SafetyNet #20 - Electrical Safety Guidelines
Accidents involving electricity pose a high risk of serious injury or death. Following these guidelines will help university staff and students to safely use common electrical equipment.
- Do not use 2-prong ungrounded electrical devices. All department-purchased electrical equipment must be 3-prong grounded with very limited exceptions (e.g. clocks, radios, small fans).
- Do not use extension cords or power strips as a substitute for permanent wiring. Extension cords and temporary power strips may be used for experimental or developmental purposes for no longer than three months, or for portable tools or appliances that must be moved frequently. UL listed surge-protected power strips used with data processing equipment and voltage regulators, timers, and similar controllers are exceptions. All other electrical equipment, such as freezers, incubators, refrigerators, and other appliances must be plugged directly into a permanent receptacle.
- Do not use equipment having worn or damaged electrical cords, plugs, switches, receptacles, or cracked casings. These characteristics dramatically increase the likelihood of a live conductor coming in contact with metal objects or water and thus possibly electrocuting a person. Running electrical cords under doors or rugs, through windows, or through holes in walls is a common cause of frayed or damaged cords and plugs. Call the Operations and Maintenance Work Order Desk at 530-752-1655 for assistance in repairing university-owned electrical equipment.
- Do not attempt "free lance" repairs unless you are a qualified electrical technician assigned to perform electrical work by your supervisor (applies to work with electricity of 120 volts or higher). Electrical work is covered by UC Davis Policy & Procedure #290-85. Call EH&S for assistance in determining qualifications to perform electrical work. Fixed wiring may only be repaired or modified by Operations and Maintenance personnel.
- Do not use 2-prong to 3-prong adapters, cube taps, 2-prong (ungrounded) extension cords, or similar grounding bypass devices. All electrical devices fabricated for experimental purposes must meet state and university construction and grounding requirements. Extension cords and other purchased equipment must be UL listed. See UC Davis Policy & Procedure #290-85 for more details.
- Use portable GFCIs whenever powering devices pumping liquids or devices in the vicinity of tanks and water sources.
For additional information, contact your EH&S Safety Advisor, EH&S at 530-752-1493 or ehsdesk@ucdavis.edu,
or the UC Davis Fire Department at 530-752-1236.
Reviewed/Revised. 01/2007
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