Safety-Related Work Practices

The construction standard's work-practice rules (1926.416–.417) are short; the detailed procedures the exam draws on live in the general industry standard, 29 CFR 1910 Subpart S (§§ 1910.331–1910.335) — which is not on the Georgia reference list (only Part 1926 is) and which OSHA applies to electrical work on existing buildings. Learn both sets: OSHA's numbers, in OSHA's order.

1. Construction work practices — 1926.416 and 1926.417

• Protection (416(a)(1)): no employee works close enough to any part of an electric power circuit to contact it unless protected by de-energizing the circuit and grounding it, or by guarding it effectively by insulation or other means.
• Unknown underground lines (416(a)(2)): employees using jack-hammers, bars or other hand tools that may contact a line get insulated protective gloves.
• Before work begins (416(a)(3)) the employer ascertains — by inquiry, direct observation or instruments — whether any energized circuit, exposed or concealed, is located where the work could bring a person, tool or machine into contact; posts and maintains warning signs and advises employees of the location, the hazards and the protective measures.
• Passageways (416(b)): barriers keep the electrical workspace from being used as a passageway while energized parts are exposed; walkways kept clear of cords.
• Load ratings (416(c)): no change in circuit protection to increase the load beyond the rating of the circuit wiring.
• Fuses (416(d)): installed or removed with a terminal energized only with special tools insulated for the voltage.
• Cords (416(e)): worn or frayed cords are not used; extension cords are not fastened with staples, hung from nails, or suspended by wire.
• Lockout and tagging (1926.417): controls to be deactivated during work are tagged; de-energized equipment and circuits are rendered inoperative and tagged at all points where they can be energized; tags plainly identify the equipment or circuits being worked on.