Who needs arc flash training?

When working toward a safer workplace, arc flash safety training is an important addition to any environment. When deciding who needs arc flash training in your facility, there are a number of factors that need to be considered. The simple answer is to say that anyone who works with electrical equipment, or works in an area where an arc flash is possible, should go through the arc flash training courses. OSHA also identifies a number of specific job titles that are typically associated with higher levels of risk for arc flash exposure. If you have any of these job titles in your facility, you should make sure that they receive this type of training.

OSHA’s High-Risk Job Titles

The following are the job titles that OSHA has identified as being ‘high-risk’ when it comes to arc flashes:

• Blue Collar Supervisors
• Electrical Engineers
• Electrical Assemblers
• Electrical Technicians
• Electricians
• Stationary Engineers
• Industrial Machine Operators
• Material Handling Equipment Operators
• Mechanics and Repairmen
• Riggers
• Welders

These jobs are exposed to arc flashes more often than most other jobs in the facility. With this in mind, they should receive the comprehensive training that they need. In addition, making sure they have access to the appropriate levels of personal protection equipment will help ensure they are able to perform their day to day job duties in as safe a manor as possible.

Everyone Should Receive General Training

While the above-mentioned jobs will need the most in depth training possible, everyone in the facility should at least get a basic overview of what arc flashes are and their dangers. In addition, everyone should be told how to identify arc flash boundaries, how to read arc flash labels, and other similar information. This will help to ensure everyone can stay out of dangerous areas and react to arc flash risks in the best possible way.