Understanding OSHA’s Recent Arc Flash Guidance
OSHA’s recent arc flash guidance covers various areas of concern. What are they?
- By David Kopf
- Jan 30, 2025
In November, OSHA released new arc flash guidance for the first time in almost 20 years. The guidance covered various areas of concern, including low-voltage hazards; PPE and arc-rated (AR) clothing; hierarchy of controls; worker training and establishing boundaries for arc flash hazards.
Scott Margolin, Vice President of Technical at Tyndale and Chairman of the Board for the Partnership for Electrical Safety (PES), joins the podcast to discuss the key elements of the guidance, as well as why OSHA chose to release the guidance and how the PES is working to increase electrical safety for workers.
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About the Author
David Kopf is the publisher and executive editor of Occupational Health & Safety magazine.
OSHA recently released new guidance on arc flash safety, and it’s important for employers and employees to understand what this means for their workplace. Arc flash incidents can result in serious injuries or even fatalities, so it’s crucial to take the necessary precautions to prevent them.
In the new guidance, OSHA emphasizes the importance of conducting a thorough risk assessment to identify potential arc flash hazards in the workplace. This includes evaluating the equipment, work practices, and procedures that could lead to an arc flash incident. Employers are also required to provide appropriate training to employees on how to recognize and mitigate arc flash hazards.
One of the key changes in OSHA’s guidance is the recommendation for employers to use the IEEE 1584 standard for calculating arc flash incident energy. This standard provides a more accurate method for determining the potential severity of an arc flash event, which can help employers better protect their employees.
It’s important for employers to stay up to date on OSHA’s guidelines and ensure they are implementing the necessary safety measures to prevent arc flash incidents. By following OSHA’s guidance and providing proper training and equipment, employers can create a safer working environment for their employees.
Overall, understanding and implementing OSHA’s recent arc flash guidance is essential for protecting the health and safety of workers in industries where arc flash hazards are present. By taking the necessary precautions and following OSHA’s recommendations, employers can reduce the risk of arc flash incidents and create a safer workplace for everyone.
Tags:
OSHA arc flash guidance, arc flash safety, workplace safety, OSHA regulations, electrical safety, arc flash prevention, OSHA compliance, occupational health and safety, workplace hazards, electrical hazards, arc flash training
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