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The Oregon Occupational Safety and Health Division (Oregon OSHA) has adopted standards for electrical safety and construction that go above and beyond the requirements of federal OSHA 29 CFR 1926 Subpart K. Following is a summary of the additional requirements.
Working near overhead high voltage lines and equipment
Overhead power line injuries are common and often deadly for workers from many industries, including construction. Oregon’s “High Voltage Overhead Line Safety Act” (OAR 437-003-0047) requires workers not to work within 10 feet of a high-voltage overhead power line unless the utility that owns the lines has been notified and precautions are taken to ensure worker safety. Requirements include:
- Creating a restricted space extending 10 feet in all directions from the surface of the power line when lines are rated 600 V to 50kV (plus an additional 0.4 inch per kV for lines rated over 50 kV);
- Proper notification by the person responsible for the work to the owner/operator of the line/equipment at least two days prior to work beginning;
- The line/equipment is de-energized and visibly grounded by the owner/operator of the high-voltage system; and more.
See the statutory citation link below for a full list of requirements.
Branch circuits
Oregon OSHA has a separate standard regarding branch circuits at OAR 437-003-0404. This standard replaces 29 CFR 1926.404(b)(1) in Oregon’s electrical safety for construction regulations. A summary of the requirements include:
- All 125-volt, single-phase, 15-, 20-, and 30-amp receptables on construction sites that are used by employees for their work must have approved ground-fault circuit interrupters at the outlet end of the circuit;
- Higher powered receptacles must have the above protection OR an assured equipment grounding conductor program that includes a written description of the program and one or more competent persons to implement it;
- Visual inspections and testing of all extension cords, other devices and receptacles; and more.
The complete list of requirements may be found at the statutory citation link below.