Superheated Safety: How Arc Flash Safety Training Keeps Everyone Safe

Way back in 1980, there were over 582 fatalities due to some kind of electrical failure. Those numbers were nearly halved after NFPA 70E was created by OSHA. In 2020, there were less than 150 fatalities related to an electrical incident.

Arc flash safety training is one aspect that has reduced overall accidents and saved lives across the industry. It accomplishes this task by teaching workers the dangers of arc flash incidents and how they can avoid them.

Here's how sufficient training can help with preventing an arc flash.

The Dangers of an Arc Flash

An arc flash is one of the most dangerous events that can happen to someone who works with electrical equipment.

In short, an arc flash is an electrical explosion that happens when a flow of electrical current travels through ionized air. This often happens after an initial flashover or short circuit.

Some of the factors that can cause an arc flash include dropping tools, handling electrical systems incorrectly, or allowing a buildup of conductive dust or corrosion.

When the flash happens, dangerous levels of energy are released in an instant. Anyone nearby will get severely burned and may even die.

On top of that, any metal caught in the blast will turn molten, produce shrapnel, and endanger anyone else in the area. Blast pressure waves can throw workers across a room and will cause hearing loss from the sound.

Various regulations have been put into place to help prevent these accidents and save lives. Some of the regulations are noted in NFPA 70E and the current OSHA Standard 29.

Benefits of Arc Flash Training Online

Arc flash training is not only recommended by industry standards. It's also legally required for anyone who has to work with electrical equipment that carries high voltages.

Utilizing an online arc flash safety program allows workers much more accessibility to this information, which means a safer work environment for everyone involved.

There are no restrictions on how long your training takes, and an online program can bookmark your progress if you need to come back later. An online module also allows easy linking to other resources that an employee might want to read in their spare time.

What Arc Flash Safety Training Covers

Generally speaking, an arc flash safety awareness course should cover most of the same things. These items are dictated by OSHA regulations, such as Title 29 of the Code of Federal Regulations, and NFPA 70 and 70E. These include a comprehensive set of regulations tied to wiring, power systems, safety standards, and more.

Expect the entirety of this course to take at least 2 hours to complete.

Introduction to Arc Flash Safety Training

Your course should begin by covering a little of everything the training covers. This may include key terms, the properties of electricity, and the causes of an arc flash. You'll also get a harsh lesson on why arc flashes are so dangerous and the various safety regulations meant to prevent them from happening. Check out the Arc Flash Safety course offered here at Compliance Training Online.

Hazards and Safety Standards

The first official lesson will be on arc flash risks and safety standards.

For example, you will learn about the various types of related injuries such as electric shock, shrapnel, vaporized metal, concussions, and burns. The course also covers emergency response training and how you should act if responding to downed energized lines.

Arc Flash Safety Responsibilities

The safety responsibilities portion of your training breaks down what employers, managers, supervisors, and employees need to know.

At the base level, employees are expected to follow the more hands-on lessons in their daily operations. If something happens, they need to get to safety and notify their supervisor.

A supervisor is the one who handles much of the response to the hazard. They'll notify the authorities and address the issue within their power.

Employers are responsible for making sure that the people they hire are trained to deal with arc flashes and other safety risks. That means running background checks and verifying certifications.

Hazard Control Measures

All employees must know what to do in case of an arc flash. These hazard control measures include knowing engineering controls, hazard identification, approach limits, and risk assessment.

This lesson also includes how to safely barricade an area and disable nearby machinery.

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

PPE includes all the articles of clothing and accessories you wear to protect yourself from hazards in your line of work. The kind you wear will depend on your industry and the types of hazards you face.

Hard hats are one of the easiest ways to protect your head and neck. Hearing protection can help prevent hearing loss in the event of an explosion or when you work around loud machinery.

Personal protective equipment for electrical workers often includes insulating gloves, insulating sleeves, and flame-retardent clothing.

Practical Arc Flash Safety Precautions

Finally, your lesson will cover what to do in the vent of an arc flash. You'll also learn safety-by-design methods. This is the principle of creating a work area that focuses on safety and avoids creating the conditions that would cause an arc flash.

How Often to Do an Arc Flash Safety Program

In many cases, employees won't be hired unless they have already received a certificate for completing an arc flash safety course. Once hired, they must retake this training at least once every three years.

Retraining is important for covering any updates or changes to the NFPA 70E standard. It also helps to cover any problems in an employee's performance.

Failure to train employees can result in OSHA situations. Even worse, it'll endanger the lives of everyone who works with them.

Raise Safety Awareness

Arc flash safety training is an essential part of working with high-voltage electrical equipment. It's not a choice any more than taking flight lessons is an option if you want to become an airline pilot. However, you can expect more comprehensive coverage if you invest in an online course.

Compliance Training Online provides high-quality, low-cost online training courses. Our courses cover regulations such as OSHA, DOT HAZMAT, EPA, and MSHA. Reach out today to learn more and to sign up for our email newsletter.