In industrial and commercial settings, electrical energy is both indispensable and dangerous. Employees often work near energized parts or interact with high-voltage electrical equipment without realizing the severity of the hazards involved. Incidents involving electric shock, arc flash, or thermal energy exposure can cause catastrophic injuries or worse.
This is exactly why NFPA 70E electrical safety training is a non-negotiable part of modern workplace safety. It’s how employers can meet OSHA standards, support risk reduction, and most importantly, protect workers before something goes wrong.
Key Takeaways
- NFPA 70E electrical safety training helps identify and control electrical hazards in energized environments
- Training aligns with OSHA standards and supports documentation for inspections or audits
- Courses include safe work practices, arc flash awareness, PPE requirements, and lockout/tagout procedures
- Bowtie Engineering delivers high-impact instruction for qualified persons, maintenance staff, and frontline teams
What Is NFPA 70E Electrical Safety Training?
The NFPA 70E standard, developed by the National Fire Protection Association, offers detailed guidance on controlling hazardous energy and creating electrically safe work conditions. It provides employers and electrical workers with tools to reduce the risk of injury, unexpected startup, and exposure to hazardous energy during normal maintenance activities or unplanned events.
A typical NFPA 70E course includes training on:
- Safe work practices near energized components
- How to conduct a risk assessment and identify energy sources
- Creating and following an energy control procedure
- When and how to disable machinery or control equipment
- Understanding personal protective equipment (PPE) like face shields, safety glasses, and leather protectors
Training is designed for qualified persons—individuals authorized to perform electrical work—but it also supports safety awareness among anyone working around special equipment, high-voltage machinery, or energized systems.
Why NFPA 70E Electrical Safety Training Protects Against Electrical Hazards
Electrical safety training isn’t theoretical. According to the Electrical Safety Foundation, 69% of workplace fatalities caused by electricity could have been prevented with proper use of procedures and received safety training. The risks include:
- Electric shock
- Arc blast pressure injuries
- Severe burns from thermal energy
- Collateral injuries caused by tool failure or unexpected startup
When workers understand how to identify stored energy, de-energize systems, and use PPE, the chance of injury drops significantly. Safety, in this context, is built on repeatable actions, routine maintenance, and the ability to recognize what a hazard looks like, even when it’s not obvious.
Supporting OSHA Compliance Through Risk Assessment and Documentation
The general industry standard 29 CFR 1910 requires employers to train employees who are exposed to electrical hazards. While OSHA doesn’t mandate NFPA 70E by name, it references the standard as a best practice and benchmark for safe work practices.
By using NFPA 70E training as a compliance tool, businesses create a defensible position during inspections and demonstrate their commitment to health and safety outcomes.
Bowtie Engineering issues proof of successful completion for each participant, including certificate verification, training rosters, and course documentation. That’s a critical step in meeting legal responsibilities and qualifying for certain insurance and regulatory protections.
Bowtie’s NFPA 70E Training for Qualified Person Instruction
Bowtie’s NFPA 70E electrical safety training program is built around clear learning objectives, scenario-based discussion, and expert instruction. Sessions are available onsite or through a proctored online course, depending on your operational needs.
Key content areas include:
- Understanding arc flash, shock hazards, and energized parts
- Writing and applying an energy control procedure
- Lockout/tagout best practices
- Choosing and using the right personal protective equipment PPE
- Hazard recognition and specific tasks risk evaluation
- What qualifies as a qualified worker training standard
- Knowing when to wear PPE and how to use it correctly
Bowtie instructors bring years of field experience and technical knowledge related to high-risk electrical work, electrical components, and equipment operation. That mix of expertise ensures every training session stays relevant, real-world, and focused on actions workers can apply immediately.
Protecting Your People and Your Operation Starts Here
No matter how experienced your crew is, NFPA 70E electrical safety training brings essential clarity to the risks they face. It offers more than compliance; it helps protect employees, ensure safe operations, and reduce your exposure to electrical hazards across daily tasks, maintenance activities, and unexpected events.
Bowtie Engineering delivers training designed to match your components, infrastructure, and specific tasks, from system energization to shutdown. Whether you’re building a safety culture or improving existing protocols, we’re here to support your next step.
Ready to schedule your course or explore online options? Contact Bowtie today for expert-led NFPA 70E training built around your needs.
Frequently Asked Questions
How often is NFPA 70E training required?
Every three years or sooner if tasks change, new equipment is installed, or a gap in safety is identified. Contact us to keep your team current.
Is training only for electricians?
No. Anyone working near electrical hazards, energized panels, or systems should be trained. That includes maintenance, production, and supervisory staff. Reach out for a tailored program.
What’s the passing score or requirement for completion?
Bowtie’s programs include assessments to verify retention. Successful completion includes participation, comprehension, and application of safe work practices. Ask us how your team can qualify.
Does the course include documentation or certificates?
Yes. We provide full records, completion certificates, and documentation for OSHA compliance or internal safety tracking.
What kind of PPE is discussed in training?
We review personal protective equipment PPE such as face shields, safety glasses, voltage-rated gloves, arc-rated clothing, and leather protectors, all based on calculated hazards and risk levels.