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Electrical Safety
Electrical safety is an important part of workplace safety as electrical hazards can cause burns, shocks, electrocution or death. The EH&S Office has university-specific guidelines and programs on the use of extension cords and Lockout/Tagout.
In general:
- Always assume overhead wires are energized.
- Never touch overhead or downed power lines. Report any downed power lines.
- Never operate electrical equipment while you are standing in water.
- Never repair electrical cords or equipment unless qualified and authorized.
- Have a qualified electrician inspect electrical equipment that has gotten wet before energizing it.
- If working in damp locations, inspect electric cords and equipment to ensure that they are in good condition and free of defects, and use a ground-fault circuit interrupter (GFCI).
- Always use caution when working near electricity.