Here is a safety checklist for electrical cords, designed to help prevent electrical hazards in the workplace.

Electrical Cord Safety Checklist

Purpose: To ensure electrical cords are safe for use and to prevent electrical hazards.

Instructions: Inspect all electrical cords before each use. If any issues are found, remove the cord from service until it is repaired or replaced. Document inspections and corrective actions.

I. Visual Inspection (Before Each Use)

• Outer Jacket: Check for external defects such as cuts, abrasions, or damage to the outer jacket or insulation 2, 5.
• Internal Damage: Look for signs of possible internal damage, such as pinched or crushed areas 2, 5.
• Plugs and Connectors: Inspect for loose parts, deformed or missing pins, and proper mating configurations 2, 5.
• Grounding Conductor: Verify that cords used with grounding-type equipment contain an equipment grounding conductor 2, 5.

II. Handling and Usage

• Proper Use: Handle portable equipment in a manner that does not cause damage 2, 20.
• No Lifting: Do not use flexible cords to raise or lower equipment 2, 20.
• No Staples: Do not fasten flexible cords with staples or hang them in a way that could damage the insulation 2, 20.
• Strain Relief: Ensure cords are connected to devices and fittings with proper strain relief to prevent stress on joints or terminal screws 9, 13.
• Dry Hands: Employees' hands must not be wet when plugging and unplugging flexible cords and cord- and plug-connected equipment, if energized equipment is involved [1].
• Secured Connections: Properly secure locking-type connectors after connection [1].

III. Environmental Conditions

• Conductive Locations: Ensure cords used in highly conductive work locations (e.g., wet areas) are approved for those conditions 2, 5.
• Flammable Materials: Do not use electrical equipment capable of igniting flammable materials where such materials are occasionally present 1, 6.

IV. Testing and Maintenance

• Continuity Testing: Test equipment grounding conductors for continuity 3, 11.
• Grounding Connection: Test receptacles and plugs to ensure the equipment grounding conductor is properly connected 3, 11.
• GFCI Protection: All 125-volt, single-phase, 15- and 20-ampere receptacles installed in bathrooms or on rooftops must have ground-fault circuit-interrupter protection for personnel [2].
• Test Records: Record all tests, identifying each item that passed and the date of testing. Keep records accessible for inspection 3, 11.

V. General Requirements

• Approved Equipment: Ensure all electrical equipment and cords are approved for their intended use and location 4, 18.
• No Exposed Parts: Fixtures, lampholders, lamps, rosettes, and receptacles may have no live parts normally exposed to employee contact 8, 10.
• Proper guarding: Ensure that a luminaire that is located at a height of less than 2.1 metres above a working or walking surface is protected against physical or mechanical damage by installation of a safeguard or the location of the luminaire [3].
• Fire Extinguisher: Ensure that a fire extinguisher approved for Class C fires is readily available to workers working on or near energized high voltage electrical equipment [4].

VI. Corrective Actions

• If defects or damage are found, remove the item from service immediately 2, 5.
• Repair or replace damaged cords and equipment before further use 2, 5.

VII. Training and Competency

• Only qualified persons must perform testing work on electric circuits or equipment [1].
• Ensure employees are trained on the proper use and inspection of electrical cords [5].

VIII. Follow-Up Actions

• Schedule regular inspections of electrical cords and equipment 3, 11.
• Review and update this checklist as needed to reflect changes in workplace conditions or regulations.

Inspector Name: __________________________

Date: __________________________

Supervisor Signature: __________________________

Notes/Comments:

---