Page 8 - OHS, February/March 2025

E D I T O R ’ S C O M M E N T A R Y
A Critical Safety Update
A quick rundown on OSHA’s recent arc fl ash guidance.
For the fi rst time in nearly two decades, OSHA updated its arc-
fl ash hazard guidance on Nov. 25, 2024. Th is update provides
clear instructions for both employers and workers, emphasizing
two major risks: misidentifying energized work as de-energized and
unsafe practices around low-voltage equipment.
Online, Occupational Health & Safety magazine covered the update
in our enewsletter, site, webinars and podcast, but I want to use this
print column to underscore some key elements from the guidance:
1. Low-Voltage Hazards. One of the major misconceptions in
electrical work is that low-voltage systems are inherently safe. Th e updated guidance clarifi es
that voltage level is not the determining factor in the severity of an arc-fl ash incident. Rather,
amperage, cycle time, and worker proximity play critical roles. A 120/208-volt system can still
generate enough energy to cause catastrophic burns and fatalities.
2. Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) and Arc-Rated (AR) Clothing. Th e guidance
reinforces the importance of PPE, requiring arc-rated clothing, rubber insulating gloves,
leather keepers, hard hats, face shields, and insulated tools where applicable. Arc-rated
clothing must not only resist ignition but also insulate the wearer from burns. PPE is the last
line of defense when all other safety measures fail.
3. Hierarchy of Controls. Following the established hierarchy of controls is paramount.
Th is includes eliminating hazards, substituting safer equipment, implementing engineering
controls, and enforcing administrative controls. OSHA urges workers and employers to
prioritize these controls over protective gear, which should be the fi nal safeguard.
4. Worker Participation and Training. Lack of awareness is a major contributing factor to
arc-fl ash incidents. OSHA’s update stresses ongoing training and hazard recognition, ensuring
workers understand the risks and how to mitigate them eff ectively. Employers must provide
clear guidance on identifying and avoiding electrical hazards.
5. Establishing Boundaries. Th e guidance reinforces the need to maintain appropriate
approach boundaries. Workers who are not properly trained or equipped should not enter
restricted areas where arc-fl ash hazards exist. Clear signage and demarcation help prevent
accidental exposure to dangerous energy sources.
6. Clarifi cation on De-Energized Work. Many electricians falsely believe they are working
on de-energized equipment when, in reality, they are not. OSHA estimates that more than 90
percent of workers claiming to perform de-energized work do not meet the proper standards.
Proper lockout/tagout procedures, voltage testing, and the use of PPE until equipment is
confi rmed de-energized are critical steps.
By implementing these new safety measures, employers can help shift the paradigm —
ensuring that proper precautions are the standard, not the exception. For more details, visit
OSHA’s Arc Flash Guidance Page at www.osha.gov/electrical/fl ash-hazards.
DAVID KOPF
Publisher & Executive Editor, OH&S Magazine
www.ohsonline.com
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