practices: Ensure cords are handled in a manner that does not cause damage. Cords should not be used for raising or lowering equipment, or fastened with staples 1, 7.

  • Corrective Actions:

• Splices: Check that flexible cords are used in continuous lengths without splices or taps, unless splices retain the original cord properties 3, 16.

  • Corrective Actions:

• Strain Relief: Verify that cords are connected to devices and fittings with proper strain relief to prevent pull from being directly transmitted to joints or terminal screws 3, 16.

  • Corrective Actions:

• Wet Conditions: Ensure employees' hands are dry when plugging and unplugging cords and equipment [2].

  • Corrective Actions:

IV. Testing and Recording (To be completed at specified intervals)

• Testing Frequency: Test cords and receptacles before first use, after repairs, after incidents that could cause damage, and at intervals not exceeding three months (six months for fixed cords not exposed to damage) 6, 10.

  • Corrective Actions:

• Test Record: Maintain a record of all tests, identifying each cord, receptacle, and equipment that passed the test, and the date of testing 6, 10.

  • Corrective Actions:

V. Other Considerations

• Overcurrent Protection: Do not modify overcurrent protection of circuits and conductors beyond what is allowed [2].

  • Corrective Actions:

• Flammable Materials: Ensure that electric equipment capable of igniting flammable materials is not used where such materials are present 4, 8.

  • Corrective Actions:

VI. Certification

Inspected by: __________________________

Date: __________________________

Supervisor Review: __________________________