Additional hazards are present in buildings that are under construction or undergoing remodeling or maintenance, as well as at fire and rescue incidents that involve electricity. The requirements in National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) 70, National Electrical Code, Article 590, are intended to protect workers on the project and in the area, and are enforced by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) under the electrical standards for construction (sub-part K of 29 CFR 1926.400-499, especially under 1926.404(b)(1)) as well as under the “General Duty Clause.” The National Electrical Code is also enforced in most states as part of the building and safety code.
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When we respond to incidents at construction, remodeling, or maintenance job sites, we should expect to find:
- Temporary wiring that meets or exceeds the requirements of Article 590 of the National Electrical Code.
- Temporary lights connected to circuits that are separate from those used for power tools and other electrical equipment.
- Ground-Fault Circuit Interrupter (GFCI) protection for all temporary electrical receptacle circuits rated for 15, 20, and 30 amperes at 120 volts single-phase, which will be used for power tools and other electrical equipment; including those supplied by generators. Photo 1 shows an electrical receptacle that incorporates GFCI protection. Photo 2 shows a circuit breaker in a panel that incorporates GFCI protection for its circuit. (Note that the GFCI circuit breaker has a different profile than its neighbors; and that it has a “Reset” button.)
- GFCI protection for all permanently wired circuits rated for 15, 20, and 30 amperes at 120 volts single-phase, which will be used for power tools and other electrical equipment (photos 1 and 2). Photo 3 shows a UL-listed cord set (“pigtail”) that includes a GFCI protector in the male plug, which is used where the permanent wiring does not already include GFCI protection.
- Press the “Test” button on the GFCI receptacle. The GFCI should trip, usually with a “click,” and the “Reset” button will pop out; or
- Turn off the GFCI circuit breaker. The GFCI should trip, and the “Reset” button will pop out. Then
- Press the “Reset” button (after turning on the GFCI circuit breaker), which should lock back in, and electrical power should be restored.
- If the GFCI will not reset, it is defective and another protected circuit should be used.
Gregory Havel is a member of the Town of Burlington (WI) Fire Department; retired as deputy chief and training officer; and is a 30-year veteran of the fire service. He is a Wisconsin-certified fire instructor II and fire officer II, an adjunct instructor in fire service programs at Gateway Technical College, and safety director for Scherrer Construction Co., Inc. Havel has a bachelor’s degree from St. Norbert College; has more than 30 years of experience in facilities management and building construction; and has presented classes at FDIC.
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Subjects: Building construction for firefighters