Construction Site Electrical Safety and Temporary Power Checklist

Temporary electrical installations should be inspected daily by users for obvious defects, with more thorough inspections conducted weekly by a competent person. Complete system inspections should be performed quarterly or when significant changes are made to the system.

While the site manager holds overall responsibility, a qualified electrician should oversee electrical installations and major electrical work. All workers have a responsibility to follow electrical safety practices and report any hazards they observe.

Key areas include proper grounding and bonding, GFCI protection, appropriate use of extension cords, equipment inspection and tagging, lockout/tagout procedures, overhead power line safety, proper use of PPE, and worker electrical safety training.

GFCIs are crucial for preventing electric shock by quickly shutting off power when they detect ground faults or leakage currents. They should be used on all 120-volt, single-phase, 15- and 20-ampere receptacles that are not part of the permanent wiring of the building.

A minimum safe distance must be maintained from overhead power lines based on their voltage. If work must be done closer, the lines should be de-energized and grounded, or insulated barriers should be installed. Equipment operators must be trained to maintain safe clearances.