Electrical hazards present many risks to the employees, particularly in manufacturing facilities, where working within proximity to energized equipment is often expected. However, by complying with the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) 70E standard, employees are protected from hazards such as electric shocks, arc flashes, and arc blasts.
NFPA 70E puts considerable focus on how employees should be trained. Employees need to be armed with information that will enable them to prevent possible electrical risks in the workplace. While this training is mandatory, it is also one of the components that can help reduce the risk of workplace injury significantly.
Compliance With NFPA 70E Training Requirements
NFPA 70E requires special training in order to minimize chances of shocks or electrical fires. The standard stipulates that employers have to train employees exposed to risk of electrical hazards—on ways and techniques of recognizing risks, methods of working safely, and the right PPE to wear.
With regards to qualified workers, training is provided on how they should go about performing electrical work most safely. For an unskilled worker, to avoid a situation that leads to electrical risks, and basically, they are required to maintain a safe distance.
Frequency of NFPA 70E Training
Another important aspect related to the training is the frequency with which training is offered. Every employee who is exposed to electrical risks and hazards needs to go through the NFPA 70E training after every three years. However if the nature of the job and the safety measures on the job change, then the personnel must be trained as early as possible in order to ensure safety. Also, it might be required to retrain an employee if they show a lack of safety knowledge or fail to comply with proper safety measures.
To remain compliant, it is important that evidence of training provided—such as date, attendees, and topics taught—be recorded. The above would make sure that employers are able to show that they adhered to the provisions of NFPA 70E in case of an inspection or following an occurrence.
The Importance of Practical Application in Training
Lecture based learning is a core component of NFPA 70E training, but theory has to be supported by practice. It makes sense for workers to be afforded the chance to gain practical experience on some subjects, like practicing on how to do lockout/tagout, or practicing on how to use electrical testing equipment. Employees should be capable of addressing possible dangers they might encounter on the job, and in the right manner, and this can be illustrated by the use of role play. It also helps to enhance the ability and knowledge of the workers as to how to protect themselves in future encounters on the job.
Additional NFPA 70E Training Elements
Additional elements taught under NFPA 70E include appropriate usage and care of protective gear. Every employee should know which kind of PPE is relevant for his/her work, like arc-rated clothing, gloves and face shields. It is also necessary to periodically check the integrity of used PPE and educate workers on how to detect and report equipment failures. These all help to ensure safety in the workplace.
