Arc Flash Hazard Assessment Checklist [FREE PDF]

Arc flash hazard assessments are required under NFPA 70E-2021 and OSHA 29 CFR 1910.269 to identify incident energy levels and establish appropriate PPE boundaries before any energized electrical work. Failure to conduct proper arc flash assessments is among the leading causes of severe electrical burn injuries and fatalities in utility and industrial environments. This checklist provides a structured evaluation framework to ensure incident energy calculations, PPE selection, and work practice co

Industry: Electric Utilities
Frequency: Per Event
Estimated Time: 30-50 minutes
Role: Utility Engineer
Total Items: 37
Compliance: NFPA 70E-2021 Article 130, OSHA 29 CFR 1910.269, OSHA 29 CFR 1910.132, NERC CIP-006-6, DOE-HDBK-1092-2013

Pre-Assessment Verification

Confirm qualification, authorization, and pre-work documentation requirements before proceeding.

Is the assessor a qualified electrical worker as defined by NFPA 70E and employer training records?
Has an energized electrical work permit been issued and approved for this task?
Has a current arc flash study or incident energy analysis been performed for this equipment within the last 5 years?
Is a current one-line diagram available and verified as accurate for this equipment and upstream sources?
Have all affected employees been notified of the energized work and associated hazards prior to starting?

Incident Energy & Arc Flash Boundary

Verify incident energy calculations, flash protection boundary, and arc flash label accuracy.

Is an arc flash label affixed to the equipment with current incident energy data and PPE category?
Is the calculated or labeled incident energy level recorded for this equipment?
Is the arc flash protection boundary clearly established and communicated for this work task?
Has the available fault current been verified as consistent with the assumptions used in the arc flash study?
Are upstream overcurrent protective device (OCPD) settings and clearing times verified as unchanged since the last study?

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) Verification

Confirm correct PPE selection, condition, and compliance with arc flash hazard level.

Is the selected PPE arc rating (cal/cm²) equal to or greater than the calculated incident energy for this task?
Are arc-rated face shield or flash suit hood, safety glasses, and hard hat being used?
Are voltage-rated insulating gloves with leather protectors rated for the system voltage being used?
Are insulating gloves within their 6-month electrical test certification date?
Is all PPE free from damage, contamination, or repairs that could compromise its arc rating?
Are arc-rated clothing underlayers (if required) free from synthetic or flammable materials?

Shock & Approach Boundary Verification

Establish and verify limited, restricted, and prohibited approach boundaries for shock protection.

Has the Limited Approach Boundary been identified and are unqualified persons restricted from entering?
Has the Restricted Approach Boundary been identified for this voltage level?
Are voltage-rated insulated tools being used for all work within the Restricted Approach Boundary?
Are insulated barriers or safety cones deployed to mark approach boundaries for bystander protection?
Has a safety observer / attendant been assigned to monitor boundary compliance during the work?

Equipment Condition & Hazard Controls

Assess the physical condition of the electrical equipment and verify engineering controls.

Is the electrical equipment enclosure in good condition with no evidence of prior arcing, burning, or heat damage?
Are all enclosure covers, barriers, and insulating components present and intact before work begins?
Have remote racking, remote switching, or other arc flash mitigation technologies been considered and used where available?
Is the work area free from conductive materials, tools, or liquids that could create additional arc flash or shock hazards?
Are portable fire extinguishers of the appropriate class accessible within the work area?

Lockout/Tagout & Energy Isolation

Verify LOTO procedures where de-energization is applicable or required before work scope.

Has de-energization been evaluated and confirmed as infeasible or creating additional hazards justifying energized work?
Where LOTO is applied, are all energy isolation points locked out with individual employee locks?
Has absence of voltage been verified with a properly rated test instrument before touching any conductors?
Are temporary protective grounds (TPGs) applied at the point of work for de-energized high-voltage conductors?
Has the LOTO log been updated with all isolation points and verified by a second qualified person?

Emergency Response Preparedness

Verify that emergency response resources and procedures are in place before energized work begins.

Is the nearest emergency eyewash, first aid kit, and burn kit accessible within the work area?
Is at least one worker on-site trained in CPR and electrical burn first aid response?
Has the emergency contact number and facility address been communicated to all workers prior to starting?
Is a written emergency action plan (EAP) for electrical incidents available and reviewed by the crew?
Provide summary of assessment findings, residual risks identified, and any additional controls required.
Attach photographs of arc flash labels, PPE in use, and any identified hazards or deficiencies.

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Why Use This Arc Flash Hazard Assessment Checklist [FREE PDF]?

This arc flash hazard assessment checklist [free pdf] helps electric utilities teams maintain compliance and operational excellence. Designed for utility engineer professionals, this checklist covers 37 critical inspection points across 7 sections. Recommended frequency: per event.

Ensures compliance with NFPA 70E-2021 Article 130, OSHA 29 CFR 1910.269, OSHA 29 CFR 1910.132, NERC CIP-006-6, DOE-HDBK-1092-2013. Regulatory-aligned for audit readiness and inspection documentation.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does the Arc Flash Hazard Assessment Checklist [FREE PDF] cover?

This checklist covers 37 inspection items across 7 sections: Pre-Assessment Verification, Incident Energy & Arc Flash Boundary, Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) Verification, Shock & Approach Boundary Verification, Equipment Condition & Hazard Controls, Lockout/Tagout & Energy Isolation, Emergency Response Preparedness. It is designed for electric utilities operations and compliance.

How often should this checklist be completed?

This checklist should be completed per event. Each completion takes approximately 30-50 minutes.

Who should use this Arc Flash Hazard Assessment Checklist [FREE PDF]?

This checklist is designed for Utility Engineer professionals in the electric utilities industry. It can be used for self-assessments, team audits, and regulatory compliance documentation.

Can I download this checklist as a PDF?

Yes, this checklist is available as a free PDF download. You can also use it digitally in the POPProbe mobile app for real-time data capture, photo documentation, and automatic reporting.