Page 39 - IEC Insights May-June21_PAGES

There were 166 electrical fatalities in 2019, a 3.75% increase over

2018, and the highest amount of electrical fatalities since 2011.
There were 1,900 nonfatal electrical injuries resulting in workers

taking time off work, a 22% increase over 2018.

OSHA states that contact with cord sets or devices incorporating listed keeping cords on their holders and
electricity is one of the leading causes GFCI protection for portable use is tucking away excess length while
of construction workplace fatalities. permitted. Other receptacle outlets shall charging. Be sure your employees know
However, temporary power is essential to be GFCI protected or be included in an to report any charging cord damage to
construction worksites, despite the risk assured equipment grounding conductor appropriate personnel. Ensure charging
it poses to workers. Temporary Power program. Be sure to always test GFCIs equipment has been rated and listed
Safety (bit.ly/2QFQO7R) was created to monthly. Keep a test and maintenance by a Nationally Recognized Testing
address these risks. Always ensure proper log of the equipment and cord sets Laboratory such as UL, CSA, or Intertek.
safety procedures are met when working being used. Always disconnect power
with or around temporary power. and lockout/tagout when maintaining, Establish time limits on chargers and
repairing, extending, or re-routing remind users of time limits to promote
Temporary wiring should be designed temporary power. Maintain circuit efficient use. Prohibit users from
and installed according to OSHA, NEC, directories to guarantee worker safety. disconnecting other user’s electric
and NFPA 70E requirements and must vehicles and establish a protocol for
be installed by a qualified electrician. Temporary power must be removed users who pass their allotted time on
Temporary power equipment should when the project is complete. Temporary a charger. Be sure users store charging
be protected from vehicle traffic, wiring is only allowed for construction, cords (https://bit.ly/3gn5cNq) properly
accessible only to authorized persons, remodeling, maintenance, repair, or by providing signage for proper storage.
and suitable for the environmental demolition of buildings, structures, Payment and payment methods are
conditions that may be present. Always or equipment, and similar activities, decided by the charging station owner.
calculate the electrical load demand emergencies, tests, experiments, and Requiring payment may help recover
to ensure the temporary power can developmental work. Temporary wiring equipment and usage cost. Options
supply all connected loads. Confirm must be removed immediately upon include a charge per kilowatt-hour used,
all unused openings are covered and completion of construction or the time parked, or a flat fee.
closed to afford protection substantially purpose for which it was installed.
equivalent to the wall of the equipment. Electrical safety awareness and
Unused panelboard disconnects and As many consumers consider purchasing education among employees and
breaker openings must be effectively or have purchased electric vehicles, employers will prevent future workplace
closed to prevent any foreign objects many building owners or managers electrical injuries and fatalities. This
from getting inside. Establish a may want to consider installing electric education is vitally important as
timeframe of when temporary power vehicle chargers in their building or emerging technology increases in
will be removed or switched over to place of business. Installing Electric installation and usage, especially for
permanent power. Vehicle Chargers (https://bit.ly/32sveqg) workers unfamiliar with or lacking
states that adding type three chargers the experience of working around the
Be sure to inspect cords and wiring to to a building can attract new business technology. To access ESFI’s complete
ensure there is no damage or alterations or provide an incentive to employees collection of free-to-share resources to
before temporary power use. Temporary while showing your social corporate use in your workplace or community,
wiring must be maintained in a safe, responsibility. Type three chargers visit esfi.org.
code-compliant manner. Ensure all provide 60 to 80 miles of range in 20
equipment, receptacles, flexible cords, minutes. Installation typically ranges
and cables are properly grounded. Use from $30,000 to $75,000. Brianne Deerwester is the
equipment rated for the environment, communications coordinator for
indoor or outdoor, where supplied by Educating employees on charging safety the Electrical Foundation Safety
International. She handles all traditional
temporary power. GFCI protection is and charging etiquette can ensure the and social media, promoting electrical
required for all 125-volt, 15-, 20-, and safe use and longevity of your chargers. safety at home and in the workplace.
30-ampere receptacle outlets. Listed Prevent charging cord damage by

www.ieci.org | May/June 2021 | Insights Magazine 37