What are the expectations for small companies that do not allow employees to access or work on or near live electrical equipment? All electrical work is contracted out to service companies and the building that house the company is leased.

What if any training would be required?

Should electrical panels be field marked?

What would be the minimum requirements if any for such a company?

Thank you.

Typically OSHA regs apply to the operator of the organization. I would think you have an obligation to label your panels, and to have an arc flash policy in place. The policy may be relatively simple and state that only trained outside contractors can perform work - but you need the policy.

Look at it this way. You are aware of Arc Flash regulations. You hire an outside electrician who isn't trained in arc flash, has no arc rated clothing, and there are no labels on equipment. He is killed in an arc flash event. OSHA is investigating the accident.

You're defensive position is what?

The National Electric Code requires the following of the equipment owner (leased would still likely hold the company you listed as liable) "110.16 Flash Protection. Electrical equipment, such as switchboards, panelboards, industrial control panels, meter socket enclosures, and motor control centers, that are in other than dwelling occupancies, and are likely to require examination, adjustment, servicing, or maintenance while energized shall be field marked to warn qualified persons of potential electric arc flash hazards. The marking shall be located so as to be clearly visible to qualified persons before examination, adjustment, servicing, or maintenance of the equipment.
FPN No. 1: NFPA 70E-2004, Standard for Electrical Safety in the Workplace, provides assistance in determining severity of potential exposure, planning safe work practices, and selecting personal protective equipment.
FPN No. 2: ANSI Z535.4-1998, Product Safety Signs and Labels, provides guidelines for the design of safety signs and labels for application to products.

This doesn't leave much wiggle room. NFPA 70E would consider the company you spoke of as the "host employer" with pursuant responsiblities. The building owner would be liable to some extent in any lawsuit too.

NECA has an article warning its members not to be seen as a liability and this means following NFPA 70E.

[url="http://www.necanet.org/about/press/index.cfm?fa=newsAboutNecaItem&articleID=3965"]NECA article on contractor liability.[/url]

Specify that the electrical contractor has documented proof of arc flash training and is equipt with the proper ppe as part of the contract.

Yep, use this

Hi Zog
I think we are all connfused about qualification and approved training . Besides this signed statement what proof could you ask to see

Well that form covers the facility for liability, I suppose you could ask for proof and documentation of the required training.

As far as qualification and "approved" training it is up tp the employer to determine what training (Classroom and hands on) is necessary to meet the 70E requirements to deem thier employees as "qualified" persons.