Breaking Down OSHA’s Newly Issued Arc Flash Hazard Guidance and What it Means for You |
On November 25, 2024, the U.S. Department of Labor’s Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) released updated personal protective equipment (PPE) guidance for both employers and employees to ensure that the proper arc flash protective clothing and equipment is provided for and worn by anyone working on or near energized equipment. Until this updated OSHA guidance action, more than 600,000 workers did not have the appropriate PPE or equipment to prevent injury from deadly arc flash hazards, despite industry standards such as the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) 70E: Standard for Electrical Safety in the Workplace.
This action is OSHA’s first arc flash guidance update in almost 20 years. It consists of four parts, including a detailed document for employers and three one-page documents for workers. The new guidance was primarily issued to address the two leading causes of arc flash injuries and fatalities in the U.S. today: |
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Claiming work is de-energized which does not qualify (most work fails the standard) and thus having no arc rated clothing or other PPE - De-energized is not the same as Lockout Tagout/Electrically Safe Work Condition and as such requires an energized work permit and arc rated PPE. Not wearing PPE while working on equipment believed to be de-energized is the #2 leading cause of arc flash injuries and fatalities in the U.S. today.
- Choosing to work energized when voltage is low (120/208, 277) despite the lack of justification and not wearing PPE because of the common and dangerous myth that low voltage isn’t hazardous - Energized work typically requires an energized work permit and appropriate PPE where indicated by table 150.3(C) in NFPA 70E or an incident energy study indicating an arc hazard of 1.2+ cals.
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The guidance makes it clear that low voltage, including 120/208 volts, can sustain arc flash, produce molten metal, ignite flammable clothing, and cause severe or fatal injury. All energized work over 50 volts requires an energized work permit and almost all work requires PPE including arc rated clothing. OSHA further notes that the steps to de-energize are energized work, as are all the steps to re-energize, and as such require PPE including arc rated clothing.
What is the Reason for the Update? Despite having PPE and safety standards in place to enforce protection, injuries and fatalities among commercial and industrial electricians continue to occur at an alarming rate because hundreds of thousands of electricians continue to work energized without work permits and the necessary PPE to ensure safe work and good outcomes if an incident occurs. Electrical workers are essential to infrastructure improvements and maintenance and brave dangerous conditions every day to fortify our power grid and secure a sustainable future. Electric arc hazards are dangerous, and workers’ safety should not be overlooked in the process of electrifying America. OSHA’s guidance update was imperative to clarify requirements and improve safety now.
Moreover, as the U.S. continues to invest in large-scale projects such as electric vehicle and direct current (DC) chargers, employers will continue to hire workers with limited training and experience against arc flash hazards. The timing of OSHA’s important action better prepares these employers and their new employees to improve workplace safety and prevent avoidable injuries. Who is Affected by This New Arc Flash Safety Guidance?
In addition to commercial, industrial, and residential electricians, the guidance also applies to operators, maintenance, and other personnel who work on or near exposed energized electrical parts and is in immediate effect. Where Can I Find the Updated OSHA Guidance?
The new OSHA Arc Flash Safety Guidance can be accessed on OSHA’s website here. How Can Saf-T-Gard Help?
As a leading manufacturer and distributor of rubber insulating products, arc flash safety clothing and kits, grounding equipment, and testing services, Saf-T-Gard is dedicated to aiding businesses where worker safety and protection from electrical current are critically important. Now in its fifth decade of operations, the Saf-T-Gard® Voltgard® Electrical Safety Division serves thousands of customers in nearly every industry, including electric utilities, electrical contractors, telephone and telecommunications companies, cable television operators, auto manufacturers, automobile service and repair shops, public transportation, and industrial facilities.
Saf-T-Gard is uniquely qualified to keep your electrical workers safe while meeting all applicable industry standards with our Voltgard® Test Lab, the largest and independent NAIL4PET-accredited test lab for rubber insulating products in the U.S. The Voltgard® Test Lab provides full-service testing and recertification of rubber gloves, and for utilities and high-voltage contractors, Voltgard® also tests rubber insulating sleeves, blankets, line hose, covers, dielectric footwear, jumper cables, grounding sets, plastic guards, hot sticks, matting, hoods, and insulating hand tools.
The Saf-T-Gard and Voltgard® team has more than 100 combined years of safety expertise, focusing on industrial and electrical safety. Our team includes ASTM Voting Members, OSHA 30-hour trained safety professionals, Qualified Safety Sales Professionals (QSSP), and NFPA 70E trained safety professionals. The expertise and experience of our team can be an extension of your team when you partner with Saf-T-Gard on your company’s safety program.
Industrial safety is our legacy going back nine decades, and electrical safety is our specialty. Click here to shop our selection online or call customer service at 1-800-548-GARD (4273) today for more information or to place an order.
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Vendor Product Spotlight: PIP Bisley® Extreme Cold Workwear |
Workers in extreme cold temperatures and cold storage workers face one of the toughest challenges - staying productive in the cold. The Bisley® Extreme Cold Collection by PIP was engineered with high-performance materials to provide advanced thermal protection against extreme cold climate hazards. Paired with a DuPont™ Sorona® Aura multi-layered sustainable sourced insulation, this collection of jackets, bibs, and coveralls will provide workers with warmth to maintain productivity and comfort.
Additional features and benefits include the following: |
- Waterproof polyester ripstop 300D with PU coating provides long-lasting water repellency
- Ripstop shell delivers added durability
- 26 oz. of multi-layer insulation, including 10.62 oz. Sorona® Aura insulation for extra warmth in extreme cold conditions down to -51°F (-46°C)
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50+ UPF sun protection
- Ideal for use in extreme cold climate, construction, cold storage, and order selector applications
- Available in jackets (sizes Small – 5XL), bibs (sizes Small – 5XL), and coveralls (sizes Small – 4XL), in Hi-Viz orange and Hi-Viz yellow colors
- Sold individually
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Out in the Cold: Tips for Staying Safe |
Winter weather can be tough for those working outdoors. The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) has some great advice to help keep you safe.
Stay alert to the many hazards of working outdoors in cold weather. From frostbite to trench foot, the dangers of cold must be taken seriously. Learn about wind chill and the role it plays in work safety. STAY ALERT Cold temperatures and wind can cause cold stress, lowering your body temperature and leading to serious conditions like frostbite, hypothermia, chilblains, and trench foot. |
- Frostbite: Freezing skin and tissues, causing numbness and white or pale skin. Can lead to permanent damage.
- Hypothermia: Dangerous drop in body temperature below 95°F. Symptoms include shivering, confusion, and slurred speech. Seek medical help immediately.
- Chilblains: Painful swelling and redness due to repeated exposure to cold, damp conditions.
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Trench foot: Non-freezing injury from prolonged wet and cold conditions. Can occur even at 60°F and can result in tissue death.
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UNDERSTANDING WIND CHILL
Wind chill combines air temperature and wind speed to show how cold it feels. For example, 40°F with a 35-mph wind feels like 28°F. Health issues such as hypertension and diabetes can increase risks. Keep an eye on weather reports: |
- Wind Chill Advisory = Hazardous conditions.
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Wind Chill Warning = Life-threatening conditions.
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BE PREPARED The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) offers tips for preventing cold stress: |
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Dress in Layers: Wear wool, silk, or synthetic fabrics that keep insulation even when wet. Multiple layers allow you to adjust to conditions.
- Check Job Sites: Ensure no hazards like snowdrifts or fallen trees are present.
- Warm Break Areas: Provide warm places for breaks, like trailers or tents.
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PERSONAL PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT
Weather-appropriate PPE plays a large part in helping keep workers safer in cold weather: |
- Gloves: Essential for protecting against frostbite.
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Product Recommendation: NorthFlex Cold-Grip™ with superior insulation and dexterity, and NorthFlex Cold-Grip PLUS 5® which offers double-duty protection with high-level cut (A4) resistance and brushed acrylic thermal inner.
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Eye Protection: Anti-fog safety eyewear is imperative in cold or extreme outdoor environments.
- Product Recommendation: Uvex Sub-Zero™ goggles offer high-impact protection and HydroShield® Anti-Fog coating for consistent fog-free usage.
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Head Protection: Hard hats help prevent heat loss and protect against impact and weather.
- Footwear: The right footwear is often necessary to reduce fall risk.
- Product Recommendation: Oliver 45 Series safety footwear is constructed with liquid-resistant leather and offers excellent slip resistance. The composite toe offers high-impact protection and is 40% lighter than traditional steel toe caps. Boots are fully lined.
- Respiratory: Supplied Air respirator systems are often used in the cold.
- Product Recommendation: Vortex Tube for Supplied Air Hoods. Vortex tube warms (or cools) to your supplied air system for optimum comfort.
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Staying safe in cold weather helps ensure productivity and well-being, allowing workers to perform tasks effectively and efficiently. Saf-T-Gard carries a wide range of Honeywell safety and PPE products to stay safe in the cold weather and beyond. Click here to shop them online, or call customer service at 1-800-548-GARD (4273) today for more information or to place an order.
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Watch the FREE Superior Glove Rethinking Hand Safety Revised: Quick Tips and Nudge Theory Insights Webinar ON DEMAND |
To date, hand injuries remain the number one preventable industrial accident worldwide, so it only makes sense to understand and apply effective hand safety measures to help reduce the risks.
In this webinar, Joe Geng, author of the most in-depth hand safety book REThinking Hand Safety, will provide insights on the transformative power of Nudge Theory for creating safer workplaces. Learn the practical and effective hand safety tips and tricks that you can use to improve your hand safety program that come with years of experience and expertise and can be applied immediately for results. |
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Understand how Nudge Theory, a concept rooted in behavioral psychology, can subtly influence safer hand practices among employees
- Learn easy-to-implement strategies that significantly boost hand safety in your work environment
- Understand what the biggest barriers to hand safety are and how to overcome them
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Did you know Saf-T-Gard has a blog on our website, which we post new articles to every month?
Authored by subject matter experts, including Richard A. Rivkin, Saf-T-Gard CEO and Chairman of the Board, and the world’s leading safety manufacturers, the blog topics range from hazard identification, regulatory standards, and the latest technologies and innovations in safety to help safety managers, workers, and business owners across all industries stay informed, make better decisions, and work more efficiently. Whatever safety challenge you face, count on Saf-T-Gard to deliver trusted advice backed by more than 88 years of service.
Click here to browse and read our current selection of blog articles, and click here to subscribe to our blog on LinkedIn for automatic notification when new articles are posted.
Do you have a topic that you would like to see explored in a blog article? Please e-mail LSeminara@saftgard.com. |
Shop Saftgard.com - The Smart, Simple, and Speedy Way to Shop for Safety Online Today! |
Saftgard.com makes it easier than ever for visitors to find exactly what they are looking for by utilizing a guided navigation layout with a fully-optimized “smart” search engine. The responsive design enables use and access to more than 6,000 products with enhanced product content and imagery from your PC, smart phone, or tablet.
Moreover, existing Saf-T-Gard customers can link their account to a new Saftgard.com web login to review ALL past orders and invoices, create a “wish list” of favorite items, save carts to simplify the ordering/reordering process, and so much more! Buyers without an existing Saf-T-Gard account can register for one online, or they can still search, browse, and order on Saftgard.com without a Saf-T-Gard account.
We invite you to spend a few minutes at Saftgard.com, and if you haven't already, please register for an account to enable online ordering. Click here for a shortcut to the registration page, and click here for detailed instructions on how to link your Saf-T-Gard account to a Saftgard.com web login.
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1. WINTER WEATHER WARNING - Sunlight reflecting off snow and ice is a visual hazard - use appropriate safety eyewear. 2. WINTER WEATHER WARNING - Wear a winter liner under your safety cap - available in fleece, Sherpa, and Thinsulate® materials.
3. WINTER WEATHER WARNING - Dress for the task with insulated duck fabric jackets, chore coats, overalls, coveralls, and arc flash rated garments. 4. WINTER WEATHER WARNING - It is better to be seen and not hurt - with Hi-Viz cold weather outerwear rated ANSI/ISEA-107 Class 3.
5. WINTER WEATHER WARNING - Polar-Gard® Cold Temperature Leather Work Gloves keep hands warm and dry. |
Question - What are OSHA's requirements in the Personal Protective Equipment standard as it pertains to employees exposed to cold weather. Specifically, it appears that there were no objective standards for cold weather gear, from any of the consensus standard organizations, on which to base a PPE hazard assessment.
Answer - The PPE standard for hand protection, 29 CFR 1910.138, specifies the selection criteria to be used when providing hand protection. However, unlike the other PPE standards for eye and face, head, and foot protection, the hand protection regulation does not specify criteria for the actual equipment to be provided to employees.
The standard states "Employers shall base the selection of the appropriate hand protection on an evaluation of the performance characteristics of the hand protection relative to the tasks to be performed, conditions present, duration of use, and the hazards and potential hazards identified." As stated in paragraph 2 of Appendix B, Assessment and selection, "It should be the responsibility of the safety officer to exercise common sense and appropriate expertise to accomplish these tasks." Employers should use manufacturers' data on the effectiveness of any given product to protect against cold, as well as employee feedback, in selecting hand protection. |
Ray Jackson is a Customer Service Representative and has been with Saf-T-Gard for more than 14 years.
What Ray likes about Saf-T-Gard: "The people I work with. Everybody is friendly and helpful. It's a good group of people. What makes Ray's day: "When I know that I've been able to help a customer, even if it's something simple." Ray's outside interests are: "Golf, camping, reading, and spending time with friends." |
What is OSHA's position regarding the required "quiet time" before audiometric testing is done? Can an employee's audiometric testing be conducted after the employee has worked a full shift in a noisy environment while wearing hearing protection?
The Occupational Noise standard at 29 CFR 1910.95(g)(5)(iii) states that testing to establish a baseline must immediately be preceded by fourteen (14) hours without workplace noise. There is no requirement for fourteen (14) hours without exposure to workplace noise for annual audiograms as there is for baseline audiograms.
However, please be aware that a temporary threshold shift (TTS) could possibly contaminate an annual audiogram if an employee was exposed to noise prior to taking the audiogram. It is this audiogram which is compared to the baseline audiogram to determine whether a Standard Threshold Shift (STS) has occurred.
The audiologist, otolaryngologist, or physician cannot override this STS determination simply because of possible TTS contamination. Only a retest audiogram, taken within 30 days of the annual audiogram, can be used to replace the annual audiogram and the STS determination.
An employer may substitute the use of hearing protection when the fourteen (14) hours of quiet time cannot be met. If TTS contamination is a problem, the retest audiogram should be preceded by fourteen (14) hours free from workplace noise, (but this is not required by the standard).
If no retest is done, the annual audiogram and its STS determination are conclusive, and the follow-up procedures and written notification of the STS determination to the employee must be done. |
‘Twas the night before Christmas and all through the plant... Not a creature was stirring, not even an ant. Except for emergencies, which customers need... We respond as required with all possible speed. As the holidays approach we all must get ready... With documents and procedures and focus so steady. Expecting Santa we have to make some exceptions...
An OSHA inspector might find some violations. Fall protection, dropped objects, cold weather and more... On that OSHA 300 I fear what’s the score. Clothing and gloves to keep out the cold... Recommendations that never get old. Hope that fireplace tonight has no fire... Is Santa’s red suit properly rated FR? Santa never ages but his eyes look old... An option for Rx eyewear that could be sold. But wait, see that beard, it could be an issue... With most respirators that just won’t do.
Full site analysis at Santa’s working place... Head-to-toe PPE plus a look at the overall space. So, Santa needs some help, that’s for sure... The Saf-T-Gard team certainly has the cure! Since 1936 we’ve helped keep workers safe, that’s true...
And that’s our holiday gift from our family to you. We are Saf-T-Gard International – Bringing Workers Home Safely Since 1936. Sincerely,
Richard A. Rivkin, CEO and Chairman of the Board |
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