Safety measures are essential and should be followed strictly to avoid fatalities and ensure electrical systems function as expected. The NFPA 70E is a set of workplace electrical safety guidelines.
However, you should understand that being an NFPA 70E Qualified Person is not just about meeting the requirements set by the standard; it is more than that; it is a commitment to protecting other people’s lives and reducing the chances of accidents.
The NFPA 70E certification process has several layers, including training on various forms of electrical work, risk and hazard identification and assessment, use of personal protective equipment, arc flash safety, and lockout/tagout procedures.
Who Should Attend NFPA 70E Training?
The NFPA 70E training is crucial for any employee likely to come into contact with live electrical components. These are the employees, including managers, supervisors, engineers, contractors, safety professionals, preventive maintenance teams, and all who are in charge of the safety of the employees. In simple terms, anyone involved in electrical safety management or electrical system tasks should take this training.
What Does the Training Cover?
A comprehensive training program covers significant aspects of electrical safety. These lessons may cover topics like risk hazard assessment, where employees are trained to identify, estimate, and mitigate risks related to arc flashes. Emphasis is given to appropriately utilizing PPE, including the right way to select, examine, and maintain insulated gloves and clothing.
Other aspects covered in NFPA 70E certification training are arc flash safety, including an explanation of the arc flash risk assessment process, label reading, and the effects of electrical shock. Other safety measures that learners are trained on include Lockout/Tagout (LOTO) to ensure that electrical energy is not accidentally released during maintenance.
Benefits of Becoming an NFPA 70E Qualified Person
There are quite several advantages to being an NFPA 70E Qualified Person. The first advantage is safety since the training allows the workers to prevent electrical hazards and avoid accidents at the workplace. Moreover, the certification proves that the business meets the requirements set by OSHA to ensure compliance and avoid legal repercussions.
When the training is customized to meet the requirements of a specific workplace environment, it can help minimize accidents and lower the overall cost of workers’ compensation claims. The training also enables workers to easily recognize and prevent the risks inherent in the working environment.
Training Options and Frequency
NFPA 70E training also has different durations: the basic training is 2 and 4 hours, and the comprehensive training is 8 hours. Retraining can be done once every three years. However, more training is required if the technology, equipment, procedure, or employee’s job description is significantly altered.
This flexibility enables organizations to opt for the training method that they deem most appropriate for their circumstances while ensuring that employees are up to date with safety policies and measures.
Who Is A NFPA 70E Qualified Person
The NFPA 70E defines the “Qualified Person” as someone with the necessary training and experience to understand the wiring and use of electrical equipment and the hazards involved. For individuals to be considered qualified, they must be able to identify exposed live parts, determine the nominal voltage of live parts, understand approach distances for various voltage levels, and assess risks to determine appropriate PPE and work planning.
Summary
Being an NFPA 70E-qualified person is vital to protecting the health and well-being of the workers. The NFPA 70E certification training provides employees with the knowledge and practical means to manage electrical systems so that people and equipment are not exposed to the risks of electrical accidents. Such training is considered an investment, and by implementing it in an organization, you meet the legal requirements and promote a culture of safety and responsibility.
