Electrical hazards in an office can be easy to overlook because employees use computers, printers, chargers, and other electrical devices throughout the workday.
Although office environments may not seem particularly hazardous, damaged electrical equipment, overloaded outlets, and improper use of extension cords can lead to electric shocks, burns, and fires.
Recognizing these hazards and following safe electrical practices can help prevent injuries and property damage.
In the office, electrical safety at work is important. Electrical incidents and injuries that occur in an office environment are usually the result of faulty or defective equipment, unsafe installation, or misuse of equipment like extension cords, power strips and surge protectors.
Inspecting Electrical Cords and Equipment
Regularly inspect electrical cables to ensure they are not frayed, cracked or otherwise damaged. Damaged wires and cables can cause electric shocks and present a fire hazard.
Any electrical cables, power cords or extension cords that are damaged, or are not functioning properly, should be removed from service immediately. This includes any electrical cords that are frayed or have exposed wires, even if they still seem to be working.
Pay particular attention to cords near desks, chairs, filing cabinets, and other furniture where they may become pinched, crushed, or damaged during normal office activities. Inspect plugs for bent or missing prongs, discoloration, and other signs of damage.
OSHA Standard 1910.334(a)(2)(ii) If there is a defect or evidence of damage that might expose an employee to injury, the defective or damaged item shall be removed from service, and no employee may use it until repairs and tests necessary to render the equipment safe have been made.
Employees should not attempt to repair damaged electrical equipment unless they are qualified and authorized to perform the work. Report defective equipment and keep it out of service until it has been properly repaired or replaced.
Managing Cords and Preventing Trip Hazards
Electrical cables and extension cords can easily become trip and fall hazards if not routed carefully. Keep all cords close to a wall and away from foot traffic to prevent tripping and cord damage.
OSHA Standard 1910.334(a)(1) Flexible cords may not be fastened with staples or otherwise hung in such a fashion as could damage the outer jacket or insulation.
Any flexible cord may be damaged by activities on the job, by door or window edges, by staples or fastenings, by abrasion from adjacent materials, or simply by aging. If the electrical conductors become exposed, there is a danger of shocks, burns, or fire.
Do not bind, kink or knot electrical cords. Never run power cords under rugs or where chairs can roll over them.
Do not run electrical cords through high-traffic areas, under carpets, across doorways or through windows. Do not secure any power cables to surfaces with staples or nails.
Use appropriate cable management systems to keep cords organized and protected from damage. Make sure cords do not interfere with walkways, emergency exits, or access to electrical panels.
When office furniture or equipment is rearranged, check that electrical cords have not become trapped beneath furniture or stretched across areas where employees walk.
Avoiding Overloaded Circuits and Outlets
Overloaded power strips and wall outlets are the most common electrical hazards in any office. Electrical circuits that are overloaded pose both an electrocution hazard and a fire hazard.
Overusing an outlet can lead to overheating or a power shortage.
If you must use a power strip, use a high-quality product from a reputable retailer. Low-quality or counterfeit power strips may contain wiring that isn't adequate to carry the load.
Choose power strips that are listed by a recognized testing laboratory, such as UL or ETL, and follow the manufacturer's instructions. Check the electrical rating of the power strip and avoid connecting equipment that exceeds its capacity.
Even when using a surge protector, make sure the electrical load is not too much for the circuit. Place power strips where there is plenty of air circulation to disperse heat. Consider charging battery-operated devices in another area.
Never connect one power strip to another power strip or extension cord. This practice, often called daisy chaining, can increase the risk of overloading electrical equipment and creating a fire hazard.
A surge protector is designed to help protect connected equipment from certain voltage surges. It does not increase the electrical capacity of an outlet or circuit.
Warning Signs of Overloaded Circuits
Overloaded circuit warning signs include:
- flickering, blinking or dimming lights
- warm or discolored outlet wall plates
- burning odor coming from outlets, wall switches or equipment
- frequently tripped circuit breakers or blown fuses
- cracking, sizzling, or buzzing coming from an outlet
- mild shock or tingle from equipment, outlets or switches
These warning signs may also indicate loose connections, damaged wiring, or other electrical problems. Do not ignore them or repeatedly reset a circuit breaker without determining why it is tripping.
If an outlet, plug, or electrical device shows signs of overheating, stop using it and report the condition immediately. Electrical problems should be evaluated by qualified personnel.
Safe Use of Electrical Devices
Do not use an extension cord or a power strip with portable heaters or fans, which could cause cords to overheat and result in a fire. These devices should be plugged directly into a wall outlet.
Portable space heaters require particular attention because they draw significant electrical current and generate heat. Keep space heaters away from paper, furniture, curtains, and other combustible materials, and turn them off when leaving the area. Follow all workplace restrictions and manufacturer instructions regarding their use.
Fully insert the electrical cable plug into the outlet and never force a plug into an outlet if it does not fit.
Do not plug or unplug anything while your hands are wet.
Avoid overloading wall outlets. Do not plug in too many items that require power at once.
Keep all non-critical electrical items unplugged until you need to use them.
Never remove the grounding pin on an electrical cord or extension cord plug to try to fit it into a two-prong outlet.
When unplugging any device, power strip or extension cord from a power outlet, make sure to firmly pull the plug out of the outlet and never yank on the cord to attempt to pull the plug out.
Keep beverages and other liquids away from electrical outlets, power strips, and electronic equipment. Spilled liquids can damage equipment and create electrical hazards, particularly if they reach energized components.
Make sure electrical equipment has adequate ventilation. Avoid blocking ventilation openings on computers, printers, chargers, and other devices because restricted airflow can contribute to overheating.
Proper Use of Extension Cords
Extension cords should only be used on a temporary basis, they are not meant to be a permanent solution to a shortage of electrical outlets. Do not use indoor extension cords on outdoor projects.
Do not use multiple extension cords connected together, use a longer extension cord instead.
OSHA Standard 1910.305(g)(1)(iv)(A) Unless specifically permitted otherwise, flexible cords and cables may not be used as a substitute for the fixed wiring of a structure.
Store extension cords indoors when not in use.
Before using an extension cord, make sure it is rated for the equipment being connected and is suitable for the environment where it will be used. Extension cords that are too small for the electrical load can overheat.
Do not use an extension cord that has a damaged plug, loose connections, exposed wiring, or other visible defects. Make sure the cord is fully uncoiled when required by the manufacturer to prevent excessive heat buildup.
If an office workstation regularly requires extension cords to reach an electrical outlet, request a permanent solution rather than continuing to rely on temporary wiring.
Reporting Electrical Hazards
If you notice any of the following hazards, report immediately.
- electrical cables that are frayed, damaged, kinked or have exposed wires
- rattling plugs or loose outlets
- electrical outlets that do not work
- electrical equipment, outlets or switches that give off a strange or burning odor
- equipment that seems to be overheating or is hot to the touch
- overloaded outlets or power strips
- missing or damaged light switch or outlet face plates
- equipment that is not working properly
- extension cords that have been in use for an extended period and haven’t been replaced by a more permanent, safer solution
Other conditions that should be reported include repeated circuit breaker trips, electrical sparks, exposed electrical components, and blocked access to electrical panels.
Employees should never attempt to investigate electrical problems by removing outlet covers, opening electrical panels, or handling exposed wiring. These tasks should be performed only by qualified and authorized personnel.
When reporting an electrical hazard, provide enough information to identify the affected equipment and its location. If the equipment can be safely disconnected, take it out of service and prevent others from using it until the problem has been corrected.
Office electrical safety depends on recognizing hazards, using electrical equipment correctly, and addressing unsafe conditions before an incident occurs.
Inspect cords and devices regularly, keep electrical cables protected and out of walkways, avoid overloading outlets, and use extension cords only for temporary needs.
Employees should report damaged equipment, overheating, unusual electrical behavior, and other warning signs immediately.
Consistent attention to these everyday electrical hazards can help prevent shocks, burns, fires, and other serious incidents in the office.
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