Arc Flash Training

Electricity powers nearly every aspect of modern work environments, but it also presents serious risks that workers must understand and respect. This course covers the fundamentals of electrical safety in the workplace, focusing on two of the most dangerous electrical hazards: electric shock and arc flash. Workers will learn how these hazards occur, how to recognize warning signs, what protective equipment is required, and how to establish safe working conditions when operating around or directly with electrical equipment.

• The difference between static electricity, electric shock, and arc flash events — including how each occurs and the types of injuries they can cause
• Common causes of electric shock in the workplace, including damaged wiring, altered plugs, wet conditions, and the improper use of tools and extension cords
• What an arc flash event is, how arc flashes and arc blasts differ, and the conditions that cause man-made arc flash incidents
• The role of your company’s Electrical Safety Program (ESP) and the requirements outlined under NFPA 70E
• How to select and use arc-rated personal protective equipment (PPE), including hoods, balaclavas, face shields, insulated gloves and sleeves, and protective footwear
• How to read and interpret equipment labels, including arc flash boundaries, nominal system voltage, minimum clothing arc ratings, and required PPE levels
• The steps required to establish an Electrically Safe Work Condition (ESWC), including de-energizing equipment, lockout/tagout procedures, and the Live-Dead-Live testing method
• What arc flash boundaries are, how they are determined, and why both qualified and unqualified workers must respect them
• When justified energized work may be necessary and the strict safety measures that must be followed in those situations
• Best practices for all workers near electrical hazards, including staying clear of unauthorized equipment, avoiding conductive materials, maintaining a clean work area, and remaining alert throughout any electrical task

By the end of the course, you will have learned:

• How electric shock and arc flash events occur and the serious injuries they can cause
• Safe work practices for reducing the risk of shock, including proper inspection and handling of tools, cords, and equipment
• The causes and dangers of arc flash events and how to recognize arc flash hazard sources in your workplace
• How to select appropriate arc-rated PPE based on the heat exposure level of the task being performed
• The steps for establishing an Electrically Safe Work Condition, including de-energizing, lockout/tagout, and voltage verification
• How to identify and respect arc flash boundaries and warning labels
• Your responsibilities under your company’s Electrical Safety Program, whether you are a qualified electrical worker or working in proximity to electrical equipment