Whether giving or getting arc flash training, have you considered whether the trainer is “qualified,” “effective,” “proficient” or “competent” for the job?  Is the training content “adequate?”  How can we tell?  Does it matter?

Many OSHA standards require employee training, but are vague on trainer qualifications.  HazCom requires only “effective” training.  HAZWOPER specifies that trainers have “the training and/or academic credentials and instructional experience necessary to demonstrate competent instructional skills and a good command of the subject matter.”  The Bloodborne Pathogens standard requires only that the training record include “the names and qualifications of the persons conducting the training.”  No definition of credentials or “effective” training other than by performance failures, i.e., accidents.  “Competent” or “proficient” are often decided by incident investigations or lawsuits.  Remember, paperwork is the first place “they” look!

Arc flash training is serious business.  Research shows that with litigation and long-term disability, the cost of a single arc flash injury may exceed $1 million.  Our arc flash train-the-trainer course is an intensive two-day effort, including a final exam, and includes all necessary components for assuring that trainers are qualified to deliver comprehensive and effective training:

• NEC, NFPA 70E and OSHA compliance
• Understanding arc flash and the injuries that can result
• How to identify when an arc flash hazard exists
• Review of System Analysis Techniques and use of completed data
• Electrical safety related work practices for qualified workers
• Voltage-rated tool usage
• Injury and fatality case studies
• Energized Work Permits, signage and labeling of electrical components
• Flash Hazard Boundary, limited, restricted and prohibited approach distances
• Define and discuss shock protection boundaries
• The Hazard/Risk Category method of selecting arc flash PPE
• Review and select appropriate levels of PPE for shock protection
• Steps to achieve an electrically safe work condition
• Steps to install/remove temporary protective grounding equipment
• Define “incident energy” and key electrical system variables that affect it

Don’t wait for a lawsuit or accident investigation to determine whether the training you gave or received was adequate.  Do it right on the front end.  Insist on verified experience and comprehensive materials.

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