Hang this poster beside the outlets nearest the sinks, so the rules are in front of whoever plugs something in.
What is on the poster
Do
- Every 120-volt outlet near a sink, eyewash, shower or other water source is GFCI-protected, at the outlet or the breaker.
- Press Test on each GFCI outlet every month: the power must cut. Then Reset. Flip GFCI breakers off and on monthly too, after warning the room.
- Use equipment with a three-prong plug or marked double-insulated. Follow the maker's instructions.
- Inspect cords and plugs before use: no cuts, frays, exposed wire or missing prongs.
- Dry hands and a dry bench before you plug anything in. Keep cords clear of sinks, spills and heat.
- Unplug by the plug. Tag and remove any damaged cord or tool: Do Not Use.
- Lockout and tagout for any electrical work, by the people trained to do it.
Never
- Plug in near water without GFCI protection.
- Use a cord or plug with a broken or missing ground prong.
- Daisy-chain power strips, or run an extension cord as permanent wiring.
- Touch a plugged-in tool or appliance with wet hands, or while standing in water.
- Reset a GFCI that keeps tripping: something is faulty. Report it.
A tingle from any equipment means a fault. Unplug it at the plug and take it out of service.
Built to the Science Safety Teaching Standard
This poster carries the SSTS mark. Like every Science Safety course, it is built to the Science Safety Teaching Standard (SSTS): every rule on it is taken from the body that governs it, at its current edition, and the source is printed on the poster, so you can check it yourself.
Stay current
When you get this poster, it is saved to your Science Safety account. If we revise the poster, or the GFCI Safety module it comes from changes, we will email you, and the latest version will be waiting under Downloads in your account. Every revision carries its revision number and date at the bottom of the poster, so you can tell at a glance whether the copy on your wall is current.
Printing and hanging
- One-page PDF, US letter (8.5 by 11 inches).
- White background, so it prints clearly on any office or classroom printer without using much ink.
- Hang it beside the outlets nearest the sinks, at eye level.
- The QR code in the blue title band opens this page, so anyone can get their own copy.
- The QR code at the bottom opens the GFCI Safety module.
Learn more
The GFCI Safety module teaches the full topic this poster comes from.
Sources:
- 29 CFR 1910.304, Wiring design and protection – Occupational Safety and Health Administration (reviewed September 30, 2026)
- Laboratory Safety Guidance and QuickFacts – Occupational Safety and Health Administration (reviewed September 30, 2026)
- GFCI guidance – National Science Teaching Association (reviewed September 30, 2026)
Poster SSP-0037, Rev. 1, September 2026.
