The OSHA electrical safety standard is contained in Part 1926, Subpart K. As with most OSHA standards (and OHS regulations in Canada), the OSHA electrical standard establishes general rules and is often short on the crucial implementation details. However, OSHA issues letters in response to questions from the public that explain how the agency interprets the standard in particular situations. Here’s a summary of four important OSHA interpretation letters responding to questions about electrical safety.

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INTERVALS FOR SECURING NM CABLE WIRING

Question: Would securing NM cable (non-metallic sheathed cable) used in installing temporary wiring every 10 feet be adequate to comply with the OSHA standard?

Answer: The standard doesn’t specify a particular maximum distance between supports for temporary wiring. But it does require that temporary cable be secured at intervals that ensure that the cable is sufficiently protected from contact with people, equipment, construction materials or other items that could cause serious harm to employees if they strike or damage the cables. If supporting the cable at 10-foot intervals would provide protection from such contact, it meets the standard.

OSHA Interp. Letter, May 13, 2004

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CIRCUIT INTERRUPTOR PROTECTION FOR 120-VOLT OUTLETS

Question: Does the electrical OSHA standard require ground fault circuit interruptor (GFCI) protection for all 120-volt, single-phase outlets?

Answer: No. Under the standard (§1926.404(b)(1)(i)) employers must provide ground fault protection. This requirement is not limited to 120-volt outlets; it also applies to outlets with higher voltages. Employers can meet this requirement in two ways: 1. Using GFCIs designed for the particular voltage; or, 2. Implementing an assured equipment grounding conductor program.

OSHA Interp. Letter, Feb. 7, 2005

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HARD HATS

Question: Is it okay for workers to wear their hard hats backwards?

Answer: No. Hard hats must be certified under ANSI standards and ANSI testing is based on wearing the hard hat with the bill facing front. Thus, hard hats worn backward don’t meet ANSI standards or OSHA requirements unless the manufacturer certifies otherwise.

OSHA Interp. Letter, April 17, 2002

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SAFETY GLASSES

Question: Can electricians wear safety glasses with conductive metal frames?

Answer: Yes. Such glasses are generally not considered to pose an electrical hazard unless the worker’s face is close to energized parts, in which case, the worker should wear a face shield or appropriate glasses over the metal frame optical glasses.

OSHA Interp. Letter, Dec. 30, 1993

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