What You Need to Know About NFPA 70E Training Requirements

Many workers in the industrial and electrical sector may be required to take NFPA 70E training, but confusion about the definitions and requirements of the course can be confusing. In this article, we’ll discuss the key concepts and definitions of NFPA 70E training and clear up any confusion about the requirements. 

NFPA 70E® training is essential for ensuring the safety of employees from potential electrical hazards in the workplace. It is a requirement for both employees who are deemed “qualified” and those who are not. Despite this, many directors of facilities and supervisors of operations are uncertain or perplexed by what these terms actually mean.

A qualified person has the necessary skills, knowledge and experience to work with and around electrical equipment and installations safely. They have been trained to recognize and mitigate potential electrical hazards such as overhead power lines, damaged tools and equipment, inadequate wiring and overloaded circuits, exposed electrical parts and improper grounding. They also know how to identify and avoid wet conditions and damaged insulation, which can put workers at risk of electrocution.

NFPA 70E® requires people who work with electrical hazards to use certain safety techniques, such as wearing the appropriate PPE and using insulated tools and test equipment. They need to know the voltage levels of any exposed, energized conductors and circuits, as well as the approach distances and risk control measures for shock and arc flash. They need to plan their jobs safely, identify any electrical hazards and assess the risk associated with them, and then select the most appropriate risk control measures.

Unqualified Persons

According to NFPA 70E®, people who are not qualified electricians must still receive some form of training to ensure they can work safely with electrical equipment. This includes people who may come into contact with electrical equipment as parts of their job, such as janitors and operators. They must be aware of any safety practices they must follow to protect them from potential electrical hazards.

Training qualified workers to the standards set out by NFPA 70E® is a difficult task. Different employees may require different levels of training depending on the kind of work they perform. For example, a person may be qualified to work with heavy machinery, while another may only be qualified for maintenance work. Still, others may be trained to troubleshoot any issues that arise.

Supervisors

Supervisors, including safety and health professionals, must be properly trained in the requirements of NFPA 70E®. They must understand the hazards associated with electricity and how to monitor the activities of qualified and unqualified personnel who work with it. The supervisors must have enough knowledge to ensure that everyone is following the guidelines of NFPA 70E®.

In addition to training personnel, supervisors must also be aware of any changes in the equipment or work environment that could create additional electrical hazards. For example, suppose new machinery is installed in an area where electricity is present. In that case, the supervisor should ensure that workers are trained on how to operate it and avoid potential risks safely. 

NFPA 70E® requires a risk assessment for each job site before any employees can begin working with electrical equipment. This helps identify existing and potential dangers so they can be addressed appropriately by qualified electricians or other safety professionals. 

The Bottomline

NFPA 70E training requirements guide to ensure a safe workplace and prevent potential electrical hazards. The definitions used in NFPA 70E training requirements provide a clear understanding of the terms and ensure that the personnel understand the concepts and the safety measures that need to be taken. The definitions also help ensure that the personnel can implement the safety measures in a timely and efficient manner. By understanding and following the definitions properly, the personnel should be able to ensure workplace safety.

Be an NFPA 70E qualified person here at Facility Results. We offer NFPA 70E training, services, and products that will keep your team safe. Get in touch now!