Portable Tool Use with Extension Cords
In construction, extension cords suffer a lot of wear and tear. Most often, the damage is only to the insulation, exposing energized conductors. When a person handling the damaged cord contacts the exposed wires while holding a metal tool case or contacting a conductive surface, serious electrical shock can result, causing a fall, physical injury, or death.
Repairing Extension Cords
When a worker at a construction site inspects an extension cord and determines that it needs to be repaired, who can repair it?
Anyone who is qualified can repair damaged electrical cords, but in most cases the best practice is to discard the cord. The worker does not have to be a licensed electrician to repair a typical extension cord. However, he or she must have the knowledge and skills to repair the cord correctly, understand the hazards involved in making the repair, and be able to describe what could happen if the repair is done wrong. The employer is responsible for determining if the person is qualified. The basis for the determination is normally from the electrical industry perspective. (Source: OR-OSHA)
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2-5. Why is damaged extension cord insulation a hazard?
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