Assured Equipment Grounding Conductor Program (Gfci)

/ Origination Date: / October 7, 2011 / Revision Date: / June 2012
Release Authorized by: / Danny Trahan, Safety Director / Manual Rev 4
ASSURED EQUIPMENT GROUNDING CONDUCTOR PROGRAM (GFCI)

ASSURED EQUIPMENT GROUNDING CONDUCTOR PROGRAM (GFCI)

TABLE OF CONTENTS
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PURPOSE

SCOPE

APPLICATION

SUPERINTENDENT REPSONSIBLITIES

TESTING INTERVAL

TEST PROCEDURE

COLORCODE

PURPOSE:

It is the policy of P2S is to establish and implement an Assured Equipment Grounding Conductor Program on all construction sites in addition to utilizing Ground Fault Circuit Interrupters (GFCI’s) on all 120 volt circuits. A written copy of the program must be maintained at the job-site and be made available for review by all employees.

SCOPE

This program covers all extension cords and power receptacles providing 120 volt single phase 12 and 20 ampere service, which is not part of the permanent wiring of a building or structure. It also includes all equipment connected by cord and plug that is either available for use or used by employees.

APPLICATION

Each Superintendent is responsible for determining that every extension cord and power outlet, as well as any electrical equipment attached by a plug and cord is inspected for damage prior to each day’s use. A copy of all inspections and this procedure will be maintained at the job-site.

THE SUPERINTENDENT IS REPSONSIBLE FOR ASSURING THAT:

Any cord with damaged or broken insulation is removed from service, the cord shortened or replaced to eliminate the break.
Plugs with missing or damaged ground prongs or which are otherwise damaged are removed from service.
Tools or other equipment that show damage to their case or power cord shall not be used.
Double insulated tools with damaged cases are removed from service if the damage reduces the insulation of the case.

Any tool failing this inspection will be removed from service until it is repaired and passes the test outlined in this Section. Cords with broken insulation Will Not Be Repaired with Electrical Tape. They will be replaced or shortened to eliminate the damaged section.

All extension cords, receptacles and equipment connected by cord and plug, except those which are double insulated, must be tested to determine that the grounding circuit is continuous. Each receptacle, extension cord and tool must be tested to determine if it is correctly wired. These tests must be performed.

Before first use.
Before returning the unit to service after repair.
After any incident, which may reasonably have caused damage to the ground circuit, such as shock loading the cords by stretching it or running over it with a vehicle?
At least every three months for all tools and extension cords and every six months for fixed or temporary wiring not exposed to damage.
A Record of These Tests Shall Be Maintained. This will be done by color coding each cord, receptacle and power tool that passes with colored tape. The color of the tape will be alternated with the test period.

TESTING INTERVAL

Testing Interval – The minimum test interval allowed under OSHA 29CFR 1926.404 (b) (iii) is quarterly beginning with the first test when the tool is purchased. If, however, your quarterly inspections find any defective tools, which have not been identified by the routine daily tool inspection, it will be necessary to conduct your inspections monthly.

TEST PROCEDURE

All equipment grounding connectors will be tested for continuity and must be electrically continuous. This test will be performed with an ohmmeter, a continuity tester or other appropriate equipment.
All power outlets, including those on portable generators and welding machines and power cords shall be tested for the correct polarity and continuity of the equipment ground. This test will be performed with a receptacle tester or other appropriate equipment.
All Ground Fault Circuit Interrupters (GFCI) shall be tested prior to use by pressing the test button. Plug in a tool and press the ON switch. The tool should NOT turn on. Press the RESET button on the GFCI to complete the test.
Each extension cord, receptacle or tool, which passes the above test, will be identified by color code applied with tape at the plug end. Extension cords should be marked at both ends. For receptacles, place the tape on the wall immediately above the receptacle.

THE COLOR CODE WILL BE AS FOLLOWS:

First Quarter (1/1 - 3/31) / RED
Second Quarter (4/1 to 6/30) / GREEN
Third Quarter ( 7/1 to 9/30) / BLUE
Fourth Quarter (10/1 to 12/31) / YELLOW

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