Assured Equipment Grounding Conductor Program

The employer must establish and implement an Assured Equipment Grounding Conductor Program on construction sites. The program must cover the following:

• Cord sets
• Receptacles that are not a part of the building or structure
• Equipment connected by cord and plug that are available for use to employees

Only equipment that meets the standards outlined in the Assured Equipment Grounding Conductor Program is allowed on the jobsite.

The program must meet certain requirements, as follows:

• Be available in writing and include the specific procedures adopted by the employer. The written program must be available at the jobsite for inspection and copying by the Assistant Secretary of Labor for Occupational Safety and Health and any affected employee.
• Have a designated employee who is responsible for implementing the program.
• Outline a visual inspection procedure for identifying cord sets, attachment caps, plug and receptacles of cord sets, and any equipment connected by cord and plug. Inspection must occur daily before use, and equipment found damaged or defective must be removed until repaired or replaced.
• Outline tests procedures for grounding, such as the following:
  • All equipment grounding conductors must be tested for continuity and must be electrically continuous.
  • Each receptacle and attachment cap or plug must be tested for correct attachment of the equipment grounding conductor. The grounding conductor must be tested for connection to its proper terminal.
• Outline standards for the timing of tests, such as:
  • Before each use
  • Before equipment is returned to service after repairs
  • Before equipment is used after any incident which can be reasonably suspected to have caused damage
  • At least every three months. Cords sets and receptacles that are fixed and not exposed to damage can be tested every six months.

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