Safety Update

Safety Update: CSA Z462 and Training on Arc Flash & Shock Hazards

Arc flash & shock electrical hazards are present in almost every work environment, yet they have historically often been overlooked or ignored. This is however changing with the new CSA Z462 Workplace Electrical Safety Standard.  The standard is recognized by industry across Canada and places a greater emphasis on Electrical Safety Training than ever before.

Occupational Health & Safety Regulations require that foreseeable workplace hazards be identified and a Hazard Task Assessment be completed. Following this assessment workers must take appropriate action to protect themselves from exposure to the identified hazards. 

Occupational Health & Safety regulations outline that all hazardous energy sources should be de-energized, locked out and tagged following a procedure. CSA Z462 outlines a requirement to establish an electrically safe work condition and when required the use of an energized electrical work permit.

Awareness training on and the application of the information in CSA Z462 should be one element of your overall preventive and protective control measures outlined in your Electrical Safety Program.

What do your workers currently do with respect to electrical hazards? Do you have an established Electrical Safety Program? Have you provided training on arc flash and shock, and on the preventative and protective control measures? What about PPE? Do your workers know that there is electrical specific PPE, tools & equipment that must be applied as a last line of defense? Have you provided training on the care, use and maintenance for these specialized PPE, tools and equipment? 

Training is an essential component related to the deployment of an Electrical Safety Program.  It ensures that required qualification and refresher training occurs so new competencies can be developed and applied. No longer is classroom training and on the job training the only options for arc flash & shock.  Web-based training is now available and can compliment your existing program.  Online delivery of information ensures that every worker receives training, increasing your training frequency while remaining cost effective without disrupting daily work activities.

Contributed by: Terry Becker, President, ESPS Electrical Safety Program Solutions INC. 

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