Buyer’s Guide above the extension cords in the electrical aisle at hardware store.
Part of what we do at Circle Safety is “mentor” people who have been designated as Safety Coordinator by their employer.
Recently I’ve started taking my clients to Lowes or Home Depot for a session on comparative safety shopping. As we walk the aisles, I show them how to determine whether products meet two basic, important tests – OSHA compliance and best-practice.
Consider that extension cord you want to buy. If you have never researched the origins of OSHA standards on flexible cords and cables or dissected the meaning of “hard use” as applied to ratings then you may not make the best selection. This is usually the case for most employees who are asked to order equipment or to go to the hardware store and pick up a new cord.
As any good comparative shopper knows, you have to research and read labels. And labels can be very deceptive. I find this to be case with extension cord packaging/labeling. That’s why I’m very grateful that the Home Depot and Lowes both have large instructional signs over their extension cord shelves. So, yes, it’s getting easier to select the right extension cord but this isn’t the case for other electrical items typically seen in the workplace.
What about GFCIs, temporary lights or replacement plugs/ends for extension cords? There is much confusion (some due to the OSHA standards), and a lot of outright deception in packaging.
I’ve now introduced a hands-on workshop in our OSHA 10/30 hour training classes which gives attendees a chance to examine the boxes and attached labeling on commonly-used electrical products. Those attending my Electrical Safety: Common and Not So Common Issues sessions at the 14th Annual Virginia Occupational Safety & Health Conference 2009 will get a chance to participate in comparison shopping for safety.
Jan Thomas, PhD, CSP
President & Consultant
