📚 Guide by Safety Mom · Allstar Enviro Safety — The Applying Electrical Standards is an online workplace safety course delivered by Safety Mom · Allstar Enviro Safety, Calgary’s Energy Safety Canada Authorized Training Provider. Self-paced, mobile-friendly, same-day certificate upon exam completion. Available across Canada.
🔗 Related Safety Mom courses & guides: H2S Alive Calgary · Standard First Aid Calgary · Oil Sands Safety Certs · Instructor: Arliss Levine, CRSP, CHSC
COURSE OVERVIEW
Electrical standards do not just help you comply with the law, they keep you safe! You are already familiar with electrical terms and hazards. Take this course to learn about NFPA 70E and what it means for you. Stay compliant and stay safe! Ideal learners are people in all industries, particularly supervisors, electrical workers and safety managers.
COURSE TOPICS
This online Applying Electrical Standards (US) course covers the following topics:
- Consequences
- OSHA and Consensus Standards
- NFPA 70E® Training Requirements
- NFPA 70E Tables
By the end of this course, an understanding will be gained of:
- The consequences of not following electrical standards
- The OSHA and consensus standards that apply to electrical work
- NFPA 70E training requirements for qualified and unqualified workers
- Using NFPA 70E tables to determine safe approach boundaries, hazard/risk categories for specific tasks and required PPE
ONLINE COURSE DURATION
Approximately 30 minutes
UNIVERSALLY COMPATIBLE
This course was created using standards that will allow playback on most internet capable devices with standard web browsing capabilities including Apple’s iTouch, iPad, and iPhone, as well as most other smart phones and tablets including those with Android and Windows operating systems.
PASS MARK
Testing conducted throughout this online course is designed to reinforce the information presented. A mark of 80% must be achieved in order to pass this course. The course is able to be taken three times in efforts to achieve the pass mark. Printable resources are available in the form of a comprehensive student manual. The manual is a valuable resource for future use and knowledge retention.
CERTIFICATE OF COMPLETION
Upon successful completion of this online course, a certificate of completion will be available for download and printing.
COURSE PREVIEW
Additional Safety Knowledge
Electrical Safety Under the Canadian Electrical Code
Canadian workplace electrical safety is governed by the Canadian Electrical Code (CE Code, CSA C22.1) and CSA Z462 (Workplace Electrical Safety). CSA Z462 defines the requirements for arc flash risk assessments, shock protection, lockout-tagout, and the qualified electrical worker program. Alberta OHS Part 17 requires all electrical work to comply with these standards.
Arc Flash Hazards
An arc flash is an explosive release of energy from a short circuit in energised equipment. Consequences include:
- Temperatures reaching 19,000°C at the arc source (hotter than the sun’s surface).
- Pressure waves that can throw workers 3–10 metres.
- Molten copper spray, UV radiation, and toxic vapour releases.
- Third-degree burns at distances up to several metres depending on incident energy.
Every energised electrical work task requires an arc flash risk assessment identifying incident energy (calories per square centimetre) and the required arc-rated PPE for the working distance.
Lockout-Tagout (LOTO) Procedures
Before performing work on any electrical equipment, workers must apply a written lockout procedure: notify affected personnel, shut down normally, isolate the energy source, apply individual locks and tags, verify zero energy state (test for voltage with a rated meter before touching), and only then begin work. Each worker applies their own personal lock — group lockout with a single lock is prohibited. Verification of de-energisation is not optional; assumption is the primary cause of electrical fatalities.
Applying Electrical Standards — Working Near Overhead Lines
Alberta OHS requires minimum approach distances from energised overhead lines. For lines up to 750 volts: 7 metres unless the utility has confirmed the line is de-energised and grounded. For higher voltages the distances increase (higher voltage = greater approach clearance). Cranes, boom trucks, aerial lifts, and even ladders must maintain these clearances. Contact with overhead lines is a leading cause of construction electrocutions in Alberta.
Content reviewed by Arliss Levine, CRSP, CHSC — lead safety instructor at Safety Mom · Allstar Enviro Safety Calgary, an Energy Safety Canada Authorized Training Provider.
