Electric Cord and Plug Safety: Visual Inspection Elements

The following elements must be evaluated for each piece of equipment inspected:

  • Is there an inspection mark, tag, or label on the piece of equipment indicating it has previously been inspected?

IF THE ANSWER TO ANY OF THE FOLLOWING ELEMENTS IS YES, THE EQUIPMENT IS POTENTIALLY DANGEROUS AND MUST BE IMMEDIATELY TAKEN OUT OF SERVICE AND MARKED “DO NOT USE”

  1. Is there damage (other than light scuffing) to the flexible cords?
  2. Is the plug damaged (casing cracked, bent/missing pin, loose pin)?
  3. Are there any taped splices in the flexible cord?
  4. Is the colored insulation of the internal wires showing where they enter the plug?
  5. Does the portable electric equipment appear to have been subjected to conditions for which it was not suited (wet or excessively contaminated)?
  6. Is there damage to the external casing of the equipment or are there loose screws or parts, cracks, loose electrical connections, etc.?
  7. Is there evidence of overheating (burn marks, discoloration, odor)?
  8. Is the main on/off switch damaged?
  9. Does the main on/off switch operate incorrectly?