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Five to ten times per day in the United States, an electrical worker is severely injured or killed in an electrical arc flash accident. Other electrical incidents can also injure workers and these typically involve accidental contact with energized parts. The injuries and fatalities that result from these accidents are always devastating to the affected workers and their families. Additionally, the financial consequences of such events can be very damaging to a worker’s company.
National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) 70E 2004 provides a detailed reference for facilities to meet the requirements of electrical workplace safety. The Occupational Health and Safety Administration (OSHA) recognizes NFPA 70E as a published standard for these requirements and enforces such standards under its General Duty Clause. (Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970, Section 5(a)(1).)
The standards state that employers must provide the following items to insure a safe environment for those interfacing with a facility’s electrical system:
Safety Program With Defined Responsibilities (NFPA 70E 2004 Article 110.7)
This is a written document created by the employer that covers all areas of the employer’s electrical safety policies, and includes such things as lockout/tagout procedures, internal safety policies and responsibilities for electrical safety.
Analysis for Arc Flash Hazard Degree (NFPA 70E 2004 Article 130.3)
This is an electrical system engineering study that is performed by electrical engineers familiar with the power distribution and control equipment and the calculation methods required. The arc flash analysis will determine, among other things, the incident energy potential of each piece of electrical distribution equipment in the facility. This incident energy potential will define the Hazard/Risk Category of personal protective equipment (PPE) that the employee is required to wear while performing any work when energized parts are exposed.
Training for Workers (NFPA 70E 2004 Article 110.6)
NFPA 70E defines a qualified person as “one who has skills and knowledge related to the construction and operation of the electrical equipment and systems, and has received safety training on the hazards involved.”
