Gather the electrical system data required to perform an arc flash incident energy calculation.
Occupational Health & Safety
Arc Flash Risk Assessment, Incident Energy Labels and Arc-Rated PPE
Perform arc flash risk assessments, calculate incident energy, produce accurate equipment labels and select arc-rated PPE within a working electrical safety programme.
🗓️Duration5 training days
📚Content4 modules · 8 sessions
🎓On completionAccredited attendance certificate
About the programme
Course Overview
An arc flash incident can release more thermal energy in a fraction of a second than most workers ever associate with electrical work, and the label on the equipment in front of them is often the only real-time information they have about that risk. This course teaches participants to perform an arc flash risk assessment, calculate incident energy using recognised methods, and translate the result into an accurate equipment label and the correct arc-rated PPE. Sessions cover gathering the electrical system data an incident energy calculation actually needs, applying IEEE 1584 methodology at a working level, and setting the arc flash boundary that determines who needs to be dressed for the hazard at all. Participants also work through selecting arc-rated clothing by arc thermal performance value rather than by category label alone, writing an energized work permit that justifies why work is being done live, and integrating arc flash findings into an electrical safety programme built around lockout and isolation as the default. The course closes with label review and update triggers so labels do not quietly go out of date as a system changes.
Expected Learning Outcomes
Apply a recognised incident energy calculation method to determine arc flash risk at a piece of equipment.
Set an arc flash boundary and translate incident energy results into an accurate equipment label.
Select arc-rated PPE based on calculated incident energy and arc thermal performance value.
Write an energized work permit that justifies live working when de-energising is not reasonable.
Integrate arc flash findings into an electrical safety programme built around lockout and isolation.
Identify triggers that require an arc flash label and study to be reviewed and updated.
Who Should Attend
Electrical engineers and technicians performing or reviewing arc flash studies.
Electrical safety programme managers responsible for labelling and PPE policy.
Maintenance electricians who work on or near energized equipment.
Health and safety advisers overseeing electrical work permits and PPE compliance.
Facilities and utility staff managing ageing electrical distribution equipment.
Contractors' electrical supervisors coordinating live work on client sites.
Course Modules
Select any module to see its sessions and points.
01Understanding Arc Flash Hazards and Data Needs
2 sessions · 8 points
Session 1How an Arc Flash Event Develops
- Explain how a fault current develops into an arc flash event releasing thermal and pressure energy.
- Identify equipment types and system conditions that carry higher arc flash risk than others.
- Distinguish arc flash hazard from arc blast and electric shock hazards during a risk assessment.
- Recognise why incident energy, not voltage alone, drives PPE and boundary requirements.
Session 2Gathering System Data for Calculation
- Collect one-line diagrams, protective device settings and available fault current for each bus.
- Verify protective device coordination data is current before it feeds an incident energy calculation.
- Identify gaps in system data that would make a calculation unreliable until resolved.
- Organise equipment data by location so calculations can be traced back to a physical asset.
02Calculating Incident Energy and Setting Boundaries
2 sessions · 8 points
Session 1Applying an Incident Energy Calculation Method
- Apply a recognised incident energy calculation method appropriate to the equipment and voltage class.
- Select working distance and clearing time inputs that reflect realistic task conditions.
- Cross-check calculated incident energy results against equipment ratings for plausibility.
- Document calculation assumptions so a later reviewer can reproduce or challenge the result.
Session 2Setting the Arc Flash Boundary
- Calculate the arc flash boundary distance at which incident energy reaches the defined threshold.
- Mark or communicate the arc flash boundary so unauthorised personnel know to stay clear.
- Adjust boundary and PPE requirements when protective device settings or system configuration change.
- Explain the boundary and its purpose to workers who are not electrically qualified.
03Labelling and Selecting PPE
2 sessions · 8 points
Session 1Producing an Accurate Arc Flash Label
- Translate incident energy and boundary results into label content that meets recognised requirements.
- Check label placement so it is visible to a worker before they open equipment.
- Avoid generic or default labels that do not reflect the actual calculated incident energy.
- Set a review cycle so labels are checked against current system data on a defined schedule.
Session 2Selecting and Maintaining Arc-Rated PPE
- Select arc-rated clothing with an arc thermal performance value that meets or exceeds calculated incident energy.
- Assemble a complete arc-rated PPE ensemble including face, hand and body protection appropriate to the task.
- Inspect arc-rated PPE for damage or contamination that would reduce its protective performance.
- Train workers to select the correct PPE category from a label rather than a habitual default.
04Permits, Programmes and Ongoing Review
2 sessions · 8 points
Session 1Justifying and Controlling Energized Work
- Justify energized work only when de-energising creates a greater hazard or is not feasible.
- Write an energized work permit that names the task, boundary, PPE and approving authority.
- Apply lockout and isolation as the default control before considering an energized work permit.
- Review energized work permit history to identify tasks that could be moved to de-energised work.
Session 2Maintaining an Electrical Safety Programme
- Integrate arc flash study findings into a written electrical safety programme and training plan.
- Audit compliance with PPE selection and permit requirements during electrical work observations.
- Update the arc flash study after equipment changes, capacity upgrades or utility system changes.
- Track outstanding label and PPE gaps to closure with assigned owners and deadlines.
What the participant receives
4 course modules
A structured syllabus
8 training sessions
across 5 days
32 detailed points
Applied, detailed content
Accredited attendance certificate
On completing the programme
Complete your registration
We will contact you within one business day to confirm.
Ready to start?
Reserve your seat and start building the skill.