Introduction

In any industrial or commercial setting, electrical systems are fundamental to operations, but they also present significant inherent hazards, including electric shock, arc flash, and arc blast. These risks, if not properly identified and managed, can lead to severe injuries, fatalities, property damage, and regulatory non-compliance. An Electrical Safety Audit is a systematic and comprehensive evaluation of an organization's electrical systems, equipment, and work practices against established safety standards and regulations. It serves as a vital diagnostic tool, pinpointing deficiencies, identifying potential hazards, and providing the roadmap for effective risk mitigation strategies. Without a proactive approach through regular Electrical Safety Audits and Risk Mitigation, businesses expose their workforce to unacceptable dangers, face potential legal repercussions, and risk costly operational disruptions due to preventable electrical incidents. This comprehensive training course focuses on equipping professionals with the expertise to master Electrical Safety Audit and Risk Mitigation.

This training course is meticulously designed to empower electrical engineers, safety officers, maintenance managers, facility professionals, industrial electricians, and compliance personnel with the theoretical understanding and practical skills necessary to conduct thorough Electrical Safety Audits and implement robust Risk Mitigation measures. Participants will gain a deep understanding of relevant electrical safety standards (e.g., NFPA 70E, OSHA), explore various hazard identification techniques, learn about the hierarchy of controls for risk reduction, and acquire hands-on experience in developing corrective action plans and verifying their effectiveness. The course will delve into topics such as reviewing electrical documentation, conducting on-site inspections, evaluating lockout/tagout procedures, assessing arc flash and shock hazards, selecting appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE), and establishing a continuous improvement framework for electrical safety management systems. By mastering the principles and practical application of Electrical Safety Audit and Risk Mitigation, participants will be prepared to identify and control electrical hazards, enhance worker safety, ensure regulatory compliance, and contribute significantly to fostering a resilient and accident-free electrical work environment.

Duration: 10 Days

Target Audience

• Electrical Safety Officers
• Health and Safety Managers
• Maintenance Managers and Supervisors
• Electrical Engineers
• Industrial Electricians
• Facility Managers
• Plant Managers
• Compliance Officers
• Risk Assessors
• Auditors (Internal and External)

Objectives

• Understand the principles and scope of an electrical safety audit.
• Learn about relevant electrical safety standards and regulations (e.g., OSHA, NFPA 70E).
• Acquire skills in planning and preparing for an electrical safety audit.
• Comprehend techniques for identifying common electrical hazards in various settings.
• Explore strategies for assessing and quantifying electrical risks.
• Understand the importance of the hierarchy of controls for risk mitigation.
• Gain insights into effective lockout/tagout (LOTO) program auditing.
• Develop a practical understanding of evaluating arc flash and shock hazards in an audit context.
• Learn about auditing personal protective equipment (PPE) selection and use.
• Master the process of developing corrective action plans based on audit findings.
• Acquire skills in documenting audit results and reporting to stakeholders.
• Understand the role of human factors in electrical safety incidents.
• Explore emergency response preparedness as part of an electrical safety audit.
• Develop proficiency in establishing and maintaining an Electrical Safety Management System (ESMS).
• Prepare to drive continuous improvement in electrical safety performance.

Course Content

Module 1: Foundations of Electrical Safety and Auditing

• Importance of electrical safety in the workplace.
• Overview of common electrical hazards (shock, arc flash, arc blast, fires).
• Introduction to electrical safety auditing: purpose, benefits, and scope.
• Regulatory landscape: OSHA electrical safety standards, NFPA 70E.
• The role of audits in preventing electrical incidents.

Module 2: Electrical Safety Standards and Regulations

• In-depth review of NFPA 70E: Standard for Electrical Safety in the Workplace.
• Key requirements of OSHA's electrical safety regulations (29 CFR Part 1910 Subpart S).
• International electrical safety standards (e.g., IEC 60364 series, IEC 61557).
• Understanding the interrelationship between different standards.
• Legal and financial implications of non-compliance.

Module 3: Planning and Preparation for an Electrical Safety Audit

• Defining the scope, objectives, and criteria of the audit.
• Assembling a competent audit team: required expertise and qualifications.
• Developing comprehensive audit checklists and procedures.
• Gathering and reviewing relevant documentation (schematics, maintenance records, training logs).
• Scheduling and communicating the audit process.

Module 4: Hazard Identification Techniques

• Visual inspection techniques for identifying electrical hazards (e.g., exposed wiring, damaged insulation).
• Identifying overloaded circuits and improper grounding.
• Recognizing signs of overheating and poor electrical connections.
• Identifying inadequate guarding and access to live parts.
• Utilizing thermal imaging and other diagnostic tools during audits.

Module 5: Electrical Risk Assessment and Quantification

• Principles of risk assessment: hazard, exposure, likelihood, severity.
• Qualitative vs. quantitative risk assessment methods.
• Applying risk matrices to electrical hazards.
• Prioritizing risks based on potential impact and probability.
• Documenting risk levels and justifications.

Module 6: Hierarchy of Controls for Risk Mitigation

• Understanding the hierarchy: elimination, substitution, engineering controls, administrative controls, PPE.
• Applying control measures to identified electrical hazards.
• Practical examples of implementing each level of control.
• Prioritizing and selecting the most effective mitigation strategies.
• Evaluating the effectiveness of implemented controls.

Module 7: Auditing Lockout/Tagout (LOTO) Programs

• Reviewing LOTO policies and procedures for compliance with OSHA and NFPA 70E.
• Observing LOTO execution in the field.
• Verifying proper energy isolation and absence of voltage testing.
• Auditing LOTO device management and use.
• Assessing LOTO training and authorized employee competency.

Module 8: Auditing Arc Flash and Shock Hazard Assessments

• Verifying that arc flash risk assessments have been conducted (per NFPA 70E 130.5).
• Checking the accuracy of incident energy and arc flash boundary calculations.
• Reviewing shock risk assessments and approach boundaries.
• Auditing the application of arc flash and shock warning labels.
• Ensuring assessments are up-to-date and re-evaluated as required.

Module 9: Auditing Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) Programs

• Reviewing PPE policies and procedures for compliance with NFPA 70E 130.7.
• Auditing the selection of appropriate arc-rated and shock-protective PPE.
• Inspecting the condition, care, and maintenance of electrical PPE.
• Assessing PPE training and proper use by workers.
• Ensuring availability and accessibility of required PPE.

Module 10: Auditing Electrical Safety Programs (ESPs)

• Comprehensive review of the organization's overall Electrical Safety Program.
• Assessing management commitment and employee involvement.
• Evaluating training records and competency verification.
• Auditing the system for safe work practices and energized work permits.
• Reviewing incident reporting, investigation, and corrective action processes.

Module 11: Electrical Incident Investigation and Root Cause Analysis

• Principles of incident investigation for electrical accidents.
• Collecting evidence, interviewing witnesses, and reconstructing events.
• Identifying immediate, underlying, and root causes of incidents.
• Developing effective corrective and preventive actions.
• Learning from incidents to improve safety programs.

Module 12: Documentation, Reporting, and Communication

• Essential documentation for electrical safety audits.
• Developing clear, concise, and actionable audit reports.
• Communicating audit findings and recommendations to management.
• Tracking corrective action implementation and closure.
• Legal implications of audit documentation.

Module 13: Emergency Response Preparedness

• Auditing emergency plans for electrical accidents (shock, fire).
• Assessing availability and knowledge of first aid and CPR for electrical injuries.
• Evaluating rescue procedures from energized equipment.
• Reviewing emergency contact information and communication protocols.
• Conducting and evaluating emergency drills.

Module 14: Electrical Safety Management Systems (ESMS)

• Introduction to the concept of an ESMS.
• Key elements of an effective ESMS (e.g., Plan-Do-Check-Act cycle).
• Integrating electrical safety into an organization's overall OHS management system.
• Benefits of a robust ESMS for continuous improvement.
• International standards for safety management systems (e.g., ISO 45001).

Module 15: Continuous Improvement and Best Practices

• Strategies for fostering a strong electrical safety culture.
• Leveraging technology for improved safety (e.g., smart sensors, remote monitoring).
• Human performance tools and techniques for reducing error.
• Benchmarking against industry best practices.
• Developing a roadmap for ongoing electrical safety excellence.

Training Approach

This course will be delivered by our skilled trainers who have vast knowledge and experience as expert professionals in the fields. The course is taught in English and through a mix of theory, practical activities, group discussion and case studies. Course manuals and additional training materials will be provided to the participants upon completion of the training.

Tailor-Made Course

This course can also be tailor-made to meet organization requirement. For further inquiries, please contact us on: Email: info@skillsforafrica.org, training@skillsforafrica.org  Tel: +254 702 249 449

Training Venue

The training will be held at our Skills for Africa Training Institute Training Centre. We also offer training for a group at requested location all over the world. The course fee covers the course tuition, training materials, two break refreshments, and buffet lunch.

Visa application, travel expenses, airport transfers, dinners, accommodation, insurance, and other personal expenses are catered by the participant

Certification

Participants will be issued with Skills for Africa Training Institute certificate upon completion of this course.

Airport Pickup and Accommodation

Airport pickup and accommodation is arranged upon request. For booking contact our Training Coordinator through Email: info@skillsforafrica.org, training@skillsforafrica.org  Tel: +254 702 249 449

Terms of Payment: Unless otherwise agreed between the two parties’ payment of the course fee should be done 10 working days before commencement of the training.