Corded Equipment and Extension Cord Safety

1. Corded equipment and extension cords are useful in all industries, but can cause potential fires, electric shock, and even fatalities.

2. Always inspect cords before using.Remove all kinked, frayed, cut, and damaged cords immediately.

3. Never remove the third prong, or pin, from any corded equipment and never use a cord that is missing that pin.

4. Damage to cords in the workplace is very common. Avoid this by storing corded equipment and extension cords away after use in a dry, covered area off the ground.

5. Always choose an outlet that is close to your working area. There are usually opportunities where you can move closer to an outlet instead of using an extension cord.

6. Never use an extension cord in place of fixed wiring. Extension cords should always be used when flexibility is needed.

7. Cords should never run through openings where they could be pinched or damaged. This includes windows and doors.

8. Only use extension cords that are rated properly and UL (or similarly) approved.

9. Never use a cord that is wet and always plug in the cord with clean, dry hands.

10. Never unplug by pulling on the cord. Always pull from the plug only.

11. Keep all cords out of walkways. Instead of running along the ground across walkways, run them along walls to keep them out of the way of travel. Also, coil up any excess out of the walking areas.

12. In what other ways can you prevent injuries or hazards when using corded equipment or extension cords?

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