Or. Admin. R. 437-004-2810

Current through Register Vol. 63, No. 6, June 1, 2024

Section 437-004-2810 - General Requirements

(1) Scope. This standard (4/S) covers electrical work and equipment in buildings and on premises. It applies to all work and equipment covered by other sections of Subdivision 4/S.

(2) Unless stated otherwise in OAR 437-004-2810 through 437-004-3075, all electrical work, equipment and systems must comply with standards under the jurisdiction of the Oregon Building Codes Division, Department of Consumer and Business Services.

(3) Do not allow employees to work near live power sources without protection from shock.

(4) Isolate exposed live electrical conductors from contact by persons or equipment.

NOTE: Paragraphs (3) and (4) above do not apply to electric fences or containment devices.

(5) Lights 7 feet or closer to the floor or work surface must have a guard, fixture or holder to protect the bulb or tube from breakage.

(6) Only qualified persons, authorized by the employer may make electrical repairs. (See Subdivision 4/B.)

(7) Install or remove fuses from live terminals only with special tools insulated for the voltage.

(8) When the exact location of underground electric power lines is unknown, workers using jackhammers, bars or other hand tools that may contact a line must use insulated protective gloves.

(9) Before beginning work near exposed lines or equipment, the employer must determine if they are live. If they are, you must advise the employees of the position of the lines, the hazards involved and the protective measures they must use.

(10) Before beginning work like digging, drilling or remodeling, that may lead to hidden power sources the employer must locate them and determine their voltage. Locate underground lines by calling 1-800-332 -2344 or in the Portland Metropolitan area 246-6699. The employer must then:

(a) Post and maintain proper warning signs where such circuits exist; and

(b) Advise the employees of the position of the lines, the hazards involved and the protective measures they must use.

NOTE: If the work covered by (8) and (9) above might involve voltages over 750v, see OAR 437-004-3050.

(11) There must be sufficient space near electrical equipment to permit safe operation and maintenance.

(a) Near exposed parts, the minimum clearance from floor to ceiling must be at least 76 inches. There must be a clear radius of at least 36 inches in front of the panel.

(b) There must be enough clearance to permit at least a 90 degree opening of all doors or hinged panels.

(c) Do not store anything in front of electrical panels.

(12) There must be suitable barriers or other means to ensure that work space for electrical equipment is not used as a passageway when energized parts are exposed.

(13) Require workers to report all electric shocks to management or supervisors immediately.

(a) Check the equipment causing the shock and remove from service or repair it before further use.

(14) Electrical equipment must be free from recognized hazards that may cause death or serious physical harm. Use the criteria below to determine the safety of equipment.

(a) Electrical equipment must be listed or labeled, except custom-made components and utilization equipment. (See Division 4/B, OAR 437-004-0100, for definitions of listed and labeled.)

(b) Mechanical strength and durability, and for parts that enclose and protect other equipment, the adequacy of the protection.

(c) Classification by type, size, voltage, current capacity or specific use.

(d) Other factors that contribute to the practical safeguarding of employees using or likely to contact the equipment.

(15) Follow manufacturer's instructions or recommendations when installing listed or labeled equipment.

(16) In wet or damp locations, use only fixtures approved for that purpose. Install them so that water cannot enter or accumulate in wireways, lampholders, or other electrical parts.

(17) All pull boxes, junction boxes and fittings must have approved covers. Metal covers must be grounded.

(18) All wall plugs and switches must have approved, unbroken covers or faceplates and no broken parts.

(19) Receptacles, plugs, fixtures, lamp-holders lamps and other holders and outlets must have no exposed live parts.

NOTE: Rosettes and cleat-type lamp-holders may have exposed parts if they are 8 feet or higher above the floor.

Or. Admin. R. 437-004-2810

OSHA 4-1998, f. 8-28-98, cert. ef. 10-1-98; OSHA 9-2006, f. & cert. ef. 9-22-06

Stat. Auth.: ORS 654.025(2) & 656.726(4)

Stats. Implemented: ORS 654.001 - 654.295