Arc Flash Training: Why and When Every Electrician Needs It

OSHA 1910 Subpart S requires electrical safety training for all workers who might come into contact with an electrical hazard. That makes this training, which includes arc flash training, mandatory for electricians and electrical contractors.

Even if you think you have a good handle on arc flashes and how to protect yourself from electric shock and arc flash burns, a refresher course never hurts. What’s more, it’s important to keep up with NFPA 70E, the standard for electrical safety in the workplace, which changes regularly.

OSHA electrical safety training requirements: An overview

The OSHA standard doesn’t dictate exactly what electrical safety training should consist of, only the topics workers should be trained in. NFPA 70E training satisfies the OSHA electrical safety training requirements. NFPA 70E was originally developed at the request of OSHA and is designed to help companies and workers reduce the risk of injuries and deaths from electric shock, electrocution, arc flash and arc blast.

NFPA 70E is currently revised every three years, and it’s the responsibility of employers to make sure their work practices comply with it. In other words, workers exposed to potential electrical hazards should receive NFPA 70E training every three years, as should supervisors. Training is required for qualified persons (who have the skills and knowledge to perform electrical work as part of their job) and non-qualified persons (who may encounter electrical equipment on the job).

NFPA 70E training is also required if a worker’s duties have changed, new equipment has been added or the company has failed an audit.

NFPA 70E training

Thanks to NFPA 70E online training, workers can receive their electrical safety training at home or at the office, and they can proceed at their own pace to make sure they fully understand the material. Look for a course based on the 2021 edition of NFPA 70E, the most recent edition.

A six-hour online NFPA 70E course designed for qualified persons will help workers and supervisors:

• Understand the hierarchy of controls and how to apply it
• Identify the potential for hazards, including arc flashes
• Define an arc flash boundary
• Know when energized work requires a permit
• Know how to reduce the dangers of working on or near energized equipment
• Choose the appropriate PPE for the work based on the potential hazards and know how to inspect and maintain it
• Understand the hazards related to electrical tools and equipment and how to use insulating tools and test equipment properly

After passing a test at the end of the course, you’ll get a certificate of completion to download, and the peace of mind that comes with knowing you’re OSHA compliant and have the knowledge you need to protect yourself from injuries and reduce the risk of becoming a statistic.

Register for our six-hour online NFPA 70E electrical safety training course today.