Extension Cord Safety
The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) estimates that each year, about 4,000 injuries associated with electric extension cords are treated in hospital emergency rooms. About half of the injuries involve fractures, lacerations, contusions, electrocution or sprains from people tripping over extension cords. CPSC also estimates that about 3,300 residential fires originate in extension cords each year, killing 50 people and injuring about 270 others. The most frequent causes of such fires are short circuits, overloading, damage and/or misuse of extension cords.
Today we’ll look at some tips for use of extension cords
- Use extension cords only when necessary and only on a temporary basis. Do not use extension cords in place of permanent wiring
- Keep electrical cords out of water
- Keep electrical cords away from areas where they may be pinched and areas where they may pose a tripping or fire hazard (e.g., doorways, walkways, under carpet, etc.)
- Always inspect the cord prior to use to ensure the insulation isn’t cut or damaged. Discard damaged cords, cords that become hot, or cords with exposed wiring
- Never unplug an extension cord by pulling on the cord; pull on the plug
*Tool Box Talk based on GC submitted by Jason Schletterer – P66 Bayway