OSHA Electrical Safety Standards 3 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: What is the recommended first action if a coworker is in contact with a live electrical source?
- Grab them immediately with bare hands
- De-energize the source or use a non-conductive object; do not touch them directly (Correct answer)
- Pour water on them
- Wait for the current to stop on its own
Correct answer: De-energize the source or use a non-conductive object; do not touch them directly
Never touch a victim still in contact with power; shut off the source or separate them with a non-conductive object.
Question 2: Arc flash hazards are best mitigated by which control?
- Wearing cotton t-shirts
- De-energizing equipment and wearing rated arc-flash PPE when live work is unavoidable (Correct answer)
- Standing closer for better view
- Removing all gloves
Correct answer: De-energizing equipment and wearing rated arc-flash PPE when live work is unavoidable
De-energizing eliminates arc flash risk; when live work is required, arc-rated PPE is essential.
Question 3: What is the minimum working clearance concern OSHA addresses around electrical panels?
- Panels can be blocked if labeled
- Adequate space must be kept clear for safe access and operation (Correct answer)
- Storage is allowed up to the panel door
- Only aesthetics matter
Correct answer: Adequate space must be kept clear for safe access and operation
OSHA requires sufficient clear working space in front of electrical equipment for safe access.
Question 4: Double-insulated power tools are marked with which symbol?
- A lightning bolt
- A square within a square (Correct answer)
- A triangle
- A circle with a line
Correct answer: A square within a square
The square-within-a-square symbol indicates a double-insulated tool that does not require a grounding prong.
Question 5: Before using a portable electric tool, a worker should inspect for what?
- Brand name only
- Damaged cords, cracked housings, and missing ground prongs (Correct answer)
- Warranty length
- Country of manufacture
Correct answer: Damaged cords, cracked housings, and missing ground prongs
Pre-use inspection should catch frayed cords, cracked casings, and missing grounding pins.
Question 6: What hazard results from using an undersized extension cord for a high-load tool?
- Nothing, cords are universal
- Overheating and voltage drop that can cause fire or tool damage (Correct answer)
- Faster tool operation
- Lower electricity use
Correct answer: Overheating and voltage drop that can cause fire or tool damage
Undersized cords overheat and cause excessive voltage drop, risking fire and equipment damage.
Question 7: Wet locations increase electrical hazard because water does what?
- Insulates against shock
- Lowers skin resistance and conducts current more easily (Correct answer)
- Cools the wires safely
- Has no effect on shock risk
Correct answer: Lowers skin resistance and conducts current more easily
Moisture lowers the body's resistance and conducts electricity, greatly increasing shock severity.
OSHA Electrical Safety Standards 3
What is the recommended first action if a coworker is in contact with a live electrical source?