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OSHA Training Requirements for Arc Flash

Arc Flash is a dangerous condition associated with the rapid release of energy caused by an arcing fault. This concentrated radiant energy creates extremely high temperatures, deadly pressure waves, deafening noise and flying debris. Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) standards 29 CFR 1910, Subpart S - Electrical, 29 CFR 1910.132, General Requirements and 29 CFR 1910.269, Electric Power Generation, Transmission, and Distribution cover employee training requirements in general terms. OSHA 29 CFR 1910, Subpart S - Electrical standard references National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) 70E for specifics on compliance.

  1. Safe Work Practices

    • All employees are required to be trained in, and familiar with, general safe electrical work practices, as well as safety procedures specific to their work area. They must know how to recognize potential arc flash hazards; how to distinguish exposed live electrical parts from others and how to determine their nominal voltage.

    Hazard Boundaries

    • Arc flash training must include information about any condition identified during a hazard or risk assessment of their workplace. This includes how electrical hazards are identified or labeled, how to properly read labels to determine approach and protection boundaries and how to establish safe work boundaries.

    Personal Protective Equipment

    • Arc flash personal protective equipment (PPE) is required when working with live electrical devices. OSHA requires instruction to include training in when PPE is necessary, what PPE is necessary, how to properly put on and take off the PPE, its limitations and how it should be maintained. To be qualified, employees must show that they understand how to use and maintain PPE properly. They can demonstrate this knowledge through testing or practical applications.

    Proficiency

    • Employees are required to demonstrate knowledge of arc flash hazards and proficiency in safe work practices to be considered qualified by OSHA. Arc flash training may be conducted in the classroom or on the job, and it must be documented to certify an employee.

    Additional Training

    • OSHA requires additional arc flash training or retraining whenever new technology, new equipment or changes in work procedures require employees to use safe work practices that different from what they have normally used. Retraining is also required if an employee demonstrates unsafe work practices.

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