Extension Cords and Temporary Wiring
Construction and general industry · Ver en español
Talking points
- Extension cords on construction sites must be hard-usage or extra-hard-usage rated (marked 'S,' 'ST,' 'SO,' 'STO,' or similar on the jacket).
- The ground pin on every plug must be intact. A cord with a missing or bent ground pin must be removed from service immediately.
- Do not splice or tape damaged cords — replace them. A taped splice is not a repair; it is a fire and shock hazard.
- Extension cords are temporary — they are not a substitute for permanent wiring. Temporary wiring on construction sites should not exceed 90 days.
- Protect cords from damage: route them overhead or use cord covers at ground level. Do not run them through doorways where they can be pinched or through standing water.
Ask the crew
How many extension cords are you using today — and when was the last time you inspected each one?
Standards this talk is built on
A toolbox talk is a short safety briefing. It supports the training a standard requires; it does not replace it.
Run this talk with your crew and keep the record
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Sign-in sheet
Print this page to collect signatures, or run the talk in Jobsite and workers sign in on their phones.
| Name | Signature | Date |
|---|---|---|
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