Safety Quiz

Last month’s quiz focused on respiratory protection. This month, we are going to highlight some electricity-related concerns. Electricity is something found in most workplaces and can be hazardous. Let’s see how much you know about electrical safety. As usual, we will provide the answers at the end of the quiz.

1. “Daisy chains” can be found at job sites. A daisy chain is when one extension cord (or the OSHA term, “flexible cord”) is plugged into another extension cord. We have said in a few safety tips that daisy chains are not acceptable to OSHA. Are there exceptions to this rule?

A. Yes, if your supervisor approves it.

B. Yes, but only for one week (five working days).

C. Yes, but only for temporary store displays.

D. No. OSHA does not make exceptions to this rule.

2. OSHA has a few rules for the use of temporary wiring. Which of the following is not allowed according to OSHA?

A. Temporary wiring is allowed to be used for holiday decorations or carnivals if used for less than 90 days.

B. Temporary wiring is allowed to be used during building repairs or remodeling.

C. Temporary wiring is allowed to be used during emergencies.

D. Temporary wiring is allowed to be used for experimental or developmental work.

E. Only C is allowed. A, B, and D are not allowed.

F. A, B, C, and D are all allowed.

G. None of the stated purposes for temporary wiring are allowed.

3. Repair work is needed on a grinder. The only source of energy to this grinder is electricity. It is powered by a cord that you plug in to a standard outlet (receptacle). Before you do the start the repairs, should you do a Lock-Out/Tag-Out (LOTO) procedure?

A. No, LOTO is not required to be done on equipment or machines that can be de-energized by unplugging it and capping the plug or using some means of preventing it from being plugged in while you are working on it.

B. Yes, LOTO must be done on all machines or equipment that can be energized for your safety.

C. Yes, you should do a LOTO procedure and disable the outlet before doing the repairs.

D. Yes, you should do a LOTO procedure and complete a permit before doing the repairs.

4. Potentially hazardous energy takes many forms. Which of the following lists are not forms of potentially hazardous energy?

A. Pneumatic or hydraulic energy.

B. Radiation or chemical energy.

C. Mechanic or kinetic energy.

D. Electricity or thermal energy.

E. All the above are potentially hazardous forms of energy.

F. None of the above are potentially hazardous forms of energy.

5. Working on a system or large piece of equipment often requires more than one person. All persons working on the system must put their lock on the system or piece of equipment. The person who put the lock on must take the lock off. What if the work is completed, but one of the crew cannot be found to take off the lock? What do you do then?

Weekly Safety Challenge

After you lock out all the energy from a machine and bleed out any residual energy, what would be the next step before you make any adjustments or repairs?

Answers: 

1. D. No, there are no exceptions to allow the use of daisy chains.
2. F. All (A, B, C, and D) are allowed uses for temporary wiring.
3. A. When the only source of energy to equipment or machinery is by plugging it in, if you cap the plug or use other means to ensure it cannot be plugged in until you are finished with the repair, you are not required to do a LOTO procedure.
4. E. All the lists included potentially hazardous forms of energy.
5. When one person cannot be found to complete a LOTO operation, the supervisor can remove the lock if it is confirmed that the person is not at the site. This can be done by calling or texting the person, confirming that their vehicle is not at the site, asking other members of the crew, etc.