OSHA ARC FLASH TRAINING REQUIREMENTS
OSHA Arc Flash Training Requirements – OSHA 29 CFR Part 1910, Subpart S Electrical and NFPA 70E 2018 “Standard for Electrical Safety in the Workplace.”
Arc Flash occurs when an electric current leaves its safely intended path and travels from one conductor to another. the result of this uncontrolled high voltage is extremely violent and may cause serious injury or even death to employees in its path.
According to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA 70E 2018) Arc Flash is “a source of possible injury or damage to health associated with the release of energy caused by an electrical arc.”
For employees working with electrical equipment, electrical arc flash hazard and shock are the most dangerous potential risks in the workplace. Arc Flash Hazard Analysis prevents these incidents which can cause severe injury or death. However, OSHA cites the National Fire Protection Association’s NFPA 70E 2018 standard as a method of action to help prevent these costly hazards.
An Electrical Hazard Analysis in the NFPA 70E 2018 edition from Arc Flash America can help ensure that your workplace meets the requirements and is as safe as possible for your employees.
Due to the violent nature of an arc flash accident, most injuries are serious. It is not uncommon for an injured employee to never regain their past quality of life. Continued medical care is often required with an unmeasurable amount of medical bills. More importantly, the person affected will never be the same they were before the accident. This is why insurance companies hold NFPA 70e 2018 standards in the highest regards when it comes to employee safety.
The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) has developed specific approach boundaries designed to protect employees while working on or near energized equipment. NFPA 70e 2018 should be reviewed for OSHA Arc Flash Training Requirements.
In an effort to limit electrical injuries in the workplace, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has passed law that only allows a “Qualified” person to work on or around energized circuits or equipment.
Qualified person: One who has received training in and has demonstrated skills and knowledge in the construction and operation of electric equipment and installations and the hazards involved.
Whether an employee is considered to be a “qualified person” will depend upon various circumstances in the workplace. For example, it is possible and, in fact, likely for an individual to be considered “qualified” with regard to certain equipment in the workplace, but “unqualified” as to other equipment…
OSHA Arc Flash Training Requirements – The training required by this section shall be of the classroom or on-the-job type. The degree of training provided shall be determined by the risk to the employee.