Electrical Safety Training

 
   

Submitted by Mike Miller, Curriculum & Training Manager

Just as "Hello" and "Goodbye" are commonly used greetings that bookend a conversation or interaction, the phrases "Be careful" and "Work safely" function similarly in the context of jobsite communication.

Frequent reminders to practice safety often are appreciated but ranked with “hello and goodbye. “

My focus today is to promote a safe summer — and a safe career — for all electrical workers.

Many of us are familiar with NFPA 70E: Standard for Electrical Safety in the Workplace. This standard, when consistently applied, empowers workers with the knowledge and practices needed to stay safe on the job. It not only helps prevent accidents — but can create confidence and peace of mind, following proven safety principles.

A common question that electrical workers ask is, “when is electrical safety training required?” Many believe that only electricians need such training, when indeed, OSHA answers that question in Article 110.4(A) of the 70E by stating, “The training requirements contained in 110.4(A) shall apply to employees exposed to an electrical hazard when the risk associated with that hazard is not reduced to a safe level by the applicable electrical installation requirements.” So, to be clear, most employees that are exposed to electrical hazards when the risk is not reduced to a safe level must be trained.

The NFPA does not determine if a task is to be electrical or non-electrical type of work so training requirements are necessary at some level for all employees.

Any time work involves complex tasks, retraining becomes essential.

According to NFPA 70E, several conditions can trigger the need for retraining. However, safety-related work practices must be reviewed and refreshed at least every three years to ensure workers stay up to date.

Article 110.4(C) refers us to the only specific requirement for annual training:

Employees who may be exposed to electric shock hazards — and those responsible for safely releasing someone in contact with energized conductors or circuit parts — must receive annual emergency response training, specifically for safe release procedures.

We at the Electrical Association are happy to let you know that we have developed a comprehensive training presentation that meets the requirements of the 70E for safety training. In addition, our 4 Hour, 70E presentation is accepted toward master and journey worker electrician license renewal for non-code credits in Minnesota. We provide on-site classes for private groups as well as feature online training.

As one of the trainers for this class, I feel it offers an excellent format for review of the following:

Please contact our office for more information: 612-827-6117 or info@electricalassociation.com