Previous editions of NFPA 70E required an arc flash hazard analysis. The 2015 edition now requires an arc flash risk assessment to determine if an arc flash hazard exists. If it does exist, the employer must now determine the risk to employees and the required safe work practices and personal protective equipment (PPE). Are your employees trained in the latest requirements of NFPA 70E-2015 needed to perform risk assessments? Do they know the risks of electrical hazards?
NFPA 70E-2015 states that training requirements apply to all employees who are exposed to electrical hazards where the risk associated with the hazards has not been reduced to a safe level by the installation requirements. The installation requirements of the National Electrical Code (NEC) require all electrical equipment to have all covers or hinged panels installed and securely fastened closed, so there are no exposed energized (live) conductors or parts of equipment. In this condition, there is essentially no shock hazard or risk of an electrical shock or electrocution occurring. Also, in the installed state, the equipment is not being operated manually or by automatic means; it is essentially stagnant in this state, which reduces the risk of an arc flash occurring.