Electrical & Lockout/Tagout
Electrocution is one of OSHA’s Focus Four, and most jobsite shocks trace back to a few avoidable mistakes.
Temp-power protection: GFCI (or assured grounding program) · Overhead lines (≤50 kV): stay 10 ft clear · Before service: lockout/tagout · Tools: grounded or double-insulated · Cords: 3-wire grounding type, undamaged · Assume: every conductor is energized until verified.
Temporary power
- Construction receptacles need GFCI protection, or an assured equipment grounding conductor program.
- Use three-wire grounding extension cords; never use a cord with damaged insulation, and keep cords out of water and walkways.
- Power tools must be grounded or double-insulated.
Working safely
- Keep 10 feet from overhead lines ≤50 kV (more for higher voltages).
- Lock out and tag out equipment before servicing it, and verify zero energy.
- Assume conductors are live until they’re tested and confirmed de-energized — most fatal shocks come from “dead” circuits that weren’t.
Practice: Electrical & Lockout/Tagout
Frequently asked
What protects workers from shock on temporary construction power?
How far must you stay from overhead power lines?
More Construction Safety topics
Fall Protection
Construction fall protection: the 6-foot rule, guardrail heights and strength, personal fall arrest anchorages and arresting force, and hole covers — from OSHA 29 CFR 1926 Subpart M.
Read & practice →Ladders & Scaffolds
Ladder and scaffold safety: the 4:1 ladder angle, 3-foot rail extension, three points of contact, the 10-foot scaffold fall-protection rule, 4× load capacity, and competent-person inspections.
Read & practice →Excavation & Trenching
Trench safety: protective systems at 5 feet, the 2-foot spoil setback, egress within 25 feet, daily competent-person inspections, soil types A/B/C, and Type C sloping — from OSHA 29 CFR 1926 Subpart P.
Read & practice →PPE, Silica & Respiratory
Personal protective equipment and health hazards: employer-paid PPE, hard hats and eye protection, the 85 dBA noise action level, the 50 µg/m³ silica limit, dust controls, and respirator requirements.
Read & practice →Hazard Communication & Focus Four
Hazard communication and OSHA basics: Safety Data Sheets and their 16 sections, GHS labels and signal words, the Right-to-Know law, the Focus Four hazards, the General Duty Clause, and reporting deadlines.
Read & practice →