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Occupational Safety Management Sacramento State University

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Electrical Safety

Regulations governing electricity are in Title 8, California Code of Regulations, Section 2300 (low voltage, 600 volts or less) and Section 2700 (high voltage, more than 600 volts). Only qualified electricians working in conjunction with Facilities Services are authorized to work on the University's electrical system, and only qualified technicians and support staff are permitted to perform work on electrical equipment.

New regulations requiring Lockout/Tag out of electrical equipment are in force. Never force to the "ON" position an electrical switch or device that has been locked out or Tag out. Those locks/tags are used to help prevent accidental electrocution!

Appliances & Lighting Fixtures

It is preferred that home appliances (toasters, hot plates, fans, etc.) and lighting fixtures not be used at the campus. If used, such a unit must meet the following requirements:

  • Is UL listed.
  • Is plugged directly into wall outlet.
  • Is in good condition with no signs of damage.
  • Is placed where it will not cause tripping hazards

It is Sac State policy that personal space heaters not be used at the campus due to potential fire hazards. If a space heater is needed, the heater must be obtained from Facilities Services.

Extension Cords

Extension cords are only permitted when they are of the proper rating, in good condition (not frayed or twisted), are for temporary use only, and are no more than six feet long.

All extension must have three conductors, which includes ground and must be plugged directly into an electrical outlet or an UL approved power strip with overload protection.

Never use an octopus or multi-outlet adapter. These devices can easily cause an electrical circuit to become overloaded. If a circuit breaker does trip, do not reset it. Instead call Facilities Services Work Control at extension 8-6242 so an electrician can solve the problem. Circuit breakers that constantly need to be reset indicate a problem and potential fire hazard.