Cords Should NOT Be on the Floor
Recently a friend of mine was cited by OSHA – not once, but twice, for a cord on the floor. Once as a tripping hazard, once as an electrical hazard (the cord ran through an open door). These were TWO separate serious citations, totaling approximately $9500…
It’s a given – cords have to be on the floor or the ground – sometimes. But we can always do more to minimize the potential for trips and falls and electrical contact –
- Hang them, wherever and whenever possible
- Roll them up and secure them after unplugging lifts or when not in use
- DO NOT run over with lifts, scaffolds, or other equipment. Where a cord is crossing an aisle way, have someone pick it up as you traverse under. There should NEVER be an excuse for driving over a cord.
- Don’t run cords over sharp edges such as bottom track or temp door bucks
- Keep them off to the sides of hallways and walkways if they MUST be on the floor
- If a cord must be run through a doorway, ensure the door is blocked so it can’t pinch the cord
- Provide a sufficient number of drops to minimize the use of extension cords overall
- Use battery operated tools. Build a shelf at the temp location to support chargers…
There are a few different alternatives for hanging (never use tie wire or other conductive materials, nails, screws, etc.). Here are two:
Cord Safety Bracket – www.sheepindustry.com
Stiffy Hanger - https://bit.ly/2hVJga2
Some additional ideas based on feedback/comments:
Swivel J-Hooks: https://www.siouxchief.com/products/support/dwv-hangers/extension-hangers/swivel-j-hanger
Cable Safe hooks: https://www.cablesafe.com/cable-management/cablesafe/
Carnie Quick Hooks: https://www.carniequickhooks.com/?
Each has advantages and disadvantages - you may need to combine systems given status of construction or structural configuration - one size does not fit all!
You can use “trees”, stands, or anything else that works…but a pre-engineered solution as above is likely best and fastest. If you have other ideas, please share.
Want an editable copy of this document, one you can customize to your application? Try this: https://bit.ly/nocordsfloor? - if you do use it, please send a copy so I know...not required, but nice to know!
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Safety Specialist; Management; Human Resources
1 年Thanks, used info for my toolbox talk this morning.
Environment, Health and Safety Manager North America | Occupational Safety, Environmental Stewardship
2 年As per the following OSHA letter of Interpretation:? https://www.osha.gov/laws-regs/standardinterpretations/2003-01-16 The prohibition in §1926.405(g)(1)(iii) against running flexible cords and cables through holes in walls, ceilings, and floors does not apply where they are being used for one of the purposes listed in §1926.405(g)(1)(i). One such listed use is in (C), for connection of portable lamps. Therefore, under these sections, flexible cords and cables are permitted to be run through walls, ceilings, or floors when used to power portable lamps. Another listed use in (C) is for connection of "appliances." In §1926.449, the standard defines appliances as:?utilization equipment, generally other than industrial, normally built in standardized sizes or types, which is installed or connected as a unit to perform one or more functions.?In general, portable construction power tools that are cord-and-plug connected, such as power hand drills, portable table saws, portable electric compressors for air-powered nailers, etc., meet the terms of this definition and so are "appliances" for purposes of this standard. Therefore, flexible cords/cables may be run through holes in walls, ceilings, or floors to power them.
Directeur Qualité
7 年Any of these or similar products available in Canada?
Regional EHS Manager
8 年Thank you Mark. I emailed it out to our facility Ops Managers and facility Safety Champions as a reminder.
Eastern Division Safety Manager
8 年Shared you article with other safety coordinators. Thank you