Does arc flash (NFPA 70E) training expire?

The National Fire Protection Association’s (NFPA) 70E Standard for Electrical Safety in the Workplace recommends that workers who are exposed to electrical hazards receive annual or biannual safety-related training. It also states that retraining is necessary when the employee’s job changes, when the employee does not demonstrate safe electrical work practices, or when there is a new or increased electrical hazard in the workplace.

In this context, the NFPA 70E standard does not explicitly state that the training “expires,” but it does require the employer to ensure that their employees are trained and that the training is updated as needed but not to exceed three years.

It’s important to note that an employee who has completed an arc flash training program may still be required to take additional training or retraining if their job duties or responsibilities change or if there are new or increased hazards in the workplace. In these cases, the employer would need to ensure that the employee receives additional training and that the training is updated as necessary.

Additionally, regulations and industry standards can change over time. The employee may be required to take additional training or retraining to stay current with the latest regulations and industry best practices.

In summary, while arc flash training may not “expire” in the traditional sense, employers are required to ensure that their employees are trained and that the training is updated as needed, and that the retraining is necessary when the employee’s job changes, when the employee does not demonstrate safe electrical work practices or if there is a new or increased electrical hazard in the workplace. It’s also important to note that regulations and industry standards can change over time, requiring employees to receive additional training or retraining to stay current with the latest regulations and industry best practices.