Electrical Safety Inspection Checklist for Construction

Complete this electrical safety inspection before and during electrical work. Electrical hazards cause approximately 8% of all construction fatalities. Proper grounding and GFCI protection are mandatory.

  • Industry: Construction
  • Frequency: Daily / Before electrical work
  • Estimated Time: 25-35 minutes
  • Role: Competent Person / Qualified Electrician
  • Total Items: 47
  • Compliance: OSHA 1926 Subpart K, NFPA 70E, NFPA 70 (NEC), UK BS 7671, India IS 3043

GFCI Protection

Ground-Fault Circuit Interrupter requirements per OSHA 1926.405.

  • All 120V single-phase 15A and 20A outlets GFCI protected?
  • GFCIs tested and functioning (test/reset buttons)?
  • No GFCI devices bypassed or defeated?
  • Portable GFCI devices available for tools?
  • Extension cord sets have integral GFCI?

Assured Equipment Grounding Conductor Program

Alternative to GFCI per OSHA 1926.405 if program is implemented.

  • Written AEGCP program in place (if not using GFCI)?
  • All cord sets and equipment tested per schedule?
  • Testing records maintained and current?
  • Defective equipment tagged and removed from service?
  • Ground prongs intact on all plugs?

Temporary Wiring & Extension Cords

Inspect all temporary wiring installations per OSHA 1926.405.

  • Temporary wiring protected from physical damage?
  • Temporary panels accessible with working space?
  • Extension cords rated for intended use (S, SO, ST, STO)?
  • Cords free of cuts, abrasions, exposed conductors?
  • Cords not repaired with tape (proper repair only)?
  • Cords not run through holes in walls, ceilings, floors?
  • Cords not fastened with staples, nails, or hung from nails?
  • Cords protected where exposed to vehicle traffic?
  • Extension cords not daisy-chained?

Portable Electric Tools & Equipment

Inspect all portable electric tools and equipment.

  • Tools double-insulated OR properly grounded?
  • All guards and safety devices intact?
  • Power cords properly attached to tools?
  • On/off switches functioning properly?
  • No unauthorized modifications to tools?
  • Tools rated for wet conditions if used outdoors?

Electrical Panels & Disconnects

Inspect electrical panels and disconnecting means.

  • Panel doors closed and secured?
  • All unused openings/knockouts closed?
  • 36-inch working space maintained in front of panels?
  • Panels/breakers properly labeled?
  • No storage within 3 feet of panels?
  • Disconnecting means readily accessible?

Overhead Power Lines

Safe clearances from overhead electrical lines per OSHA 1926.1408.

  • Overhead power lines identified and marked?
  • Voltage of overhead lines determined?
  • 10 ft minimum clearance for lines up to 50kV?
  • Warning signs posted for overhead lines?
  • Spotter assigned for equipment near lines?
  • Utility company contacted for de-energization if needed?

Lockout/Tagout for Electrical Work

Verify LOTO procedures for electrical maintenance and repair.

  • Written LOTO program available?
  • Only qualified persons working on energized circuits?
  • Circuits de-energized before work begins?
  • Locks applied at all disconnect points?
  • Tags attached with worker name and date?
  • Absence of voltage verified with tester?

Wet Locations & Environmental Hazards

Additional protections for wet or damp conditions.

  • All equipment in wet locations rated for wet use?
  • Weatherproof covers on outdoor receptacles?
  • Work area free of standing water near electrical?
  • Rubber mats provided where wet conditions exist?

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