When we think of workplace safety, we tend to think about fire or chemical hazards. We often overlook the innocuous yet prominent extension cords. These flexible cables connect any electrical equipment with a power source making life easy for employees and office administrators. Let us face it. We do not have enough electrical outlets for our varying needs, especially during those long meetings when people scurry for an outlet.
**Extension Cord - Uses at Work Site **
Extension cords can meet the needs of any device - whether it is a simple device like a laptop or a heavy-duty machine like a drill. As the name suggests, extension cords come in different sizes, colors, and thicknesses. Some standard sizes available are 16 gauge, 14 gauge, 12 gauge, and 10 gauge cords. The 10 gauge extension cord is the biggest and used for extra heavy-duty devices that consume more power. The wire gauge determines how much electricity the cord can carry and how much resistance it can offer.
Extension cords are standard workday equipment, yet people are not accustomed to handling them the right way. Here are a few things that can reduce some risks related to occupational injuries.
Reduce the Risk of Tripping
Scattered and uncovered cables or wires run the risk of tripping people. The office environment is a high-risk environment when people move around. Push these cables under a carpet or keep them concealed without any protruding cable loops. Make sure the cords are in the same room and do not run across rooms across doorways. A protruding cable in a high footfall area is the perfect recipe for disaster.
Keep the Extension Cord Cover Intact
The cover or jacket of the extension cord is vulnerable. It is a smooth layer and is easily prone to damage. Experts advise against stapling the cords or fixing the cords on ceilings with metal hooks. This process can result in the hook or staple running deep into the cord's jacket, sometimes even damaging the cable.
Even if the cord's jacket escapes the nail, there’s still a high possibility of employees pulling or tugging at the cable, resulting in damaged cords. What’s worse? Frayed cords can also expose active wiring, which can be hazardous.
Avoid Damaged Cords
It is usual to spot a cord or two with a duct tape patch on it. It seems like a natural thing to do, right? Just minor damage, why not patch it up and make it work like normal? Wrong! Damaged cords can cause electrical damage. Even cords that are cracked or frayed can cause damage.
It is a violation of the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) rule. Replace the cord even if it is a brand new cord damaged because of rough handling, pinching, or rolling over. Run periodic checks to ensure all cords are perfect without any damage.
Do Not Club Extension Cords
A common violation in workplaces is the plugging of two extension cords together. It can cause an electrical hazard that could put employee safety at risk. Why is this risky? Clubbing can result in volt drop and cause overheating. Any extended wire more than 100 feet in length can be dangerous. Instead, use alternative power sources like a temporary power box. There is another crucial thing to remember. Do not attach several pieces of equipment to the cord as it can overload and cause heating.
Use GFCI Outlet or GFCI Circuit Breaker-Protected Branch
GFCIs or Ground Fault Circuit Interrupters can cut off the power supply in an unsafe environment to prevent any electrical incidents. In other words, it can prevent electrocution. GFCIs prevent any leaking current from passing through a person. While ideally used near water locations, GFCIs can be used in extension cords as they reduce risk.
**
How to Use Extension Cords**
Some tips to remember while using extension cords-
Never handle extension cords with wet hands.
If you are not using the plugged extension cord, unplug the cord and keep it in a safe place.
1.Do not touch a hot extension cord.
2.These cables are built to withstand heat. Any heat could be a sign of overload.
3.Do not use cords designated for outdoor use indoors and vice versa. Outdoor cords are more durable and designed for protection against rough conditions. Indoor cords, on the other hand, are thinner.
4.Never remove the grounding pin from the extension cord. Remove cords by pulling the plug and not the wires.
Image source
The Bottom Line
Workplace safety is no longer confined to heavy-duty construction or related jobs. Corporate employees prefer moving around and sitting in places where they feel comfortable. While this enhances employee morale, this can be a nightmare for building managers or administrators. Following these simple measures can ensure that employers can provide a safe and secure workplace.
There is nothing more hazardous than a cluttered space. Always keep unused cords indoors and ensure proper housekeeping regularly. Simple precautions like these go a long way in improving employee safety at the workplace.