NFPA 70E Arc Flash Safety Program

Lesson 1 • Principles of Electrical Energy

Covers voltage, current, resistance, and power relationships in energized systems. Connects fundamental electrical theory to real-world shock and arc flash risk.

Lesson 2 • Regulatory Framework Overview

Introduces the hierarchy of electrical safety standards and employer obligations. Sets context for how NFPA 70E fits within the broader compliance landscape.

Lesson 3 • Arc Flash Physics and Causes

Explains how arc flash events initiate, sustain, and release energy. Provides the physical basis for understanding injury mechanisms covered later.

Lesson 1 • Standard Organization and Annexes

Walks through article structure, informational notes, and annex content. Enables students to distinguish mandatory requirements from guidance material.

Lesson 2 • Critical Definitions and Terminology

Defines terms such as arc flash boundary, limited approach boundary, and qualified person. Precise terminology is essential for applying requirements correctly.

Lesson 3 • Scope of Covered Equipment and Tasks

Identifies which equipment voltages, tasks, and work conditions fall under the standard. Prevents misapplication by clarifying inclusions and exclusions.

Lesson 1 • Program Policy and Management Commitment

Defines the written policy elements and leadership roles that anchor a compliant program. Management commitment drives resource allocation and cultural adoption.

Lesson 2 • Electrical Safety Procedures Development

Guides creation of task-specific safe work procedures aligned with standard requirements. Procedures translate regulatory language into actionable field instructions.

Lesson 3 • Training and Qualification Requirements

Specifies training content, frequency, and documentation for qualified and unqualified workers. Proper qualification records protect both workers and employers.

Lesson 1 • Arc Flash Hazard Analysis Methods

Compares incident energy analysis and arc flash PPE category methods for determining protection. Students select the appropriate method based on available data.

Lesson 2 • Shock Hazard Analysis

Determines approach boundaries and required protection for shock hazards on specific equipment. Connects voltage levels and worker proximity to protection decisions.

Lesson 3 • Energized Work Justification

Defines conditions under which energized work is permitted and documents the justification process. Unjustified energized work is a primary driver of arc flash incidents.

Lesson 4 • Risk Assessment Process Overview

Introduces the identify-assess-control sequence mandated by the standard. Establishes risk assessment as the decision engine for all subsequent protection choices.

Lesson 1 • Stored and Residual Energy Control

Addresses capacitors, springs, gravity loads, and other non-electrical stored energy sources. Electrical isolation alone is insufficient when residual energy remains.

Lesson 2 • Lockout and Tagout Device Requirements

Details device specifications, personal locks, group lockout, and complex equipment procedures. Proper device use prevents inadvertent re-energization during work.

Lesson 3 • Verification of De-energization

Covers test-before-touch procedures and proper use of voltage-testing instruments. Verification is the critical step that confirms absence of voltage before contact.

Lesson 4 • Restoring Equipment to Service

Defines the sequence for safely removing LOTO devices and returning equipment to operation. Improper restoration is a leading cause of post-maintenance incidents.

Lesson 1 • Arc Flash Study Data Requirements

Identifies the electrical system data needed before an incident energy study can begin. Incomplete or inaccurate data is the most common source of study errors.

Lesson 2 • Calculation Methods and Software

Compares IEEE-based calculation methods and introduces software tools used in industry. Students interpret software outputs rather than perform manual calculations.

Lesson 3 • Arc Flash Label Requirements and Design

Specifies mandatory label content, placement, and update triggers per the standard. Labels are the primary field communication tool for arc flash hazard information.

Lesson 4 • Working Distance and Boundary Determination

Explains how working distance affects incident energy and arc flash boundary calculations. Correct working distance assumptions are critical to accurate PPE selection.

Lesson 1 • PPE Category System

Maps the four PPE categories to minimum arc ratings and required ensemble components. Category-based selection provides a simplified compliance pathway.

Lesson 2 • Incident Energy-Based PPE Selection

Selects PPE when incident energy analysis produces a calculated calorie value. This method provides site-specific protection beyond category defaults.

Lesson 3 • Arc-Rated Clothing Fundamentals

Explains arc rating, ATPV, and EBT values used to match clothing to hazard levels. Understanding ratings prevents under-protection from mismatched garments.

Lesson 4 • PPE Inspection, Care, and Maintenance

Establishes inspection criteria, laundering rules, and retirement triggers for arc-rated garments. Damaged or contaminated PPE can fail catastrophically during an arc event.

Lesson 1 • Switchgear and Panelboard Safety

Addresses the elevated arc flash hazards associated with switchgear, MCCs, and panelboards. Bus configuration and available fault current make these among the highest-risk equipment.

Lesson 2 • High-Voltage Equipment Considerations

Extends arc flash principles to medium- and high-voltage systems above standard low-voltage thresholds. Higher voltages produce greater incident energy and require additional controls.

Lesson 3 • Contractor and Visitor Safety Management

Defines host employer responsibilities for contractors and visitors working near electrical hazards. Coordination failures between host and contractor are a recurring incident cause.

Lesson 4 • Battery and DC System Hazards

Identifies unique arc flash and chemical hazards in battery rooms and DC distribution systems. DC arc flash differs from AC in arc-clearing behavior and PPE requirements.