Electrical Safety
Electrical Safety at Shepherd University
The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) code, West Virginia State Fire Code and other safety codes and regulations do not allow Shepherd University employees to perform some of the same practices on University grounds that they may otherwise perform in their homes. Electrical work should always be performed by those qualified to perform the work. Employees should never perform electrical work that they are not qualified to perform. Click on the button below to view OSHA’s Quick Card on Electrical Safety.
OSHA Quick Card – Electrical Safety
Extension Cord Safety
NFPA code does not allow for extension cords to be used as many people may use them in their homes. Extension cords are for temporary use only and may not be used as a substitute for fixed permanent wiring. Extension cords should be inspected before each use for defects and damage. Never use a defective or damaged extension cord. When using extension cords, users should be mindful of their work environment (e.g. construction areas, damp or wet areas, high traffic areas).
extension cord use do’s and don’t’s:
- Always inspect cords and plugs for damage before use.
- Always plug cords in with DRY hands.
- Use extension cords with Ground Fault Circuit Interruption (GFI) during maintenance and construction activities and in damp or wet locations.
- Store extension cords in a manner to prevent damage.
- Fully insert plugs into outlets and devices into extension cords.
- Do not use defective or damaged cords. (Immediately remove them from use.)
- Do not use a cord with a ground pin missing.
- Do not exceed the cord’s rating.
- Do not run cords across aisles, walkways, or regular paths of travel.*
- Do not run cords through doorways, ceilings, walls or floors.^
- Do not staple, nail or fasten cords in any way that may damage them.
- Do not piggy-back extension cords (i.e. plugging two or more cords together).
- Do not piggy-back extension cords with power strips.
- Do not use household-use extension cords (see picture below).
- Do not keep extension cords plugged in and energized when not being used.
- Do not pull on cords to disconnect them from outlets.
*If running cords through an aisle, walkway or regular path of travel, precautions should be taken to avoid creating hazards, such as a trip hazard.
^If running cords through doorways or windows, precautions should be taken to ensure the cord will not be damaged. Precautions should also be taken to avoid creating trip hazards.