Extension Cords and OSHA

Often, you may come across an extension cord where the advertisement or packaging claims "OSHA Approved" or "Meets OSHA Requirements", or something like these statements. The fact is, OSHA has no "approval", per se for electrical extension cords, nor do they have a strictly defined "requirement" or "standard". According to OSHA Regulations (Standards - 29CFR) Use of Equipment - 1910.334: "... Portable cord and plug connected equipment and flexible cord sets (extension cords) shall be visually inspected before use on any shift for external defects (such as loose parts, deformed and missing pins, or damage to outer jacket or insulation) and for evidence of possible internal damage (such as pinched or crushed outer jacket). Cord and plug connected equipment and flexible cord sets (extension cords) which remain connected once they are put in place and are not exposed to damage need not be visually inspected until they are relocated." "...If there is a defect or evidence of damage that might expose an employee to injury, the defective or damaged item shall be removed from service, and no employee may use it until repairs and tests necessary to render the equipment safe have been made."