Washington – OSHA has updated its guidance on protecting workers from arc flash hazards.
Protecting Employees from Electric Arc Flash Hazards provides tips for employers on implementing administrative controls and using personal protective equipment, as well as identifying and assessing hazards.
“This new policy is a game changer and couldn’t have come at a more appropriate time,” Scott Margolin, chairman of the Partnership for Electrical Safety, said in a news release. “In addition to the hundreds of thousands of electricians currently working without life-saving PPE, we are at a tipping point. Our country is investing in the renewal of the network, [electric vehicles] and DC chargers as America's electrification continues.
“OSHA also recently made NFPA 70B – Maintenance of Electrical Equipment – a standard. This is fantastic progress, but will expose far more American workers – many of whom have less training, experience and PPE – to potential arc flash hazards, injuries and deaths. Updating OSHA’s guidance was imperative to clarify requirements and improve safety now.”
For workers, OSHA has documents on:
- Awareness of the danger of arc flash
- Setting limits for arc flash hazards
- Common myths about electrical work
In both the Common Electrical Work Myths document and the new guide, the agency covers two myths related to energized work and justified energized work.
“Many workers mistakenly assume that because they do not perform energized work, they do not need PPE with arc flash or arc flash protection,” OSHA says. “Employees must understand that working on unpowered equipment is not the same as an electrically safe working condition.” According to OSHA, shutting off power is only one step toward an ESWC and does not eliminate electrical hazards.
“There is also a widespread myth among employees that the legitimate work they do under voltage is electrically safe. Even when work is deemed “justified,” strict safety measures must be implemented and followed to minimize the risks associated with electrical hazards.”
OSHA also has a short video showing the differences between wearing and not wearing AR clothing during an arc flash incident.
“Don’t waste fuel,” warns the agency.