NFPA 70E Training Resources for Electrical Safety in the Workplace

Electrical hazards present serious risks in workplaces across all industries. Potential dangers include electric shock, electrocution, fires, and explosions. To address these risks, the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) developed NFPA 70e – the Standard for Electrical Safety in the Workplace. This article provides an in-depth overview of NFPA 70e training, its importance for employers and employees, key topics covered, and the benefits of certification.

What is NFPA 70e?

NFPA 70e outlines requirements and best practices for safeguarding employees working on or near exposed electrical conductors and circuit parts. First published in 1979, it is revised every three to five years to keep pace with changes in the electrical industry. Compliance with NFPA 70e is not legally required but highly recommended to mitigate electrical risks. Many organizations mandate or encourage 70e training as an integral part of their safety program. Adhering to NFPA 70e can also help organizations meet OSHA standards, as the guidelines align with federal regulations.

Why Is NFPA 70e Training Essential?

Electrocution is a significant cause of death in the workplace, especially in the construction industry where it accounted for about 8% of deaths in 2021. It ranks as the fifth leading cause of occupational injury death in the U.S. and the fourth in construction. The “Fatal Four” leading causes of construction deaths, which include falls, struck-by, electrocutions, and caught-in or -between, are preventable through proper safety guidelines and training. In 2019, there were 166 workplace deaths related to electrocution, a 3.75% increase from the previous year, highlighting the essential need for employers to emphasize electrical safety and provide adequate training to prevent such fatalities.

Proper training as outlined in NFPA 70e helps reduce these risks. Organizations benefit through improved safety, reduced workplace disruptions and workers’ compensation claims, and avoiding OSHA citations for non-compliance with electrical safety rules that align with 70e guidelines. Employees benefit by being able to identify hazards and protect themselves from injury and death.

NFPA 70e Training Requirements

The standard identifies two types of employees – qualified and unqualified. Qualified employees regularly work on electrical equipment as part of their job duties. They must receive more comprehensive training on hazard identification, electrical safety principles, safe work practices, and proper use of personal protective equipment (PPE). Unqualified employees do not work on electrical equipment. Their training focuses on electrical safety awareness and identification of exposed conductors to avoid.

Refresher training is required every three years at a minimum, or more frequently when safety practices change. Documentation of all electrical safety training must be maintained while employed, and for five years thereafter.

Key Topics Covered in NFPA 70e Training

Electrical Hazards and Risks: Understanding shock, electrocution, arc flash, arc blast, fires, explosions.
Safety Principles: Insulation, guarding, grounding, electrical barriers, PPE.
Hierarchy of Controls: Elimination, substitution, engineering controls, safe work practices, PPE.
Risk Assessment Procedures: Shock and arc flash calculations.
Establishing an Electrically Safe Work Condition: Lockout/tagout, isolation, de-energizing.
Safe Work Practices: Energized work permits, approach distances.
Selection and Proper Use of PPE: Insulated gloves, protective clothing, face shields.
Equipment Maintenance and Inspection: Regular checks and maintenance protocols.
Emergency Response Procedures: Training on immediate actions during electrical emergencies.
Practical Exercises: Incorporated to reinforce learning and evaluate competence. Real-life case studies further help trainees apply concepts to their own work environment.

State-Approved NFPA 70E Training

For those seeking state-approved NFPA 70e training for annual licensure renewal, the NFPA website offers information and resources on National Electrical Code and NFPA 70e state-approved online training programs. These programs ensure that employees stay up-to-date with the latest electrical safety standards and regulations.

Benefits of Obtaining NFPA 70E-Related Certification

While not required by the standard, individuals can pursue certification to validate their electrical safety knowledge and skills.

The NFPA offers Certified Electrical Safety Compliance Professional (CESCP) certification. To qualify, candidates must pass an exam covering the entire 70e standard.

For employers, having CESCPs on staff demonstrates a commitment to safety excellence and rigor in electrical work practices. Certified employees have a higher level of competency in identifying hazards, controlling risks, and complying with 70e guidelines. Their training and focus on safety help develop an organizational culture that values electrical safety and prevention. With CESCPs overseeing electrical work, there is greater assurance of risk mitigation and regulatory compliance.

For employees, certification validates specialized expertise that can enhance career advancement opportunities and professional stature as subject matter experts. It also promotes personal development through mastery of a complex safety topic and body of knowledge. Maintaining the certification with continuing education further enables staying current with evolving electrical codes and safety best practices.

The NFPA Certified Electrical Safety Compliance Professional (CESCP) certification program is designed for electrical and safety professionals, trainers, and instructors overseeing electrical safety programs or managing personnel exposed to electrical hazards. The program emphasizes knowledge and competence in NFPA 70E, Standard for Electrical Safety in the Workplace. It includes eligibility requirements, a computer-based examination, and re-certification requirements within a three-year period. The certification aims to promote electrical safety, recognize competence, encourage professional development, and ensure a fair certification process. The CESCP exam is a three-hour, open-book, multiple-choice test, and the certification does not alone designate the holder as a Qualified Person. Fees for the program include $399 for the initial application/exam, $199 for a retest, and $180 for recertification.

The Certification Process

The process to earn CESCP certification involves:

Meeting Eligibility Requirements: NFPA membership plus certain education/experience criteria.
Registering to Take the CESCP Exam: Details on registration and scheduling.
Studying the NFPA 70e Standard and Recommended Materials: Comprehensive preparation.
Passing the 110-Question Computer-Based Exam: A score of 70% or higher is required.
Maintaining Certification Through Renewal Every Three Years: Ensuring ongoing compliance.
Ongoing Learning Resources and Communities: Provided by NFPA to help candidates prepare for the exam. Local colleges and technical schools also offer NFPA 70e
courses. Hands-on training provides added opportunities to practice key concepts.

NFPA’s Online Training Series for NFPA 70E

The NFPA 70E, Standard for Electrical Safety in the Workplace (2021) Online Training Series is being offered to help professionals improve their knowledge of electrical workplace safety. This 6-hour online training series is designed to protect lives on the job and reduce injuries, OSHA violations, and liabilities. It covers essential topics such as shock, arc flash, arc blast, electrocution, and other potential hazards. The training is updated to reflect the 2021 edition of NFPA 70E and includes six individual modules with interactive content, quizzes, and opportunities to earn continuing education units (CEUs). The series can be purchased as a whole or individual modules can be bought separately. It is suitable for electrical engineers, safety managers, electricians, contractors, plant managers, facility maintenance personnel, inspectors, risk managers, mechanical engineers, HVAC installers, designers, and project managers. The training is accessible online, allowing participants to learn at their own pace and convenience. It’s a must-have for anyone concerned with electrical safety and compliance with the latest safety practices and provisions. The course has also received the 2021 BRONZE Brandon Hall Group Excellence in Learning Award for Best Advance in Custom Content.

Conclusion

NFPA 70e training delivers invaluable knowledge workers need to perform their duties safely around electrical equipment and infrastructure. Both employers and employees benefit from reduced risk and prevention of devastating electrical incidents through training on Recognition, Assessment, Avoidance, and Prevention. Certification enables validating and documenting specialized expertise in this critical safety arena. Organizations that prioritize proper 70e training protect their most valuable assets – their employees. By aligning with NFPA 70e, companies not only enhance safety but also demonstrate compliance with regulatory standards, fostering a culture of safety excellence.

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