Industry standards strongly recommend that all qualified and
non-qualified workers receive proper safety training before working on or near
certain equipment. While every job site presents its own hazards, electricity
can present a specialized danger for individuals who do not understand how to
handle it properly. Anyone working with or near live wires or electricity
should receive proper NFPA 70e certification prior to starting, along with
continuing education every three years after that.
Qualified electricians should certainly receive this
training to maintain industry safety standards. While each state has its own
requirements, there is always education and training involved before someone
can work as a licensed electrician. Whether an electrician is running their own
business or working for another company, the NFPA 70e certification can help ensure they know how to best mitigate risk and
avoid physical injury on the job.
State Requirements
There are generally three types of electricians.
In most states, people can work as an apprentice, a journeyman, or a master
electrician. Each level has its own requirements in every state. Generally, one
starts out as an electrician's apprentice to begin learning the trade.
Eventually, they can move on to become a journeyman and, finally, a master
electrician if they choose.
Each state has its own requirements for each level of
electrical training. Some must complete classroom training in addition to
on-the-job training under the supervision of a master electrician. There are
almost always licensing fees and testing required.
Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA)
While the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA)
does not specifically require NFPA 70e certification for electricians and
various other workers, it is strongly recommended. This training is used as the
industry standard for safety when working with electricity and certain other
high-voltage or potentially hazardous equipment. OSHA does, however, reserve
the right to utilize the NFPA 70e certification as support for citations levied
for violation of its own safety standards, like not wearing the proper personal
protective equipment (PPE).
Safety First
While arc flash training is not mandatory by most state
guidelines or OSHA requirements, it is highly and strongly recommended for both
qualified and non-qualified workers. Many businesses and manufacturers
incorporate this training into their company policy to ensure the safety of all
workers. New electricians may find themselves required to take this training to
satisfy such a policy before being allowed to work out in the field.
Most licensed electricians understand how vital this
training is to their safety and do not need to be convinced to complete it.
Apprentices and journeymen alike should both undergo this certification before
participating in any on-the-job training and then again every 3 years to ensure
they are up to date on changing industry standards.
Sign Up for Your Certification Today
Whether you are just beginning your apprenticeship or are a
master electrician, this specialized training can save your life and the lives
of your colleagues. It covers a wealth of vital information, from the proper
PPE to the biological effects of electrical shock. Even if you have completed
this training in the past, it is continuously updated for safety and security.
While it may not be a requirement to get your license, it is a requirement to
operate safely in the industry. Don't take chances with your life or with
electricity which can pose a significant hazard when handled incorrectly. Sign
up for your NFPA 70e certification today.
