Arc Flash Training As Required By OSHA

Arc flash training as required by OSHA can be provided nationwide by Electrical Safety Specialists. OSHA 1910 Subpart S mandates that any employee who might come into contact with an electrical hazard must receive electrical safety training. 

What is arc flash and why is training necessary?

When an electric current passes through air between ungrounded conductors or between ungrounded conductors and grounded conductors, the temperatures can reach 35,000°F. Exposure to these extreme temperatures both burns the skin directly and causes ignition of clothing, which adds to the burn injury. The majority of hospital admissions due to electrical accidents are from arc flash burns rather than shocks. Each year more than 2000 people are admitted to burn centers with severe arc flash burns. Arc flashes can and do kill at distances of 3 m (10 ft).

Are NFPA 70E arc flash standards enforced by OSHA?

NFPA 70E is a consensus standard rather than an OSHA regulation, which is enforced by federal law. However, OSHA has several requirements that are enforceable by law and the NFPA 70E is accepted by OSHA as a nationally recognized consensus standard for best practice in the United States. We thus use NFPA 70E as a guide for meeting OSHA requirements.

Who needs arc flash training?

Training for arc flash safety should include not only “qualified persons” who work directly with electrical equipment, but also “unqualified persons,” such as maintenance or janitorial staff who work near a hazard. Outside contractors and others who may visit the facility should also be considered. 

Eliminating or neutralizing a hazard by de-energizing, disconnecting, grounding, locking out, or other means should be the employer’s first priority. If that is not possible, however, employees must be trained to safely work around the hazard. 

Nationwide arc flash training is available from ESS.

Electrical safety training from ESS covers the complex standards and regulations and the latest in OSHA’s enforcement direction of NFPA 70E training, offered in 4 and 8 hour classes. Topics include positive electrical safety culture, safe work practices, emergency response, shock hazards, PPE requirements, hazardous electrical energy control procedures, and labeling requirements, among others. ESS will provide all the documentation required when training is completed.

Employees must be retrained in safe work practices and in any changes to the NFPA 70E standard at least once every three years. Training is also required when new equipment is added, after a change in job duties, or after failed inspections.

Arc flash training from ESS not only protects employees from injury but builds a culture of safety within the company. Contact ESS today to get more information and learn how your employees can be trained to perform their tasks in an efficient and safe manner.