NIOSH estimates that 5 to 10 arc flash explosions occur in electric equipment every day in the United States. These events have the potential to cause serious injuries and even death due to burns from the thermal radiation and intense light released. The Occupational Health and Safety Administration (OSHA) enforce arc flash safety regulations in the United States. Its authority to do so stems from Section 5(a)(1) of the Occupational Health and Safety act, which states that employers "shall furnish to each of his employees employment and a place of employment which are free from recognized hazards that are causing or are likely to cause death or serious physical harm to his employees" OSHA considers arc flash to be a "recognized hazard" for which appropriate safety standards exist.

Upon completion of the learning event, the learner will be able to identify the conditions and hazards associated with arc flashes, and the safe work practices recommended by OSHA and NIOSH. The course also covers general PPE information and states of what kind of PPE to use as mentioned in 1910.132(f)(1)(ii).

Relevant Standards: 29 CFR 1910 Subpart I, 29 CFR 1910 Subpart R, 29 CFR 1910.269, 29 CFR 1910 Subpart S

• Linear Duration/min: 00:14:16
• Origin Date: 05/09
• Last Update: 05/09
• Complexity/Difficulty: Level I (very easy)
• Interactivity: Level II
• Supervising SME: Trey Greene
• Prerequisites: None

Competencies:

To successfully complete this course, the Learner will demonstrate the ability to:

• ELT 4.2.0 Recognize under what conditions an arc flash can occur 02:16
• ELT 4.3.0 Identify the damage that can be caused by an arc flash 01:29
• ELT 4.4.0 Identify what procedures to take to prevent an arc flash 02:25
• ELT 4.5.0 Identify the personal protective equipment used for arc flash protection 01:10