Free OSHA electrical safety checklist

• The MapTrack OSHA electrical safety checklist contains 35 checks across 7 sections. Sections covered: Electrical Panels & Switchboards, Grounding & Bonding, Wiring & Cords, Receptacles & Switches, Guarding of Live Parts, Electrical Equipment Condition, Emergency & Safety.
• Facility and inspector details: facility name, building, area, inspector name, qualification, date and inspection type (routine, annual, post-incident).
• Panel boards and switchboards: cover plates in place, directory current and legible, breakers labeled, no evidence of overheating, working clearance maintained per 1910.303(g).
• Grounding and bonding: equipment grounding conductors intact, bonding jumpers present, ground rods accessible, grounding electrode system intact.

Learn more about compliance and inspections in MapTrack.

• OSHA compliance: documented inspections demonstrate compliance with 29 CFR 1910 Subpart S and reduce the risk of citations during OSHA inspections.
• Electrocution prevention: identifying missing grounds, damaged insulation and improper bonding before they cause contact with energized parts.
• Arc flash risk reduction: verifying arc flash labels, working clearances and PPE requirements reduces the severity of arc flash incidents.
• Fire prevention: catching overloaded circuits, damaged cords, missing covers and improper connections prevents electrical fires.
• Insurance support: a documented electrical safety inspection program supports insurance underwriting and can reduce premiums.
• Consistent standards: a standardized checklist ensures every facility and panel board is inspected to the same criteria regardless of which inspector performs the work.

• Facility and inspector details: facility name, building, area, inspector name, qualification, date and inspection type (routine, annual, post-incident).
• Panel boards and switchboards: cover plates in place, directory current and legible, breakers labeled, no evidence of overheating, working clearance maintained per 1910.303(g).
• Grounding and bonding: equipment grounding conductors intact, bonding jumpers present, ground rods accessible, grounding electrode system intact.
• GFCIs: all required GFCI receptacles installed, monthly test/reset function verified, GFCI protection on outdoor, wet and temporary power circuits.
• Working clearances: minimum clearances per 1910.303(g) maintained in front of all panels (36 inches minimum for 0-150V), no storage in electrical rooms.
• Flexible cords and receptacles: cords not used as permanent wiring, no damage or splices, strain relief present, receptacles not loose or broken, covers on unused outlets.
• Junction boxes and conduit: all covers in place, no open knockouts, conduit secure and continuous, no exposed wiring.
• Arc flash labeling: arc flash hazard labels present on all panels per NFPA 70E, incident energy or PPE category displayed, approach boundaries marked where required.
• Extension cords and temporary wiring: used only as permitted by 1910.305(a), three-wire type, grounded, not daisy-chained, not run through doors, windows or ceilings.
• Overall result: Pass/Fail with defect register, corrective action assignments and follow-up dates.

1. Record the facility, building, area, inspector name, qualification, date and inspection type at the top of the form.

   Only qualified persons as defined by OSHA should perform electrical safety inspections. Record your electrical qualification (licensed electrician, NFPA 70E qualified worker, safety professional) and the scope of the inspection. Note whether this is a routine monthly, annual comprehensive or post-incident inspection.

2. Inspect each electrical panel board: verify covers are in place, directory is current, breakers are labeled, working clearance is maintained and there are no signs of overheating.

   Open each panel board cover and visually inspect for signs of overheating (discolored wires, melted insulation, burn marks). Verify the panel directory matches the actual circuit configuration. Confirm minimum working clearance of 36 inches (for 0-150V) or 42 inches (151-600V) is maintained per 1910.303(g)(1). Note any breakers in the tripped position.

3. Check grounding and bonding: verify equipment grounding conductors, bonding jumpers, ground rods and the grounding electrode system are intact and accessible.

   Confirm that all equipment grounding conductors are continuous and connected. Check bonding jumpers at water pipes, structural steel and other metallic systems. Verify ground rod connections are accessible and not buried. If the facility has a ground resistance testing schedule, confirm the last test result is within acceptable limits.

4. Test all GFCI receptacles, inspect flexible cords and receptacles, check junction boxes and conduit for completeness.

   Press the test button on each GFCI receptacle to verify it trips, then reset. Check that GFCIs are installed on all required circuits including outdoor, wet location, bathroom and temporary power. Inspect every visible flexible cord for damage, splices, strain relief and proper grounding. Confirm all junction box covers are in place with no open knockouts.

5. Verify arc flash labels are present on all panels, check extension cord usage and inspect temporary wiring installations.

   Confirm that every panel board, switchboard and motor control center has an arc flash hazard label per NFPA 70E with either the incident energy level or the PPE category. Check that extension cords are three-wire grounded type, not daisy-chained and not used as permanent wiring. Verify any temporary wiring complies with 1910.305(a) requirements.

6. Record all defects, select the overall result (Pass or Fail), assign corrective actions with due dates and sign the form.

   Document every failed item with a description, the specific OSHA standard reference (e.g., 1910.303(g)(1) for working clearance), severity and corrective action. Immediately de-energize and lock out any condition that presents an imminent danger of electrocution or arc flash. Sign the form and submit it to the facility safety manager for review and corrective action tracking.

Practical answers about the form, record keeping and using MapTrack.

This form is a starting point. Check the current requirements that apply to your equipment, work and location. The form alone does not establish compliance.

• OSHA 29 CFR 1910.303 (General requirements for electrical installations)
• OSHA 29 CFR 1910.305 (Wiring methods, components and equipment)
• NFPA 70E (Standard for Electrical Safety in the Workplace)

• OSHA 29 CFR Part 1910, Occupational Safety and Health Standards

MapTrack publishes this template. The linked authorities publish their own guidance; they haven't endorsed this form.

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