NFPA 70E requires facility owners to perform an arc flash risk assessment before allowing workers to perform tasks on or near energized equipment, and to review and update that assessment whenever the electrical distribution system changes, or at a minimum every five years. ERS delivers a complete arc flash risk assessment calculated in accordance with IEEE 1584-2018, available as a first-time study or a reassessment of an existing one. Deliverables include hazard identification, incident energy levels (cal/cm²), PPE category designations, flash protection boundaries, and safe work practice recommendations.

NFPA 70E requires electrical equipment such as switchboards, panelboards, industrial control panels, and motor control centers that may require maintenance while energized to be field marked with a label. The 2026 NEC (110.16) has expanded the labeling requirement by removing the prior ampere threshold. ERS manages labeling compliance across all phases: supplying labels, applying them in the field, and providing updated labels as the system changes or standards evolve.

OSHA can and does enforce its requirements. ERS conducts a comprehensive site assessment to identify areas of non-compliance with OSHA and NFPA 70E requirements, then formulates a plan to bring your facility into compliance in the most efficient way possible. Deliverables include a written findings report and a step-by-step compliance roadmap.

ERS's technical staff can conduct a protective scheme design review and operational assessment of your electrical distribution system to identify areas for reducing potential arc flash hazards. Areas evaluated include fault current levels, arc exposure times, remote breaker control, remote racking, and system grounding. Mitigation options include zone-selective interlocking, high-speed relays, bus differential protection, and maintenance mode settings. All changes are documented with updated SLDs and recalculated incident energy values.

NFPA 70E requirements mandate accurate, up-to-date single-line diagrams. These schematics are essential for documenting, troubleshooting, and communicating information about your power systems. An arc flash study is only as accurate as the SLD it is based on. ERS conducts a comprehensive site survey to develop or update existing single-line diagrams or complete electrical system drawings, providing AutoCAD formatted versions.

Arc flash calculations should be completed in conjunction with short circuit calculations and protective device coordination to achieve the most accurate arc flash hazard results. Short circuit and coordination studies verify protective device ratings, calculate momentary and interrupting currents, establish settings for all types of protective devices, and coordinate protective devices to minimize downtime. ERS delivers these as an integrated part of the arc flash engagement.

OSHA requires every facility to establish an electrical safety program. ERS can assist in reviewing or developing a comprehensive electrical safety program that supports an overall site safety program, identifying hazard and risk evaluation procedures, electrically safe work procedures, tools and PPE requirements, and risk mitigation strategies. The electrical safety program must be documented and audited at least every three years.

ERS arc flash training includes sessions on arc flash awareness, identifying hazards and assessing risk, understanding arc flash quantities, selection and use of appropriate arc flash PPE, reading and following hazard warning labels, and overview of applicable standards and codes including NFPA 70E and OSHA 1910. A certificate of completion is provided upon passing the post-course examination. Course duration: 8 hours.

Based on the findings of the arc flash risk assessment, ERS provides PPE category requirements and recommendations addressing all OSHA standards. We can assist in the selection and supply of recommended equipment on which workers will be trained, and cover how PPE should be worn, maintained, and disposed of after its useful life has expired.

NFPA 70E requires maintenance to be performed on electrical equipment in accordance with manufacturers' instructions or industry consensus standards. ERS develops optimized preventive maintenance programs that evaluate equipment condition and ensure your protective devices operate properly, safely, and reliably. Proper maintenance reduces prolonged arc flash exposure and often allows tasks to be accomplished safely without extensive PPE.

Proper documentation ensures compliance with OSHA and NFPA standards and facilitates investigation should an arc flash related injury occur. ERS arc flash compliance documentation includes a customized written report with results of the arc flash risk assessment, updated single-line drawings, signs and labels on equipment, and all pertinent engineering data including incident energy at working distances, flash protection boundary, voltage, available fault current, and protective device description and trip time.

As modifications or expansions to your electrical distribution system are made, or as changes occur in the electric utility system, it will be necessary to update arc flash assessment information on a regular basis. ERS can provide annual follow-up site visits to ensure continued compliance with applicable arc flash standards, practices, and regulations. The audit includes a written report of findings and recommendations.

Production facilities face arc flash exposure at MCCs, switchgear, and distribution panels throughout the plant. Equipment age, deferred maintenance, and system modifications over time frequently invalidate existing studies. ERS deploys NETA-certified technicians and leverages existing facility knowledge to execute studies on tight timelines without disrupting production operations.

High-density power infrastructure, continuous uptime requirements, and frequent expansion or reconfiguration make arc flash study currency a persistent compliance concern. The five-year NFPA 70E review cycle is a common driver, and zero tolerance for service disruption makes ERS field coordination a direct differentiator in this vertical.

Multi-site operations with tight production schedules and limited internal electrical safety expertise require a partner who can coordinate across locations simultaneously and deliver consistent results without disrupting operations.

Hospitals and healthcare facilities operate under Joint Commission and CMS oversight in addition to OSHA and NFPA 70E requirements. Essential electrical systems cannot be de-energized during maintenance, increasing arc flash risk and making accurate incident energy calculations and current PPE protocols critical.

Treatment facilities operate with aging electrical infrastructure and significant public safety obligations. OSHA 1910.269 compliance for electric power distribution systems is a common driver.

Large commercial facilities, universities, and corporate campuses with complex distribution systems benefit from comprehensive arc flash programs that address multiple buildings and voltage levels under a single engagement.