GCFI regulations

[Guest guest]

Pat,

GCFI regulations are very minimal. There is a requirement in most

asbestos regulations that GFIs shall be used

when water is being used. But the jurisdiction can be limited to only

schools.

For general industry, the requirement is even further limited and is

referenced to the NEC when OSHA was passed. 1970. Back then, the

requirement was mainly for grounded cords.

Further, OSHA enforcement is rather ambiguous. Here is a real case.

OSHA cited a chicken farm (in NC) for not having grounded electrical

cords (note - not GFI) in chicken coops where a lot of water and waste

is present on the floor. The chicken farm owner lied to OSHA and said

they fixed or replaced all the cords.

1 year later, an employee was electrocuted. OSHA cited the employer

for a repeat violation. However, they did were not able to sustain a

WILLFUL violation because (according to the review

commission-politically appointed officials) the employer did not

WILLFULLY INTEND to KILL the employee.

So, what does this mean? Well, not using grounded cords (even if it

kills an employee) is only a de-minimous violation.

Further complicating this issue is whether double insulated tools offer

" equivalent " protection to GFIs. Some interpretations allow DI tools

rather than GFIs.

There is not a specific requirement for GFIs in the OSHA regs for all

" wet " operations.

You may be able to imply a " general duty " requirement, but that is

unlikely to stand up to enforcement.

Worked on a legal case of an asbestos containment fire, where the

incoming power was not GFI. A short cause a $2,000,000 fire. OSHA did

not cite the employer for non GFIs because it was dry removal.

All very confusing and illogical.

Bob