Introduction

In electrical environments, the invisible dangers of arc flash and electric shock pose significant threats to worker safety, potentially leading to severe injuries, fatalities, and extensive equipment damage. An Arc Flash Risk Assessment is a critical engineering study designed to identify potential arc flash hazards, calculate the incident energy levels, determine arc flash boundaries, and specify the necessary personal protective equipment (PPE) required for safe work. This meticulous assessment is not merely a regulatory formality; it is the cornerstone of a proactive electrical safety program, enabling organizations to understand, quantify, and mitigate the risks associated with energized electrical equipment. Without a thorough Arc Flash Risk Assessment and NFPA 70E Compliance, workplaces remain vulnerable to devastating electrical incidents, resulting in costly downtime, legal liabilities, and, most importantly, putting human lives at unacceptable risk. This comprehensive training course focuses on equipping professionals with the expertise to master Arc Flash Risk Assessment and NFPA 70E Compliance.

This training course is meticulously designed to empower electrical engineers, safety officers, maintenance personnel, electricians, industrial technicians, facility managers, and compliance officers with the theoretical understanding and practical skills necessary to conduct effective Arc Flash Risk Assessments and ensure strict adherence to NFPA 70E: Standard for Electrical Safety in the Workplace. Participants will gain a deep understanding of electrical hazards, explore the methodologies for calculating incident energy and arc flash boundaries, learn about the hierarchy of controls for risk mitigation, and acquire hands-on experience in selecting appropriate PPE and developing safe work procedures. The course will delve into topics such as electrically safe work conditions, lockout/tagout procedures, energized electrical work permits, hazard identification, proper labeling requirements, and the integration of electrical safety programs with overall occupational health and safety management systems. By mastering the principles and practical application of Arc Flash Risk Assessment and NFPA 70E Compliance, participants will be prepared to create a safer work environment, protect personnel, prevent electrical accidents, and ensure their organizations meet stringent regulatory requirements.

Duration: 10 Days

Target Audience

• Electrical Engineers
• Safety Officers and Managers
• Maintenance Electricians and Technicians
• Industrial Technicians
• Facility Managers
• Plant Engineers
• Electrical Supervisors
• Compliance Officers
• Project Managers involved in electrical work
• Anyone working on or near energized electrical equipment

Objectives

• Understand the fundamental principles of electrical safety and common hazards (shock, arc flash, arc blast).
• Learn about the requirements and scope of NFPA 70E: Standard for Electrical Safety in the Workplace.
• Acquire skills in identifying and analyzing potential arc flash and shock hazards.
• Comprehend techniques for calculating incident energy and arc flash boundaries.
• Explore strategies for applying the hierarchy of controls to mitigate electrical risks.
• Understand the importance of establishing an Electrically Safe Work Condition (ESWC).
• Gain insights into proper selection and use of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) for electrical hazards.
• Develop a practical understanding of Lockout/Tagout (LOTO) procedures.
• Learn about the requirements for Energized Electrical Work Permits.
• Master the process of developing and implementing a comprehensive Electrical Safety Program.
• Acquire skills in interpreting arc flash warning labels and documentation requirements.
• Understand the roles and responsibilities of qualified and unqualified persons in electrical safety.
• Explore emergency response procedures for electrical accidents.
• Develop proficiency in auditing and maintaining compliance with NFPA 70E.
• Prepare to create and sustain a robust electrical safety culture in the workplace.

Course Content

Module 1: Introduction to Electrical Safety and Hazards

• Basic principles of electricity and electrical hazards (shock, electrocution, arc flash, arc blast).
• The human body's response to electric current.
• Statistics on electrical injuries and fatalities in the workplace.
• Understanding arc flash phenomena: causes, characteristics, and severity factors.
• Importance of a proactive electrical safety culture.

Module 2: Overview of NFPA 70E: Standard for Electrical Safety in the Workplace

• Purpose and scope of NFPA 70E.
• Relationship between NFPA 70E and OSHA regulations.
• Key concepts: qualified person, unqualified person, electrically safe work condition.
• Hierarchy of controls for electrical hazards.
• General requirements for an electrical safety program.

Module 3: Electrical Safety Program (ESP) Development and Management

• Components of a comprehensive Electrical Safety Program.
• Establishing roles and responsibilities within the ESP.
• Training requirements for qualified and unqualified persons.
• Documentation requirements for the ESP.
• Auditing and continuous improvement of the ESP.

Module 4: Establishing an Electrically Safe Work Condition (ESWC)

• NFPA 70E prioritization: de-energized work vs. energized work.
• Steps for establishing an ESWC: verify absence of voltage.
• Importance of testing for absence of voltage.
• Equipotential bonding and grounding for safety.
• When energized work is justified and permissible.

Module 5: Lockout/Tagout (LOTO) Procedures

• Purpose and importance of LOTO for electrical safety.
• Detailed steps of LOTO procedure for control of hazardous energy.
• Types of LOTO devices and their application.
• Complex LOTO procedures: group LOTO, shift changes.
• Verifying zero electrical potential after LOTO.

Module 6: Arc Flash Risk Assessment Methodology

• Steps in performing an arc flash risk assessment.
• Data collection requirements for the assessment (system impedance, protective device settings).
• Understanding the IEEE 1584 Guide for Performing Arc-Flash Hazard Calculations.
• Software tools for arc flash calculations.
• Assumptions and limitations of arc flash calculations.

Module 7: Incident Energy and Arc Flash Boundary Calculations

• Definition of incident energy (cal/cm²) and its significance.
• Calculating incident energy at various points in the electrical system.
• Defining arc flash boundaries (limited, restricted, prohibited approach boundaries).
• Factors affecting incident energy: fault current, clearing time, working distance.
• Impact of protective device coordination on incident energy.

Module 8: Shock Risk Assessment and Boundaries

• Understanding electric shock hazards: voltage, current, resistance, path.
• Calculating shock hazards and determining shock boundaries.
• Safe approach distances to energized conductors.
• Insulating tools and equipment for shock protection.
• Special precautions for working near energized parts.

Module 9: Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) for Electrical Hazards

• Importance of proper PPE selection based on risk assessment results.
• Arc-rated clothing and arc flash suits: understanding arc rating (ATPV, Ebt).
• Insulating gloves, rubber insulating sleeves, and leather protectors.
• Eye and face protection: arc-rated face shields, safety glasses.
• Head, foot, and hearing protection requirements.

Module 10: Energized Electrical Work Permits

• When an energized work permit is required.
• Components of a comprehensive energized electrical work permit.
• Justification for energized work.
• Hazard analysis and risk assessment for energized work.
• Roles and responsibilities related to energized work permits.

Module 11: Arc Flash Warning Labels and Documentation

• Requirements for arc flash and shock hazard warning labels.
• Information required on labels: incident energy, arc flash boundary, PPE category.
• Placement and maintenance of warning labels.
• Importance of accurate and up-to-date documentation.
• Recordkeeping requirements for assessments and training.

Module 12: Specific Electrical Equipment and Applications

• Safety considerations for working with switchgear, motor control centers, panelboards.
• Batteries and battery rooms: specific hazards and safety measures.
• Capacitors and their stored energy hazards.
• Portable electrical equipment and flexible cords.
• Safety in hazardous (classified) locations.

Module 13: Emergency Response Procedures

• First aid for electrical shock and burns.
• Rescue procedures for electrically injured persons.
• Role of qualified persons in emergency response.
• Developing and practicing emergency response plans.
• Use of emergency response equipment (e.g., rescue hooks, blankets).

Module 14: Auditing and Compliance Maintenance

• Importance of regular audits of the electrical safety program.
• What to look for during an electrical safety audit.
• Identifying non-compliance and corrective actions.
• Retraining requirements and frequency.
• Continuous improvement cycle for electrical safety.

Module 15: Best Practices and Advanced Topics

• Developing a "safety-first" culture.
• Integrating electrical safety with overall occupational health and safety (OHS) systems.
• Utilizing technology for enhanced safety (e.g., remote operation, online monitoring).
• Human performance factors in electrical safety.
• Review of recent changes and future trends in NFPA 70E.

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.