Workers in restaurants are exposed to shocks and electrical
- Worn electric cords or improperly used or damaged extension cords
- Improperly wired or ungrounded outlets
- Faulty equipment and wiring
- Damaged receptacles and connectors
- Wet clean-up processes
- Unsafe work practices
Employers have the primary
responsibility for protecting the safety and health of their
workers. Employees are responsible for following the safe work
practices of their employers.
Consider implementing recommended safe work practices,
including those discussed here.
According to the National Institute for
Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) most electrical hazards can be eliminated
through safeguards and safe work practices such as:
Outlet with GFCI
Improper Use of Extention and Flexible Cords. Improperly wired and potentially dangerous use of extension cords - no GCFI
Follow OSHA Standards including:
- Use ground fault circuit interrupters (GFCIs) of the breaker or
receptacle type be installed in situations where electricity and
wetness coexist. GFCIs will interrupt the electrical circuit
before current sufficient to cause death or serious injury has
passed through a body. GFCIs are inexpensive ($50-$85 for
breaker type, $25-$45 for receptacle type) and a qualified
electrician can install them in existing electrical circuits
with relative ease.
- Employers should use ground-fault circuit interrupters (GCFIs)
on all 120-volt, single-phase, and 15- and 20-ampere receptacles.
- Wear and tear on electrical equipment or tools can result in
insulation breaks, short-circuits, and exposed wires. If there is
no ground-fault protection, these can cause a
ground-fault that sends current through the worker's
body, resulting in electrical burns, explosions, fire, or death.
- The GFCI is a
fast-acting circuit breaker designed to shut off electric power
in the event of a ground-fault and prevent injury to the worker.
- Ensure that exposed receptacle boxes be made of nonconductive material
so that contact with the box will not constitute a "ground."
- Use plugs and receptacles designed to prevent energization
until insertion is complete.
- Ensure that all circuit breaker or fuse boxes bear a label for each
circuit breaker or fuse that clearly identifies its
corresponding outlets and fixtures. Also, breaker switches
should not be used for on-off switches.
- Inform all workers, when hired, of electrical hazards
and of safe work practices by which to avoid these hazards.
Workers should be informed that, in the event of an electrical
injury, no contact should be made with the victim or the
electrical apparatus causing the injury until the current has
been shut off.
- Encourage workers in restaurants to train in CPR.
1910 Subpart S - Electrical some highlights include:
Damaged Cord. Damaged cords should not be used
Extension Cord with 3-Prong. Use grounded plug with properly grounded outlet
- Electrical equipment shall be free from recognized hazards
- Listed or labeled equipment shall be used or installed in
accordance with any instructions included in the listing or
- Sufficient access and working space shall be provided and
maintained around all electric equipment to permit ready and
safe operation and maintenance of such equipment [1910.303(g)(1)].
- Ensure that all electrical service near sources of water is
properly grounded [1910.304(g)(6)(vi)].
- Tag out and remove from service all damaged receptacles and
portable electrical equipment [1910.334(a)(2)(ii)].
- Repair all damaged receptacles and portable electrical
equipment before placing them back into service [1910.334(a)(2)(ii)].
- Ensure that employees are trained not to plug or unplug
energized equipment when their hands are wet [1910.334(a)(5)(i)].