OSHA’s First Arc Flash Safety Update in 20 Years — What It Means for You
Published 12 Aug 2025
In November 2024, OSHA released its first significant update to arc flash safety guidance in nearly 20 years. The revision is designed to reduce arc flash incidents and align safety practices with the NFPA 70E: 2024 standard.
This Article from CBS ArcSafe covers the implications to industry of this significant electrical safety guidance renewal and outlines their extensive range of remote-racking products for the safer operation of LV MV HV electrical equipment, including circuit breakers.
“It’s been two decades since OSHA updated its arc flash safety guidance. That just changed — and it’s a big deal.”
Electrical Safety Myth-Busting & Best Practices
Jump to:
Myth-Busting Electrical Safety
Defining Arc Flash Boundaries
Raising Arc Flash Hazard Awareness
Protecting Electrical Workers
How CBS ArcSafe Helps
In a recent article, Denise Green, Vice President of Operations at Group CBS, reviews the OSHA updates in depth and shares an outline of the changes, the implications they have on the industry, and their impact on employees and employers alike.
In addition to adherence to industry standards, remote operations help ensure safety when working with potentially dangerous electrical equipment. Arc flash safety solutions from CBS ArcSafe allow technicians to remote racking systems and switch equipment from outside the arc flash boundary.
What’s New in OSHA’s Arc Flash Safety Update?
Myth-Busting Electrical Safety
- Myth: De-energized equipment is automatically safe.
Reality: Without proper lockout/tagout, dangerous energy may remain. - Myth: Low-voltage systems cannot cause arc flash.
Reality: Arc flashes can happen at relatively low voltages — OSHA now requires appropriate PPE for energized work above 50 V.
“Any energized work above 50 V requires appropriate PPE — low voltage doesn’t mean no hazard.”
Defining Arc Flash Boundaries
OSHA clarifies three approach zones used to reduce shock and arc blast injuries. These align with NFPA 70E Tables for voltage, fault current and incident energy.
- Limited Approach Boundary — safe distance for unqualified workers.
- Restricted Approach Boundary — qualified workers with PPE only.
- Arc Flash Boundary — distance where incident energy reaches 1.2 cal/cm², enough to cause second-degree burns.
Raising aRC fLASH Hazard Awareness
- Inspect for damaged equipment before work.
- Always verify de-energization and follow lockout/tagout.
- Wear correctly rated arc flash PPE based on the hazard assessment.
Protecting eLECTRICAL Workers
OSHA supplies an Employer Guide and three concise worker one-page sheets covering hazard assessment, administrative controls, PPE selection and training.
Safety is a system, not an afterthought. The update encourages using the hierarchy of controls — elimination, engineering, administration, and PPE — and involving workers in safety programs to move from reactive to proactive safety practices.
How CBS ArcSafe Helps
As a distributor of CBS ArcSafe, Thorne & Derrick provide technologies that reduce worker exposure – this is a customer focussed, consultative process involving site surveys to assess risk and deliver user training to ensure optimum use of CBS ArcSafe remote racking equipment.
Remote racking and switching devices allow technicians to operate breakers and switchgear from outside the arc flash boundary.
- Remote racking & switching solutions
- Arc flash & power system studies
- Field services & equipment maintenance
- Extensive inventory of low- & medium-voltage equipment
“Safety starts before the spark.”
Remote Racking Systems
Universal Rotary Remote Racking System CBS ArcSafe RRS-1
A versatile remote racking system designed for safe and reliable operation of low, medium, and high voltage circuit breakers.
Lightweight Rotary Remote Racking System CBS ArcSafe RRS-1 LT
Compact and lightweight remote racking system ideal for confined spaces and quick deployment in the field.
Dual-Mode Rotary Remote Racking System CBS ArcSafe RRS-4
Features dual operational modes for enhanced flexibility and safety in remote racking applications.
Partner with Thorne & Derrick
Partner with Thorne & Derrick for your next electrical safety upgrade.
We provide technical expertise, online demos, and reliable specification and supply of CBS ArcSafe remote racking and switching solutions.
Electrical Safety for Low & High Voltage Power Systems
Thorne & Derrick are the UK’s leading Specialist Distributor of Electrical Safety Equipment to provide protection to personnel, plant and assets depending on the reliable operation of underground power cables and overhead line conductors.
We protect substation engineers, AP’s & SAP’s, cable jointers, overhead linesmen and utility workers with PPE and electrical safety products including insulating gloves, voltage detectors, insulating matting and portable earthing – we stock and supply products to ensure worker safety when carrying out maintenance, repair and construction on LV MV HV switchgear, substations, cables and electrical equipment from market-leading manufacturers including PENTA and Catu Electrical, part of the Sicame Group.
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