The U.S. Department of Labor’s Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has released updated personal protective equipment (PPE) guidance to safeguard workers from electrical arc flash hazards.
The announcement emphasizes the need for arc-rated protective clothing and equipment for employees working on or near energized electrical systems.
According to OSHA, the update aims to close a safety gap that previously left more than 600,000 workers without appropriate arc flash protection despite existing industry standards such as NFPA 70E: Standard for Electrical Safety in the Workplace.
The updated guidance addresses the two leading causes of arc flash injuries: incorrectly claiming work is deenergized and working on low-voltage systems without appropriate PPE.
It also highlights that energized work over 50 volts necessitates proper PPE, including arc-rated clothing, to prevent injuries.
The OSHA update introduces four new documents designed to assist both employers and workers.
This includes a comprehensive guidance document for employers and three simplified one-page resources aimed at workers.
The documents address misconceptions such as the belief that low-voltage systems are inherently safe and emphasize the need for PPE even during procedures like deenergizing and reenergizing systems.
OSHA clarified that many tasks do not meet lockout/tagout (LOTO) or Electrically Safe Work Condition (ESWC) requirements, making PPE necessary.
The updated guidance aligns with increasing demand for trained workers in large-scale electrification projects, such as electric vehicle (EV) infrastructure and direct current (DC) chargers.
The Partnership for Electrical Safety (PES), which has advocated for arc flash protection since its establishment in 2020, supports the new OSHA guidelines.
PES Chairman Scott Margolin called the update timely, stating: “This new guidance is a game-changer and could not have come at more appropriate time.”
He noted the challenges posed by the growing workforce engaging in electrification projects and stressed the importance of clarifying PPE requirements to improve safety.
PES has collaborated with OSHA and bipartisan members of Congress, including Representatives Donald Norcross and Brian Fitzpatrick and Senators John Hickenlooper and Mike Braun, to promote these safety improvements.
Key lawmakers also expressed support for OSHA’s initiative. Rep. Donald Norcross, a former electrician, remarked: “Electrical workers are essential to infrastructure improvements and maintenance across our nation.
“As an electrician, I know the very real dangers these men and women face every day, and I’m glad OSHA is taking steps to ensure anyone working on or near energized equipment is protected.”
Rep. Brian Fitzpatrick emphasized the importance of safety for electrical workers, stating: “I commend OSHA for taking decisive action to protect these indispensable workers by implementing critical safety guidelines.”
Sen. John Hickenlooper highlighted the necessity of proper equipment and training as the U.S. continues to expand its clean energy infrastructure: “Workers need proper training and protective equipment to stay safe.
“These new guidelines will save lives and prevent unnecessary injuries as we unlock our clean energy future.”
OSHA has updated its PPE guidance to address risks associated with electrical arc flash hazards.
The new documents clarify PPE requirements, particularly for energized work and low-voltage systems, and aim to prevent injuries during electrification projects.
The update was prompted by safety gaps affecting over 600,000 workers and highlights the need for arc-rated protective clothing for tasks involving over 50 volts.
The guidance received support from the Partnership for Electrical Safety and lawmakers, emphasizing its importance in improving worker safety as the U.S. expands its electrical infrastructure.
