Are you properly protecting your employees from arc flash and shock hazards?

Are you properly protecting your employees from arc flash and shock hazards?

A fundamental component of your electrical safety program is adherence to arc flash and electrical shock hazard safety standards. These standards guide workers on acceptable job tasks involving energized electrical components and the required personal protective equipment (PPE). Arc flash requirements continue to evolve through NFPA 70E, which is updated every three years.

A major change in the 2026 National Electrical Code (NEC) introduces new arc flash labeling requirements that inspection teams will be enforcing. Arc flash labeling is required for equipment subject to examination, adjustment, servicing, or maintenance while energized.

Training Requirements

National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) 70E requires employees to receive arc flash training every three years to stay current with the latest edition of the code. The upcoming 2027 edition of NFPA 70E, expected this fall, introduces updates that impact how electrical safety programs are structured and executed.

Arc flash training includes how to read arc flash labels, select PPE, understand risk, and plan for safe work through job safety briefings. Unqualified personnel must also be trained to recognize and avoid shock and arc flash hazards. While arc-rated clothing and procedures are part of daily work for qualified electrical workers, all personnel benefit from a clear understanding of electrical risks and safe practices.

Full-Service Safety Studies

Arc flash studies can be complex and time-consuming depending on the facility. Performing an arc flash study using internal resources may not always be the most effective use of time or staffing. ISG provides full-service electrical safety studies, including field data collection, one-line development, short circuit analysis, protective device coordination, arc flash hazard studies for incident energy analysis, and custom arc flash warning labels.

Key elements of an effective electrical safety program include calculating incident energy levels, defining arc flash boundaries, establishing requirements for live work, providing arc flash training, selecting appropriate PPE, and supporting job safety planning and risk control.

With over two decades of arc flash experience, ISG also provides training for both electrically qualified electricians and non-electrical personnel.

Labeling for Job Safety Planning

ISG provides custom arc flash labels tailored to your facility. These labels include the information required to support job safety planning, such as approach boundaries and incident energy levels used for PPE selection. Contact ISG to assist with your arc flash and electrical safety labeling needs.