Does OSHA require employees to receive electrical safety training?
Yes, if the employees work in the following occupations: blue collar supervisors, electrical/electronic engineers, electrical/electronic equipment assemblers, electrical/electronic technicians, electricians, industrial machine operators, material handling equipment operators, mechanics and repairers, painters, riggers and roustabouts, stationary engineers, and welders. (Exception: mandatory training for workers in these occupations does not apply if their work does not bring them close to exposed parts of electrical circuits operating at a minimum of 50 volts to the ground for a hazard to exist.) Most states in the U.S. have adopted local standards that are identical to Federal OSHA, although some states enforce different standards or have other enforcement policies.
Which employees are required to receive electrical safety training per OSHA regulations?
In addition to the employees stated in the above occupations and in the aforementioned conditions, mandatory training also extends to other employees (i.e. office workers and salespeople) who are exposed to potential and comparable risk of injury due to electric hazard (i.e. electric shock).
How often is refresher electrical safety training required?
OSHA has not specified any timeframe for refresher training in electrical safety, but it is generally recommended that employees are retrained at least every 3 years. In any case, the employer must ensure a safe and healthy worksite that is free from recognized hazards.
Does OSHA require specific topics to be covered in electrical safety training?
In regards to the content of the training, OSHA requires that employees should be trained in the safety-related work practices required by 1910.331-1910.335. These practices specifically entail: 1910.331: Scope; 1910.332: Training; 1910.333: Selection and use of work practices (i.e. de-energizing electrical contacts); 1910.334: Use of equipment (i.e. extension cords); and 1910.335: Safeguards for personnel protection (i.e. PPE).
Can OSHA issue citations based on NFPA 70E?
Yes. OSHA has begun to issue citations based on the requirements of the national consensus standard (NFPA 70E) by the National Fire Protection Association, which deals with electrical safety in the workplace. Key elements of the extensive standard include: (1) use of lockout/tagout for electrical work; (2) procedures in a "live" energized state; (3) development of a formal process (includes written permit); (4) confirmation of employee qualification and authorization; (5) safe "approach boundaries" distinction; (6) signage and label utilization; (7) protective tools and equipment; and (8) detailed training requirements.
DVD cost effectively trains and retrains an unlimited amount of employees.
No trainer required, just pop in and play.
Video content keeps trainees engaged.
Very convenient, multiple employees don’t need to be pulled off the floor at once for a training session.
Includes both video content and an interactive quiz element to keep workers engaged.
More engaging than traditional training formats.
Can be customized to fit a companies specific work environment and equipment.
The only training option that can cover the "hands on" and "evaluation" portions of the training in addition to the "classroom" portion of the training.
CONS
Can be difficult to pull multiple workers off the floor at once to watch the video.
The DVD can get lost or scratched.
DVD can only train workers at a single location.
Due to the per person pricing format, it’s expensive for large companies that need to train hundreds or thousands of employees.
By far the most expensive training medium.
Administering refresher training as well as initial training for new employees can be a logistical nightmare.
NOTE: All information provided on this site is provided for information purposes only. It is not intended as legal or compliance advice and does not represent advice with regard to specific practices or undertakings. Compliance and Safety shall not be responsible for any damages including direct, indirect, special, punitive, incidental, exemplary, consequential damages, lost revenues, lost profits, damage to or loss of products, loss of data, or any claims or damages whatsoever, arising out of or in connection with your use of this web site or any linked external sites.
