Licensed Electrical Contractor Licensed Electrical Contractor OSHA Safety Standards Questions and Answers 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Under OSHA 29 CFR 1926.405, what is the maximum allowable length for a temporary power cord on a construction site before a ground-fault circuit interrupter (GFCI) is required?
- There is no length limit; GFCIs are always required for temporary wiring (Correct answer)
- 25 feet
- 50 feet
- 100 feet
Correct answer: There is no length limit; GFCIs are always required for temporary wiring
OSHA requires GFCI protection on all 120-volt, single-phase, 15- and 20-ampere temporary wiring used on construction sites regardless of cord length.
Question 2: According to OSHA's electrical safety standards, what is the minimum approach distance for a qualified electrical worker near exposed energized parts operating at 601 to 750 volts?
- 1 foot
- 2 feet 2 inches (Correct answer)
- 3 feet 6 inches
- 5 feet
Correct answer: 2 feet 2 inches
OSHA Table S-5 in 29 CFR 1910.333 specifies a minimum approach distance of 2 feet 2 inches for voltages ranging from 601 to 750 volts.
Question 3: What does OSHA require an employer to do before employees work on deenergized electrical equipment?
- Post a warning sign near the equipment
- Implement lockout/tagout procedures per 29 CFR 1910.147 (Correct answer)
- Notify the local utility company
- Assign a safety watch person to monitor the area
Correct answer: Implement lockout/tagout procedures per 29 CFR 1910.147
OSHA mandates lockout/tagout procedures under 29 CFR 1910.147 to ensure equipment is properly deenergized and cannot be accidentally reenergized.
Question 4: Under OSHA 29 CFR 1926.416, which of the following is a required safety practice when working near overhead power lines on a construction site?
- All equipment must maintain at least 10 feet of clearance from lines up to 50 kV (Correct answer)
- Workers must wear rubber-soled boots at all times
- A licensed electrician must be present on site
- The utility company must deenergize the lines before any work begins
Correct answer: All equipment must maintain at least 10 feet of clearance from lines up to 50 kV
OSHA requires a minimum clearance of 10 feet from overhead power lines energized at up to 50 kV, with additional clearance for higher voltages.
Question 5: According to OSHA, what color must the grounding conductor insulation be in a fixed electrical installation?
- White or gray
- Red
- Green or green with yellow stripes (Correct answer)
- Blue
Correct answer: Green or green with yellow stripes
OSHA and the National Electrical Code require equipment grounding conductors to be identified by green insulation or green with one or more yellow stripes.
Question 6: What is the primary purpose of an assured equipment grounding conductor program (AEGCP) under OSHA 29 CFR 1926.404?
- To replace the need for GFCI protection on construction sites
- To provide an alternative to lockout/tagout procedures
- To ensure the grounding path of cord sets and receptacles is continuously maintained (Correct answer)
- To test the insulation resistance of all electrical tools monthly
Correct answer: To ensure the grounding path of cord sets and receptacles is continuously maintained
An AEGCP is an alternative to GFCI protection that ensures grounding continuity of equipment through regular testing and visual inspection.
Under OSHA 29 CFR 1926.405, what is the maximum allowable length for a temporary power cord on a construction site before a ground-fault circuit interrupter (GFCI) is required?