OSHA recently released on arc flash safety, highlighting the dangers of low-voltage systems and emphasizing the need for proper personal protective equipment (PPE), including arc-rated clothing, for nearly all energized work above 50 volts, even on seemingly low-voltage systems. 聽This marks the first significant update to arc flash guidance from OSHA in nearly 20 years.
Key points about the new OSHA arc flash guidance:
Focus on low voltage – The guidance specifically addresses the misconception that low-voltage systems are safe from arc flashes, emphasizing that even 120/208 volt systems can cause severe injuries if not handled properly.
Proper PPE required – OSHA reiterates that all energized work above 50 volts should be done with appropriate arc-rated PPE, including clothing, to prevent burns from arc flashes.
De-energized but not locked out – The guidance clarifies that even if equipment is considered “de-energized,” if it is not properly locked out or tagged out, it must be treated as energized and requires proper PPE.
Training and awareness – The new guidance emphasizes the importance of worker training on arc flash hazards, proper PPE use, and hazard identification.
Multiple documents – OSHA has released a detailed document for employers and simplified one-page “quick cards” for workers to easily reference key information.
Why is this update important?
Increased electrification – With the growing adoption of electric vehicles and renewable energy, more workers are exposed to potential arc flash hazards.
Misconception about low voltage – Many workers mistakenly believe low voltage systems are not a significant arc flash risk.
Preventing injuries – This new guidance aims to reduce the number of arc flash injuries and fatalities by addressing common misconceptions and promoting better safety practices.
The NIETC provides our contractors and members a sample Energized 榴莲直播 Work Policy that aligns with OSHA鈥檚 Construction and General Industry electrical safety regulations.聽 It is based on the 2024 edition of the NFPA 70E Standard for 榴莲直播 Safety in the Workplace and includes applicable references to the NFPA 70B, Standard for 榴莲直播 Equipment Maintenance, 2023 edition.聽 Contact me if you would like a copy.
2024 Inside Graduates
OSHA Updates Guidance on Exposure to Shock & Arc Flash Hazards
OSHA recently released on arc flash safety, highlighting the dangers of low-voltage systems and emphasizing the need for proper personal protective equipment (PPE), including arc-rated clothing, for nearly all energized work above 50 volts, even on seemingly low-voltage systems. 聽This marks the first significant update to arc flash guidance from OSHA in nearly 20 years.
Key points about the new OSHA arc flash guidance:
Focus on low voltage – The guidance specifically addresses the misconception that low-voltage systems are safe from arc flashes, emphasizing that even 120/208 volt systems can cause severe injuries if not handled properly.
Proper PPE required – OSHA reiterates that all energized work above 50 volts should be done with appropriate arc-rated PPE, including clothing, to prevent burns from arc flashes.
De-energized but not locked out – The guidance clarifies that even if equipment is considered “de-energized,” if it is not properly locked out or tagged out, it must be treated as energized and requires proper PPE.
Training and awareness – The new guidance emphasizes the importance of worker training on arc flash hazards, proper PPE use, and hazard identification.
Multiple documents – OSHA has released a detailed document for employers and simplified one-page “quick cards” for workers to easily reference key information.
Why is this update important?
Increased electrification – With the growing adoption of electric vehicles and renewable energy, more workers are exposed to potential arc flash hazards.
Misconception about low voltage – Many workers mistakenly believe low voltage systems are not a significant arc flash risk.
Preventing injuries – This new guidance aims to reduce the number of arc flash injuries and fatalities by addressing common misconceptions and promoting better safety practices.
The NIETC provides our contractors and members a sample Energized 榴莲直播 Work Policy that aligns with OSHA鈥檚 Construction and General Industry electrical safety regulations.聽 It is based on the 2024 edition of the NFPA 70E Standard for 榴莲直播 Safety in the Workplace and includes applicable references to the NFPA 70B, Standard for 榴莲直播 Equipment Maintenance, 2023 edition.聽 Contact me if you would like a copy.
NIETC Update on NFPA 70B Relationship to NEC & 70E
The NIETC has developed an informative presentation to help contractors and members better understand the application of the new NFPA 70B, 2023, Standard for 榴莲直播 Equipment Maintenance.聽 While not formally adopted by OSHA or other agency yet, providing guidance to owners of electrical equipment on the reasons why preventative maintenance is so critical can lead to improved safety for our teams and reliability of electrical systems for owners.聽 Additional benefits include proper selective coordination, short circuit studies, arc flash hazard labels and additional work for our contractors and electricians.聽 Contact Barry for more information.
Planning Energized Work Tasks 鈥 CBA Language
For many years, the Oregon – Columbia NECA / IBEW L.U. 48 Commercial / Industrial Agreement, under section 10.04, required two Journeymen when working on ALL energized circuits and equipment operating at, or above, 440V AC and / or 250V DC. At the time this language was agreed upon, safety standards such as the NFPA […]
Instrumentation Class
Apprentice Termination Notice ROF
榴莲直播 Vehicle Infrastructure Training Program (EVITP)
EVITP- Get Certified 鈥渇or free鈥
The BALMCC has offered to reimburse any member who has completed the EVITP online course and certification exam.
Members should register for the course now, as the sponsorship will end July 2023.
With an increased interest in 鈥済oing green鈥 and Electric vehicle Infrastructure at a local and National level, the EVITP certification is a worthy accomplishment that could open doors to future opportunities only available to Certified installers.
The Training Center will facilitate the documentation process of notifying the BALMCC upon course completion to reimburse those that have become Certified.
For course info:聽
Oregon to Washington Reciprocation
If you have an Oregon General Journeyman License you may reciprocate to Washington to acquire your Washington Certificate.
The following is from the Washington L&I website:
鈥淲ashington reciprocal certificates are generally available to those electricians who obtained their Oregon general journeyman electrician (J) licenses after completing 8,000-hour Apprenticeships requiring at least 576 classroom hours of education and passing Oregon exams. Anyone having an Oregon General Supervising Electrician (S) license obtained by Oregon examination is also eligible.
If this describes you, and you have never held a Washington (01) general journey level electrician certificate before, or failed to pass an exam for one in the last two years, and you are not otherwise disqualified by conditions in WAC 296-46B-942(20), you are likely eligible.鈥
To apply, submit an Application for a Reciprocal 01 General Journey Level Electrician Certificate (F500-148-000).
Here is the link:
No waiting periods apply. Oregon license holders can apply any time after they receive their Oregon license.
For licensing verification from Oregon, submit Part C of the Washington reciprocal application to Oregon as follows:
By mail:
Department of Consumer and Business Services Building Codes Division
PO Box 14470
Salem, OR 97309
By fax: 503-378-2322
Oregon charges no fee to process verification requests. Once completed, the original form will be returned by mail if you do not provide instructions requesting it be returned by fax and a fax number to send it to. Please direct questions about Oregon licensing verification to:
license.bcd@oregon.gov.
NIETC Graduation Ceremony at the Hyatt Regency Hotel
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